MORE ON HUMANKIND

A former student recently wrote to me about my take on the book Humankind.

I think Brian finds it hard to believe that any author can see the good in others these days.

Here's part of his message.

"During the pandemic, public opinion (incl. channels such as Twitter and Reddit) has become a cesspool of negative vibes - to the point where I begin to question human decency.

Two recent examples:

1. Rogers cell outage on 04/19
• Background:
• In what can only be described as catastrophic failure, an incompatible software update brought down Rogers cell phone service nationwide.
• Public commentary:
• "Why weren't we notified at 2AM when the network went down?"
• "It's been X hours, why haven't you solved the problem yet?"
• "I work in Y industry and rely on cell service. Will Rogers be reimbursing me for lost wages / revenue for the day?"
• My take:
• Much like people, technology isn't perfect. Why are people so bitter? 

2. Antagonizing Ford over paid sick days
• Disclaimer: 
• This is not a political endorsement of any kind. In fact, I find most politicians underwhelming.
• Public commentary:
• "Ford and the PCs got us into this mess"
• "Paid sick leave is the norm"
• "Wealthy employers need to carry this burden"
• My take:
• The pandemic response and vaccine rollout has been abysmal at worst and challenging at best, but there is no guide for dealing with this level of rapid change. 
• I finally got to reading up on provincial sick day programs, and I come to find out that only two provinces have any sort of coverage.
• With this information in hand, are we directing our displeasure at the right target? Why do people refuse to complete basic research before picking up their torches? 
  

This pandemic has been varying degrees of tough on us all, but in analyzing the broader sentiment, I wonder if we've lost the basic decency to follow the 'Golden Rule', as well as think before we speak."

(It should be noted that in recent days, the Ontario government has come forward with a sick day plan.)

I so appreciate Brian's comments.  I agree, it's so easy to lob grenades at others from the anonymity of the internet trenches. 

Some people are broken and their only game is to drag others down with them. 

My only suggestion is to avoid those trenches if you can. 

The view is always better from the high road, Brian.