Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ask yourself: How many cookies would you take if things are getting tight?

Posted

FROM MY FRONT PORCH

Sam Houston is the publisher of the Hood County News. He is also an actor, author, playwright, performer and entertainment producer/promoter.

 

I live in DeCordova and was told recently of a couple who tried to get their boat out of the water at the marina but could not get access to the dock to unload their passengers. Another boater had tied his vessel on the dock and then decided to go and watch the nearby beach volleyball. This act basically made the dock unusable for others. The people waited patiently for the offending boat owner to return. Finally, someone on shore tracked down the person who had monopolized the use of the dock. The offender returned to the dock and jumped in the boat, then yelled to the people he had inconvenienced, “shove it up your #$#@$,” before speeding off.

What has happened to common courtesy? It is simply not that common anymore.

There are lots of theories and rationales about why the behavior of many has become so toxic. I say toxic because it appears some folks believe that whatever they want to say and however they want to say it is “their right,” and the rest of the world must simply live with their choice.

Some attribute this rise in “bad behavior’ to being locked down during COVID. Still others believe it is because we have become such a tribal society where folks are either in your “tribe” or they are the enemy — and if they are the enemy, they deserve no consideration whatsoever. Heavens to Betsy that people might simply disagree or see things a little differently! Why do any of our neighbors have to become the “enemy”?

Would anyone have ever imagined we would have open fistfights on airplanes because people will not follow the rules that the airlines set for their customers? I never thought a flight attendant’s job would involve as much physical contact as a mixed martial arts exhibition! What is going on in people’s minds? Yes, I support free speech, and I understand freedom of choice, but the wonderful characteristic of our society is while each person has “rights,” they must also not infringe on the rights of others as they exercise those rights. What has happened to make people believe it is only “their” rights that must be respected, especially when it comes to the detriment of others?

Recently I attended a reception. While there is not commonly a huge turnout for this type of event, this meeting drew an unexpected crowd. Clearly the generous number of attendees exceeded the hosts’ estimate. After an introductory welcoming statement, the audience was dismissed to have coffee and cookies.

As attendees lined up at the refreshment table, I overheard several conversations.  All agreed the turnout was much bigger than expected and as such, the refreshments might be stretched thin to accommodate the extra attendees. As she placed a single cookie on her plate, I heard one woman exclaim, “goodness I hope they do not run out before everyone gets through the line.” Within just a few seconds I saw two other people grab three cookies each and one commented to the other, “Hey they are going to run short; we better get what we want because we probably won’t be able to go back.” The friend responded, “Glad we were here first!”

I am not sure why those two brief comments hit me so hard, but then I realized it was a microcosm of our society. Some are concerned for others and want to be kind and considerate. Others only have concerns about their own needs and wants. It never dawns on them their actions might negatively affect someone else.

I love cookies and have the body to prove it. I also hope to be respectful of others and understand their needs and wants, and not listen solely to the desires I have for myself.

Life is full of cookies, and we have choices to make. I wish more people would remember there are lots of people standing in line. They are not our enemy and no matter how long we have been in quarantine or restricted, it doesn’t give us the right to forget the rights and needs of others. The more we respect others, the more likely they are to respect us back. Heck, it might even lead to some genuine civility toward each other!

How many cookies do you want?

Thought for the day: Respect is like a boomerang. It must be sent out before it will come back to you.

Until next time..

 

sam@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 260