Despite important differences, one theme
somewhat similar amongst major world religions is the concept of 'The Golden Rule'. See evidence here:
Jesus: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty; do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you."
Buddhism: "Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."
Islam: "Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself."
Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary."
In each of these statements, there is a standard of behavior that can be known, since each of us can know (or at least somewhat imagine) how we, personally, would - or would not- want to be treated in a given situation.
So, I was surprised today in entering a corporate training course to discover that The Golden Rule has now been replaced! Didn't you know? We must now embrace 'The Platinum Rule' instead: "Treat others as THEY want to be treated."
At first glance, this might not look like such a big difference; the main point is just for everyone to try to get along, right? What's the harm (especially to an 'F' - Feeler!) in a philosophy that advocates sensitivity to others' feelings? Well... let's first take a look at possible examples of what could be construed as 'unacceptable' (harassing) behavior:
Example 11. Jenny keeps a Bible on the corner of her cubicle - she likes to read it during lunch break.
2. Johnny walks by her cubicle and is offended by the Bible which, he feels, opposes his own religion.
3. Because "one person has found offense" with something sitting on Jenny's desk, or hanging on her cubicle wall, she must remove it, or deal with consequences.
Example 21. Jenny invites Johnny to a movie night at her church.
2. Johnny feels offended that Jenny would invite him to a religious event.
3. A couple weeks later, Jenny invites a group of co-workers to an Easter service and lunch - and includes Johnny on the email. Her second 'harassing' invitation could lead to consequences.
The problem, as I see it, is not in needing to be respectful of others' feelings. Certainly, that's a goal for all of us to the extent that it's possible. The problem is a re-defining of harassment. Whereas harassment used to be defined by a list of specific actions which you should NOT do to someone else, it now consists of only one (impossible) requirement: DON'T OFFEND ANYBODY. The question of whether or not one employee has harassed another is not at all dependent on what a person does or does not do - but, instead, solely on whether or not their co-worker FEELS offended by that action. Per the training, intent of any action is inconsequential; what matters is whether it results in a feeling of offense.
The shift is subtle, but changes everything. Instead of protecting
freedoms, we are now protecting
feelings. 'Tolerance' in its truest sense... it's not (as it claims to be) about 'live and let live', but instead, 'stop living so others can live unoffended'. In placing it above all other virtues (Truth, Integrity, Honesty, etc.), it begins to spit aggressively in the face of all the freedoms we claim to treasure and uphold.
In my opinion, an organization serious about enforcing such a subjective view of harassment can expect to see a shut-down of personal communication, creativity and expression amongst employees. And, if carried to extremes, perhaps an evacuation of precisely the type of honest, trustworthy employees they hope to hold on to.
It's been 6 months since my first blog post and I realized I haven't yet used 'Rants' as a post label. Thought it was about time... I'm "offended"; anyone have any bets on how much weight that carries in the opposite direction?
5 years ago, on March 26th, we moved into our newly-constructed home here in Hudson. I remember little things: putting Guff's bed in the corner of the master bedroom for the first time, romping barefoot on the new 'soft-touch' carpet, Martha buying kitchen-organization accessories, Kara doing the linen-closet...
Despite important differences, one theme somewhat similar amongst major world religions is the concept of 'The Golden Rule'. See evidence here:
This was today's view from Eva's bedroom window. But 3 of them: black, white and tan. Full-grown 'neapolitan' horses with flailing heads, rearing hooves, and spunky hinders, chasing in gleeful bounce round and round their forest-extended field.
People don't call and leave messages here a lot. Neither Ed nor I are phone people; we keep in touch best via email and calendar. So I was surprised to find 3 messages on our voice mail when I got home from work tonight:
Last night, we enjoyed a delightful little theatre production at the Southern Theatre: 'You're My Favorite Kind of Pretty'. Afterward, in a short discussion time with the cast, the Director (a friend's husband) said, "I'm finding lately that the more personal I make my work, the more universal its application becomes."
The appearance of hips, for me, has been kind of like, "Now you see'em; now you don't." - except the exact opposite. Did a little pre-trip shopping today and had a real 'come to Jesus' moment in the fitting room.
I have a unique name. For that reason, newly meeting people often leads to questions about whether it's a family name, or has some other significant meaning. The answer, as I understand it, is that I was named after Vonda Kay Van Dyke (pictured here).
I could have ridden a freaking horse to work today and arrived there faster. 
A recent 'Upnorthica' post showed master craftsman, Mors Kochanski, making a hunting bow. It took him just a minute to craft the bow and attach the string to it.
Remember when your mom told you, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?"
Imaginary 'flies on the wall' micro-waved popcorn and settled back in their seats to enjoy the following drama that unfolded in our room at approximately midnight last night:
As of late, my previous blog description, referencing ongoing struggle between The Ally (Bruce) and The Bully (Umbridge), no longer seems to fit as well. Umbridge has, indeed, taken a seat. My own voice, now in increasing alignment with the One who loves me most, has taken the place of Bruce's (and anyone else's) in coming to my defense.
