“Protestors block highway, loot semi trucks and start fires”
When I was a child I had quite a temper. One wrong thing said or one false accusation made and I would lose it. Tables would be kicked and doors slammed, all while yelling at the top of my lungs in an attempt to get my point across.
It never worked.
My tantrums never accomplished anything, except for getting me into more trouble. Over time, I learned that if I really wanted to be listened to then I had to maintain self-control and speak softly. It was amazing to see just how much of a difference that made. Finally, people were listening to me and because of that the proper changes were made.
You see, people don’t listen to you when you’re yelling. Nor do they listen when you’re throwing tantrums and behaving like a crazed maniac.
If you want to be listened to – if you are seeking good change – then the first step is to stop yelling. Stop behaving like an undisciplined child. Calm yourself, lower your voice and behave as a mature adult should. Then, people will listen to you and changes will be made.
Once again, the feeling of injustice has stirred up anger across America. Just like many times before, people are out in the streets trying to make a statement. There is no denying that a statement is being made. Unfortunately, it’s the wrong one.
If people really want change, then they need to make sure they’re making the right statement.
Foolishness accomplishes nothing. Correction: It does accomplish one thing – it makes matters worse.
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi
Me - Who am I? 
Well, getting angry is an immature response, that’s for sure. But to some extent. I sympathize with the protest movement. Seems you need a little bit of both.
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You’re right and I understand the purpose and goal behind it. But, I just think these issues could be resolved a lot sooner if they were approached the right way.
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When I’m being ‘yelled’ at I don’t hear the message. I can’t hear it.
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Glad you feel the same. People respect us more when we speak, just as we respect them when they do the same. It’s okay to let our voice be heard, but we must be mindful of how we go about that.
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Well written post. So true, we can only truly be heard when we’re calm.
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Thank you and I completely agree.
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Very true! I had to learn that lesson, and I learned it well. Mind you, inside me there is often a screaming demon demanding its own way…
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I have one of those too, so I understand. Keeping it calm and controlled is easier on some days than it is others, but at least we’ve learned and try to remain mindful of what the consequences are when we let it run free.
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Protest is great; we need protest, because there’s a lot to protest about. But throwing fits, burning and looting, and threatening people isn’t protest. That’s bad behavior, and rewarding bad behavior with the change it was meant to create only encourages more of it.
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Well said! I couldn’t agree more. It’s just like giving in to a child when they throw a tantrum in the store. The only thing they’re being taught is if they yell and act out long enough they’ll eventually get their way. As you said, protests are needed. Many good and important changes have been made because of them. But, what are these protestors teaching the children who are watching? Their own children… That it’s okay to behave like this? It’s okay to hurt others as long as you get your way? That’s a real shame.
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I have to agree on this. It has taken me a long to learn this lesson, and even now, sometimes I forget…
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It can be an easy one to forget, especially when situations hit too close to home. But, it’s one we must try to remember if we really want to be heard.
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I had to learn the hard way…more progress is made with a calm presence and voice. I can understand how some feel they need to raise their voice to be heard, but they are the least understood. Damaging property and looting as a form of protest? I’m with you, it makes no sense and seems to make things worse.
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Same here. It took me many years to figure that out. Like you, I understand why people feel the need to raise their voice, but why destroy things in the process? Why destroy even their own home town? Businesses especially. Don’t people realize that they’re only causing more issues for themselves?
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*shaking my head*
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I believe they are all blinded by their frustration. A frustration that is easy to understand. But just like you, I don’t understand the blind violence… and it will not help their cause…
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I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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Thank you, and thank you for commenting!
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I very much agree with you. But given the length that this issue has been around I understand why you would blow your top. It’s been too long. I agree that this reaction will most probably not lead to anything more than what has been here for too long unfortunately. When did the big riots happen in LA? It’s been a while, nothing has really changed. I guess it’s the reason why the response is so violent. Unfortunately it’s playing into the hands of people who don’t want to change anything. I wonder what the solution would be. I wonder where it all will end. I wonder if we will see a peaceful end to it or if the violence will escalate even further.
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All of those are very good questions. Now if only an answer for them could be found. Back in the day, people protested and changes were made. No one looting, burned cars or aimed to physically hurt others. Perhaps the folks these days should follow their example and succeed just as they did. People are much more apt to listen to someone who is calm and well behaved and whose speech is firm yet clear, concise and well thought out. Obviously what they’re doing right now isn’t working toward their cause. It is working to cause more issues and division though. Where will it lead? I’m a little afraid that it will get worse before it gets better. The tension is rising.
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Yes, you are right…
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