Don't give in to schadenfreude. It warps the soul.
..."Come on!" some might say. "It's a natural emotion." That's true — and emotions are usually beyond our control. If someone coughs intentionally (or thoughtlessly) in your face on the subway, it's natural to get angry. At least for a few seconds.
But what you do with those emotions — give in to them, prolong them or intensify them — is a moral decision. After your fellow subway rider coughs in your face, you don't need to express your anger by punching him. Simply letting your emotions take you wherever they please is what a baby does, not an adult... nyt
But what you do with those emotions — give in to them, prolong them or intensify them — is a moral decision. After your fellow subway rider coughs in your face, you don't need to express your anger by punching him. Simply letting your emotions take you wherever they please is what a baby does, not an adult... nyt
Though I fully believe that the way we will get through this pandemic is by having everyone vaccinated and continue wearing our masks when in large crowds, I think we also have to remember that people do have the right to chose not to do so. It is unfortunate but reality. I feel like when these things happen however it may push others who are more reluctant to the vaccine to go ahead and do it.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of J-J Rousseau's general will (his name for the public good) and the idea that our collective freedom depends on it. Thus, those who choose not to be "free" (i.e., support the public good) must be "compelled to be free"... A paradox, but also a reasonable response to those who insist on their "right" to endanger the public health.
DeleteA death is a death. It is unfortunate. Although there are various reasons/opinions why someone will choose not to get vaccinated, there are various FACTS on why they should. I believe it is everybody's moral obligation to each other as a society to help eradicate this disease. It's extremely sad when an anti-vaxxer dies of covid, especially when it could have most likely been prevented.
ReplyDeleteMaking an example of somebody's death is disrespectful. No matter the narrative being pushed, it convolutes the respects deserved to the dead. Sure you might convince one or two to change through fear, but is that worth upsetting so many more on top of disrespecting the dead? No, the weight death deserves demonstrates it is not the time nor place.
ReplyDeleteTHere are limits to our restraint, though, right? I think a little schadenfreude directed at Nazis is not misplaced, for instance.
DeleteThis is an interesting post. I would mourn the death of a vaxxed person the same way I would mourn the death of an anti-vaxxed person. I read where this was said above, but it’s true… A death is a death and I think the death of an individual is to be respected. That’s someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, etc.
ReplyDeleteNatural consequences don't care what you believe...
ReplyDelete