tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post4026120155163824908..comments2024-03-28T17:16:03.754-07:00Comments on Eye on the Edge: Can anybody become mean and cruel?DJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-90867039576187445722013-09-02T04:15:19.519-07:002013-09-02T04:15:19.519-07:00I shall try for the 3rd time to post here.
I think...I shall try for the 3rd time to post here.<br />I think an important factor in this field is brain chemistry. Behaviour can be influenced by chemical. <br />Think about the plight of those who may suffer from a bipolar condition. Their highs and lows can shift suddenly and cause them to struggle with coping to remain fair and not cruel even to themselves.Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16174142810114806410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-33761290853228683552013-09-02T04:02:07.299-07:002013-09-02T04:02:07.299-07:00I believe a factor in behaviour that is not chosen...I believe a factor in behaviour that is not chosen is the chemistry of the brain. It is possible to alter its functionality and studies continue. A person suffering from a bipolar condition comes to mind. The mood swings are not controlled by selected behaviour but by a chemical change that is still not well understood.<br />Cruelty could be a chemical trigger. <br />And we are all subject to chemical changes on a regular basis. Our food can trigger mood swings and make us negative and cruel even if by words alone.<br />Each of us seeks to balance a feeling of wellness and that feeling is varied. <br />How does wellness factor into kind or cruel behaviour is now a science.Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16174142810114806410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-62657732958440401092013-09-02T03:47:26.804-07:002013-09-02T03:47:26.804-07:00I think we all have a brain that has chemical bala...I think we all have a brain that has chemical balances that can become a part of evil behaviour. And I believe that we can shift our behaviour by surrounding ourselves with things that make us feel comfortable in our skin. That comfort zone is the tricky part and teaching kindness may play a role.<br />Ever notice a behaviour change in a person whom you know well after they ate certain foods? Or had a drink?<br />Studies have been done and chemistry does change ones ability to be kind or cruel. <br />Ever herad of "you are what you eat"?<br />Then there are those who have a bad chemistry by nature and who also have to be cared for and they are labeled as being mentally ill. One condition, bipolar, comes to mind. <br />Not everyone can choose their behaviour. The brain has many mysteries yet unresoved medically.Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16174142810114806410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-81095855546474435022013-08-11T20:49:15.447-07:002013-08-11T20:49:15.447-07:00I think one can become mean and cruel if they suff...I think one can become mean and cruel if they suffer a turn in life that leaves them hurting or so angry they don't know how to deal with it. But in a research study I saw where tiny children show traits that could be considered mean or unkind. If a child doesn't develop compassion or empathy that child can easily become mean and cruel if those traits bring him attention or power. I was overly sensitive to pain of others and felt their suffering no matter how slight, and I can't watch TV or movies that show extreme cruelty to peple or animals. I just can't bear it.Glenda Beallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17953170428175025248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-25577987489235644802013-08-11T20:48:38.194-07:002013-08-11T20:48:38.194-07:00Fear and insecurity are usually behind people trea...Fear and insecurity are usually behind people treating others badly. And yet that does not explain all situations. I can't imagine being deliberately cruel but then I would not make a very good prison guard. I tend to be anti-punishment of most forms, and yet there are people who only behave for fear of punishment. Obviously human behavior is complex. Linda Reederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07665601809156707572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-29843167636597377822013-08-09T12:33:18.713-07:002013-08-09T12:33:18.713-07:00Some people are just mean spirited. I don't k...Some people are just mean spirited. I don't know if they are born that way or if something happens to them at an early age. I don't like mean people at all..I suppose you already knew that! <br />I find very little meanness in Reality TV..much more meanness in some of those murder shows...or thrillers which I avoid. <br />I think people who tend to be controlling will be mean to gain more control.<br />I have a real mean person in my life...it is no fun. I am not one to be controlled so the meanness continues:(<br />Far Side of Fiftyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07995757632158408442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-57992578179558021792013-08-08T12:24:29.236-07:002013-08-08T12:24:29.236-07:00Dear DJan, one of the novelists whom I most respec...Dear DJan, one of the novelists whom I most respect and whose mysteries always speak to me is Louise Penny, a Canadian writer who has won every award given to mystery writers. Her Inspector Gamache is a wonderfully drawn gentle man. <br /><br />In her most recent novel in the series--"The Beautiful Mystery"--she explores mean and cruel and evil. Toward the end of the novel she uses the story that most of us know now--about the two wolves within each of us and the shaman who, when asked which wolf will live within a young man, says, "The one you feed." <br /><br />And so I agree with you that when we "feed" the wolf of care and kindness and compassion, that wolf grows gentle within us. And yes, when we "feed" the wolf of cruelty and hatred and evil, he too grows into a beast that is almost impossible to control. <br /><br />Peace. Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00612299013780771262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-91062411491672160472013-08-08T11:54:36.964-07:002013-08-08T11:54:36.964-07:00Hi DJan! I haven't read you all summer and so ...Hi DJan! I haven't read you all summer and so this was an incredible post to come back to. What a heart you have. I really believe that the more love and light we can give to ourselves and bring into the world, the less cruelty there will be. I think it comes from a dark and empty place that can only be filled with love. I also really want to see that series now, too. :-)Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-40007556752035793242013-08-07T12:56:14.117-07:002013-08-07T12:56:14.117-07:00Well said DJ. I remember reading Frankls book when...Well said DJ. I remember reading Frankls book when I was in college and it had an impact....troutbirderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087811292280881959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-72428446864315150122013-08-05T18:36:29.200-07:002013-08-05T18:36:29.200-07:00I think we have the potential for anything and eve...I think we have the potential for anything and everything within us. We may be influenced by our surroundings and upbringing, but ultimately the bottom line is choice. Every day we make hundreds of little choices. Even choosing to believe you are a victim is a choice. I truly believe that it is not what happens to you in your life but how you choose to live through it that makes you who you are. <br /><br />We mold ourselves into who we believe we are. That's why so many people make me sad. I mourn for their souls. What a waste that they think so little of themselves and others. That's why I choose to try my best to help lift people up when I can. How will the world ever get any better if we don't try to connect with each other, you know? Life may be short, but it is wide! :):)Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02043285884495492598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-29111893335113437122013-08-05T11:50:43.029-07:002013-08-05T11:50:43.029-07:00I have been thinking of this topic myself lately.....I have been thinking of this topic myself lately...where do I start? First off, when I was younger I experienced being bullied and picked on and it did not feel good...so I became sensitive and strived to become a champion for the underdog.<br /><br />I believe humans and animals need love and understanding, regardless of color, race, religion, politics, breed, disposition....I do my best to give people the benefit of the doubt and decide on potential friendships or relationships based on how they treat me.<br /><br />The older I get I have come to think there are two types of people in this world. Those who choose to become weaker from negative experiences and those who choose to be stronger despite it.<br /><br />To a large degree, I believe it is a choice. Some times something so traumatic happens, one must care enough about themselves to seek out help, Hopefully, children in such situations need to be rescued immediately by anyone who witnesses and suspects trauma.<br /><br />Altruistically, I wish everyone strived for enlightenment and sought kindness like people seek power and money. Most people cannot handle power. It goes to their head, they become twisted and cruel.<br /><br />Very provocative post DJan, thank you for sharing your thoughts.<br /><br />I do like survival type reality shows and Discovery channel's Deadliest Catch. Rising over adversity and harsh environment or situations always inspire me.<br /><br />Donna B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07015770616281528620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-6044085197479618002013-08-05T08:20:39.567-07:002013-08-05T08:20:39.567-07:00Thought-provoking blog....and as I was reading it,...Thought-provoking blog....and as I was reading it, I could feel the emotions within you, Jan. I know from being your blogging friend for a short while that you are a caring and loving person. Someone like you (and me) has a hard time imagining the cruelty in the world today. It breaks my heart. And I want to 'fix' the wrongs...make the hurting go away and bring happiness to everyone. There is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, I believe it is what I am here for. I was a teacher for 33+ years. I miss it a lot. One if the first things I could (and did) give my students every day was my smile. It begins in the heart and reaches out and touches each one we meet. <br />I believe that this love comes from Christ, my Lord. It is through Him that I can do anything..... not of myself. <br />Love to you,<br />JackieJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01214796594702277709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-91069297720799067942013-08-05T03:53:48.097-07:002013-08-05T03:53:48.097-07:00I'm going to be thinking about your questions ...I'm going to be thinking about your questions all day. Great post.Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11710135137635433217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-23303487480970922542013-08-05T03:34:45.592-07:002013-08-05T03:34:45.592-07:00You really know how to tickle the brain.
I do bel...You really know how to tickle the brain. <br />I do believe most of us are kind, possibly by nature but often by nurture. Those who are not for one reason or the other I feel are attracted to positions of control where they can feed their demons. So sad for the subjects of their cruelty. <br />Arkansas Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14156004753267665579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-54653409529063479782013-08-04T21:09:08.899-07:002013-08-04T21:09:08.899-07:00I cannot find my copy of something I read about an...I cannot find my copy of something I read about an Indian legend. here is a brief version.<br /><br />A chief was explaining to his grandson about good and evil, saying that within every man there are two wolves fighting for his control. "Which one will win?" asked the child. "The one you feed," answered the grandfather.marluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15933107449114317646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-18875673988911183362013-08-04T19:30:32.981-07:002013-08-04T19:30:32.981-07:00I believe mostly people are good, but they're ...I believe mostly people are good, but they're vulnerable. And I'm starting to believe that power corrupts.<br /><br />Linda Myershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05706455533282204519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-35677553418284192862013-08-04T18:31:50.006-07:002013-08-04T18:31:50.006-07:00I worked as a prison librarian for 3 years, in a f...I worked as a prison librarian for 3 years, in a facility for juvenile offenders. There were some kind correctional officers, but the majority were not. The majority, it seemed, were attracted to the work because it made them feel powerful. The assistant warden was fired when it was discovered he was having sex with inmates on the outside detail. He never did time. Trish and Rob MacGregorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02846270474176860924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-65476103650640017542013-08-04T18:00:20.102-07:002013-08-04T18:00:20.102-07:00Nice to see that responses have been expanded.
Fo...Nice to see that responses have been expanded. <br />For me I've seen guards handling prisoners and the despicable manner the prisoners are treated was appalling. Now I know some of the bad guys aren't very nice so they have to be looked after with vigilance.<br />However, we can be trained to deal with people in a positive manner. I was a teacher. We had many inservices to train us to deal with students in a proper manner. We didn't always succeed fully but we were going in the right directions. I had my days when things should have been dealt with much differently.<br /> I think prison guards need much and very different training. They have a tough job but the way it looks they make it harder for themselves.Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17996243850279671523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-38496018404630769932013-08-04T16:42:52.830-07:002013-08-04T16:42:52.830-07:00Uggh! *over* not or.Uggh! *over* not or.Gigihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-51946610528712213212013-08-04T16:42:28.275-07:002013-08-04T16:42:28.275-07:00You are determined that I put on my thinking cap t...You are determined that I put on my thinking cap tonight, aren't you?<br /><br />I would think that the majority of us are born kind - but I think some are taught from an early age cruelness - whether it's because that's how they were treated or taught to behave. A rare few, I think, are born cruel. And then there are those who are easily corruptible; give those people any semblance of power and they are cruel.<br /><br />I would like to think though, at the very core, the majority of us were born kind. And given the opportunity to choose, would choose kindness or cruelty.<br /><br />Gigihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05467164195744234746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-4948761703203202822013-08-04T15:08:20.363-07:002013-08-04T15:08:20.363-07:00I believe that there is far more grey than black a...I believe that there is far more grey than black and white.<br /><br />Given the circumstances, I believe, we could all be cruel, say, when protecting someone we love. On a nasty day when I feel angry or miserable I can lash out and be nasty to someone else. And instantly feel sorry for it.<br /><br />Most of us prefer to be kind and friendly but there are times when cruelty wins over a good nature.<br /><br />Otherwise I can’t find a reason for so much bitterness, unkindness, cruelty etc. in the world we inhabit. Just read the papers or watch the news. Is there ever a day when man’s inhumanity to man doesn’t stand centre stage?<br /><br />I would consider myself basically a decent and humane person, like everybody I know. But that doesn’t blind me to the possibility that there may be other sides to my nature, if provoked.Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-60440869876713362842013-08-04T14:42:21.289-07:002013-08-04T14:42:21.289-07:00This is an age old question. I have been subjecte...This is an age old question. I have been subjected to people being mean and cruel. I'm sure I have done some mean and cruel things in my life, but to what degree of meanness and cruelty was it felt by others. Is meanness and cruelty experienced in levels?<br /><br />You are very deep today. I've not heard about this book or series. I have read "Man's Search for Meaning." It is a classic that should be read by all. Sally Wesselyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06470453773515491625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-78616930630694277042013-08-04T10:37:28.359-07:002013-08-04T10:37:28.359-07:00Deep thoughts and complicated questions! I think t...Deep thoughts and complicated questions! I think the capacity to be cruel is within most of us, but we learn to keep it in check. Likewise, the capacity for good is in each newborm, but it's not always nurtured as well as it should be. The way I've said this makes me think I see "mostly good" as the normal state of being for humans. Others would argue, I'm sure. Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17223278142557533175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-10629751426801583652013-08-04T09:47:31.902-07:002013-08-04T09:47:31.902-07:00I agree with you, DJan. I think we "choose&qu...I agree with you, DJan. I think we "choose". And I think we have to choose daily. But how we determine what is an 'acceptable/realistic' choice in a particular set of circumstances is probably as diverse as there are people.<br /><br />And I think that *Love/Kindness* is more powerful than *Hate/Cruelty* but the fear factor pops up in the latter and is often used against us. <br /><br />I haven't seen that series you're talking about, but I would think that one would have to navigate around the 'system' in a way that works for them, and the choices made daily may be different than they would prefer, but necessary for survival... Rianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09472421271620543536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197597102880101691.post-3072579422881374272013-08-04T09:08:03.367-07:002013-08-04T09:08:03.367-07:00I think there will always be sadists and masochist...I think there will always be sadists and masochists. Some people like being mean while others like to suffer. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com