Families attempting to go back to their “same-old, same-old” weekly routines by juggling school and work routines are struggling. Faced with ever-changing schedules during this post-pandemic stage, all aspects of our community are reeling. The rise in number of incidents including verbal abuse in public gatherings is spiking again. Over and over again, members of our community are venting their frustrations using verbal abuse, including name-calling before making important decisions.
Meeting attendees report a different kind of community weather report when they describe incidents sparked by a community-wide “Atmospheric River” of human behavior. Displays of animosity, grudge-holding and passive-aggressive behaviors can be seen almost weekly.
Opposing sides are chosen, sparking numerous incidents of public posturing that stall and eventually stop any open conduit of communication.
It is not a new phenomenon. This has been recorded here for public gatherings for more than 125 years at least. The reasonable, calm, conversational exchanges we have been having recently have fizzled out in some public sectors.
If we are to be sure to move forward in the future, we must guarantee that all members feel they have been included in the not only decision-making process but in the following months or years that it takes to mend those fences.
So many aspects of daily life have changed in some way. Supply chain delays, unexpected shortages of previously available products, as well as price increases, make it tough not to resort to blame and anger. Some of our busiest community members are sharing their own difficulties with trying to just keep on keeping on, as that old expression goes. Trying to work with the various groups and organizations that keep a community alive and moving forward. There is only one answer — stop it!
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
