I asked myself the question “Do I really care about others? What reputation do I want for myself? Do I want to be known as a friend, someone who respects and values others? Or do I want to be known as someone who thinks only of himself?”
I determined to go out and be that friend who cares, who respects, who shows dignity toward others. Then I hit traffic during morning rush hour. Some idiot cut in front of me on a red light, making juvenile faces as she drove past. Another car had a bumper sticker of a middle finger waving in my face. I found myself cursing other drivers and hating humanity as a whole. My lofty goal turned into a sad reality.
It seems like respect toward others and genuine kindness are relics of the past. Our American Presidential campaign has been based solely on anger, hatred and disrespect. Everyone screams for tolerance and respect, but what they mean is “Agree with me because I’m right and you’re wrong. And if you do disagree with me I’ll take to the Internet to degrade you and your beliefs. I’ll boycott, I’ll sue.”
The Internet has become a playground for those whose intention is to tear down and destroy others. This website can be no different. A critique soon becomes an insult. Two camps quickly form, lobbing verbal grenades at each other in the name of lofty ideals and philosophies related to photography. Meanwhile around the world, people are suffering and dying. Children are being sold into slavery. Planes are dropping into the Mediterranean.
So I asked myself the question, “Do I really care?” On most days, I know the answer. On other days, I’m just not sure. I want to be sure. Tomorrow will be better. Just need to stay out of traffic.
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Sig Nordal 