Dear Dick,
I don’t like you. I don’t like writing about you. I don’t even like referring to you as Dick. I think that this forum to complain and rant is just another sad, sick commentary on the failings of our society. Have you seen comments lately on various news outlets and blogs? It’s a sad representation of us as a community and a culture. And it’s documented for our future generations to see.
I know we all have our disagreements and differences, but can we all agree to disagree? Also, can we have a civilized discussion without lowering ourselves to name calling and character bashing? It’s only the anonymity of your screen name that gives you the courage to say these terrible things that aren’t worth repeating. So what if someone can’t spell, or believes in God or just has a different viewpoint than you? That is their right. You don’t have to agree, but you can act civilly.
I think that the world would be a different place if we respected each other, talked considerately to one another and viewed each other as human beings rather than just a moniker. Dear Dick, I’m ashamed of you. You, who gives the students a public forum to rant and rave. Civilized discussion is constructive, but addressing someone we disagree with as ‘Dick’ is not.
In a school that my son attended, parents were given the assignment to read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. That school was peaceful and cooperative where we talked about our problems instead of lashing out. We were encouraged to communicate with one another in a civilized, respectful way. Our kids watched and emulated our example.
The Four Agreements are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. That school flourished. We were a community. We helped each other, our kids and the teachers by supporting and listening to one another. I have never been involved in another place like it since. It was beautiful, and it worked.
How does it work you ask? First of all, by not referring to each other in demeaning terms (such as ‘Dick’). Second, by listening, really listening to the other person and their concerns. Many people are acting out of fear or misunderstanding. Try to understand the other person. Take a walk in their shoes for a while. Try to figure out where they’re coming from. Finally, try to come up with a solution. One that works for everyone, not necessarily just yourself.
So much of what is reported in the news and in our politics seems so one sided. Us against them. Good versus evil. Republican or Democrat. Our country is so divided right now, it would be nice to come together and see some of things we do agree on and not in just finding fault with everything we don’t agree on.
If we did come together, we would see that we really do agree and want some of the same things in our lives. We need to have places where we can come together and communicate our suggestions, our ideas for making the world a better place. That would be a far better forum than just criticizing one another as in this one. We might actually get something positive accomplished in the world. But then I just Dear Dicked you, so maybe there is no hope for humanity after all.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Julie Hirschi
