Conventionality

Following on, at least tangentially, from yesterday's post, I came across an interesting example of how people find it much easier to trot out the kneejerk reaction than to actually think about the issues involved, while I was at work the other night. One of my colleagues cultivates the image of being the workplace 'eccentric', saying things, most of which would fall into the category of innuendo, I guess, which might lead to a superficial view that he has 'unusual' tastes (though probably not as unusual as me, to be fair). During one of the quiet periods of the night shift concerned, he and a couple of my other colleagues were talking - I wasn't involved in the conversation, but I was sitting close enough to hear what was being said - when discussion turned to someone who left my new workplace some years ago, and who has apparently recently been convicted of sex offences. The 'eccentric' came out with a description of the person concerned which left no doubt that, for all his outward oddness, his opinions were strictly, unthinkingly conventional, both in the phraseology he used and in the vehemence with which he spoke. It could have been regurgitated directly from the most lurid, hackneyed tabloid journalism which these cases attract, no thoughts of how or why the situation arose, or even of what actually happened, just the reflex condemnation. It didn't seem as though the higher brain centres were involved at all. I don't want to give the impression that I condone abuse, because I don't - those who coerce others into sexual activity that they are unwilling or unable to consent to deserve punishment - but for every case to be viewed in such prejudicially black and white terms I find depressing.

Love & bet wishes to all
Sammy B