Reply #28: I don't see any posts advocating giving up [View All]

There is a big difference between voicing a pessimistic thought or fear, and "advocating" giving up.

How to deal with a legitimate expression of pessimism or fear? First, let it stand. Hear it. Smug put-downs have a way of silencing people and pushing them away. These people do not have a "cancer that spreads." They are looking for validation for their fears from others, which can be a path to greater strength. The vast majority are not negativity-spreading trolls. We who for whatever reason are more resilient at this point, need to hear and help the fearful, the weary, the discouraged. Because there are a LOT of legitimate reasons to be depressed in these uncertain times. I don't think the young have more angst than anyone else, not in my neighborhood anyway. I see a lot of parents who are past the rosy early childhood phase and now are seriously worried about their kids futures. This is no overly-dramatic angst of youth on the part of the parents.

If you have something to give in this area--ie. positivism, courage, hope, inspiration etc. then do that by all means, but kindly hold the blanket criticism, the scoffing. This will backfire. Not everyone can be where you are, secure in your life and views and relatively certain of outcomes. For years--decades now--rational progressive viewpoints have been trampled and the public in general has been serially abused by the American government. Pessimism is a natural response to this unforgiveable state of affairs. We have been jerked around so much as to show symptoms of battering syndrome. I have friends over 40 who are so numbed by it all they can barely put their toes in political waters at this point. The truth of it is that we have a hard road ahead yet, and it will test the toughest among us. We must be able to throw the lifeline to others. Cutting people loose is not the way to go.

Just my 2 cents. In hopes of greater understanding of our liberal diversity.