Grief, symbolism and gimmicks

Posted by John
April 18, 2007

I’m not usually opinionated enough in this forum to get people mad at me. But I did just that over on someone else’s blog.

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  • I suggested, and I stand by it, that we should look for positive and practical steps rather than symbolic ones. I don’t think that makes me a cold-hearted SOB, but obviously some people disagree.


    John - for what it's worth, Emily and I have been expressing much the same sentiment in a thread over at John H.'s:

    http://salemslots.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/pain...

    I don't think there's anything so-called "wrong" with the gesture, and more power to anyone who wants to participate in the day of silence. I just feel there's probably better and more productive ways to address the situation and my only real problem with it is the expectation that "everyone" should participate. (shrug)
  • FWIW, I don't think dolphin was mad.

    dolphin is someone whose comments I always value because he almost always sees things the exact opposite of me and is eloquent about why. He can come off as angry, but I just think that's his way of speaking on the web.

    Also, he's from Virginia and lives not too far from the school, so this is all exquisitely personal for him.

    All that to say, I don't think he was mad.
  • Wow, I think I'm too brain dead to read through all the comments tonight, but that's a very interesting discussion...

    I didn't think he sounded mad either.

    I've never understood all the people who break down and grieve over people they never knew personally (such as Diana).
  • John, I followed that link and read the whole thread. I think your comment was totally appropriate and I agree %100.
  • I wasn't mad, just observing that different people cope with things different ways and if you could see the sheer amount of Orange and Maroon EVERYWHERE today around here, I think it would even move you despite being "just" a symbolic gesture.

    For those interested in a more practical way to show support the United Way for the area has set up a fund to pay funeral expenses, transportation for family members, mental health services support, and other related expenses. You can read more about the fund and donate to it here.

    http://www.unitedwaynrv.org/Details.asp?Content...
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