A very astute diagnosis of the perpetual trauma Olympics of our age. It is, of course, a cultural and even political issue. Endless demands of "empathy" and "understanding" from strangers are a power play. And so is the idea that trauma, real or imaginary, gives you a carte blanche to be irresponsible or weak. Unfortunately, too many kind people succumb to the idea that kindness is a social obligation. It is not. Kindness and empathy are a gift, which you are free to give or to withhold. We need rationality and fairness, not unthinking validation of random emotions.
Thank you. It’s apparently a common sentiment and too common social phenomenon and I felt a need to address the manipulative nature and selfishness/trauma competition inherent in social media “sadfishing”.
I agree completely that we must sometimes withhold kindness and empathy, it is indeed a gift. We cannot give of ourselves if it encourages people to not be socially aware, respect others boundaries of time and energy and use is a a emotional dartboard to target their pain upon.
A race to the bottom of self-indulgence and learned helplessness is not a race where anyone wins, except on social media, that rewards any and all suffering with praise and platitudes. I will not assist the competitors. It is foolish enabling behavior.
A very astute diagnosis of the perpetual trauma Olympics of our age. It is, of course, a cultural and even political issue. Endless demands of "empathy" and "understanding" from strangers are a power play. And so is the idea that trauma, real or imaginary, gives you a carte blanche to be irresponsible or weak. Unfortunately, too many kind people succumb to the idea that kindness is a social obligation. It is not. Kindness and empathy are a gift, which you are free to give or to withhold. We need rationality and fairness, not unthinking validation of random emotions.
Thank you. It’s apparently a common sentiment and too common social phenomenon and I felt a need to address the manipulative nature and selfishness/trauma competition inherent in social media “sadfishing”.
I agree completely that we must sometimes withhold kindness and empathy, it is indeed a gift. We cannot give of ourselves if it encourages people to not be socially aware, respect others boundaries of time and energy and use is a a emotional dartboard to target their pain upon.
A race to the bottom of self-indulgence and learned helplessness is not a race where anyone wins, except on social media, that rewards any and all suffering with praise and platitudes. I will not assist the competitors. It is foolish enabling behavior.