It's Just A Thought
Things change all the time49 total reviews
Comment from Acquired Taste
Gareth,
Excellent piece on bigotry. We never know what baggage friends and neighbors carry in their hearts, especially when they are a 'quite' sort. My grandparents left Ireland, Co. Roscommon and landed in Five Points, NY, my parents settled in the projects in Soundview in the South Bronx. Catholic everything...and bigotry was rampant, although that name was never attributed to the way we treated others.
I thought nothing wrong when I was told to "stay away" from Italians or Polish schoolmates, even if they were Catholic. It was simply 'the way life was' and only through education and leaving the invisible walls of those cloistered neighborhoods did reality begin to filter through. And only growing older do we realize the pain and angst that are the aftermath of our uneducated actions.
Your last sentence is perfect. AT=/
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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Gareth,
Excellent piece on bigotry. We never know what baggage friends and neighbors carry in their hearts, especially when they are a 'quite' sort. My grandparents left Ireland, Co. Roscommon and landed in Five Points, NY, my parents settled in the projects in Soundview in the South Bronx. Catholic everything...and bigotry was rampant, although that name was never attributed to the way we treated others.
I thought nothing wrong when I was told to "stay away" from Italians or Polish schoolmates, even if they were Catholic. It was simply 'the way life was' and only through education and leaving the invisible walls of those cloistered neighborhoods did reality begin to filter through. And only growing older do we realize the pain and angst that are the aftermath of our uneducated actions.
Your last sentence is perfect. AT=/
Comment Written 20-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for the great and thoughtful response. Most people assort bigotry with racism but it is so much more.
Much appreciated
Comment from Curly Girly
I would be most surprised if this emotional, heartfelt piece does not win the contest. You did well to leave Ireland. Ireland is not unique in domestic problems though. I think big trouble is still ahead for most.
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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I would be most surprised if this emotional, heartfelt piece does not win the contest. You did well to leave Ireland. Ireland is not unique in domestic problems though. I think big trouble is still ahead for most.
Comment Written 20-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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Oh, I agree totally with what you are saying. Spain and France have had some bad times too in recent years. I think though the situation in Northern Ireland is quite unique in that there was no respite from it for so long, and it pervaded all aspects of life - and still does.
Many thanks for the review. Much appreciated
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I grew up in Zimbabwe, and then moved to South Africa. One night we sat down and wrote a list which included the names of 20 people we had known who had been murdered. It was at that point we decided to leave Africa.
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I think it is hard for people to grasp these things unless you have been through it. I left after being caught in a second bomb blast. Both times I only had superficial wounds, although I was trapped for quite a while during one of them - still hate confined spaces!
You know that when a cease fire was called they let all the terrorists out again - murderers. Within 6 months, most of them were back inside for other offences.
I have a few friends from Zimbabwe, too. The stories they could tell!
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It sounds like we lived dangerous lives, while others grew-up in cotton wool.
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I think so, I had a reviewer on a piece of mine involving terrorism who told me that it was 'unbelievable' especially the dialogue. When I asked her for clarification she got really offended and told me it was obvious I didn't know anything about this kind of thing. She ended up blocking me - which was kinda funny. Her rational was that she knew 2 soldiers and they would never say things like that. Kind of made me laugh.
Good fodder for writing though!
Gareth
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What?! People like that are unbelievable. I found that many live in blissful ignorance of how the world really is in countries outside of their own. I reckon she blocked you because she is the sort of person who wants to have the last say (whether it be right or wrong), she can't handle truth. I have had one or two people tell me that some of my stories are far-fetched, when in fact they have been based on actual events. FS is a great place to showcase your writing. It is a mini-world preview of Amazon/Kindle reviewers. All types come along (unfortunately), but they do.
Comment from lancellot
You've had an interesting life, and from what you've conveyed I can see why you think a certain way. I agree with some of this, but not with education being the key to combatting bigotry, or with it being a thought or idea. Bigotry IMHO is an emotional parasite. I defies logic and reason, therefore it defies education, as all emotions do. It is parasite as it laches on to any difference. Religion is just a highly emotional belief that also is not based on logic or reason, and this makes for a perfect host for the bigotry parasite, but other things can be as well.
Thought provoking work.
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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You've had an interesting life, and from what you've conveyed I can see why you think a certain way. I agree with some of this, but not with education being the key to combatting bigotry, or with it being a thought or idea. Bigotry IMHO is an emotional parasite. I defies logic and reason, therefore it defies education, as all emotions do. It is parasite as it laches on to any difference. Religion is just a highly emotional belief that also is not based on logic or reason, and this makes for a perfect host for the bigotry parasite, but other things can be as well.
Thought provoking work.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2015
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The emotional reaction, in my opinion, has to come from somewhere. We are products of out environment. That emotion has to come from somewhere. There has to be a spark that ignites it. Emotions do not defy education. You can train yourself to control your emotions. We could debate this until we are both blue in the face!
Many thanks for the thoughtful review, it is very much appreciated
Comment from gypsycaravan
This is one of the most logical essays I have ever written on bigotry. It all boils down to environment and life experiences. They can't help but form your opinions, but you can change by exposing yourself to different people, different experiences and choice. Excellent piece of work.
one suggestion:
"They people don't change. Bullshit."--I think you need the word 'say' after 'they' and before 'people.'
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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This is one of the most logical essays I have ever written on bigotry. It all boils down to environment and life experiences. They can't help but form your opinions, but you can change by exposing yourself to different people, different experiences and choice. Excellent piece of work.
one suggestion:
"They people don't change. Bullshit."--I think you need the word 'say' after 'they' and before 'people.'
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for this review. It means a lot to me. Much appreciated
Comment from Cat of Letters
Hi Gareth,
I would give you a six if I had one.
This is so articulate and well written, and a great overview on the whole 'troubles' bit. 'Troubles' itself is such an understatement, as you point out.
It is also a wonderful philosophical exploration of bigotry. You may have left it to the last minute but you have written a superb piece, from a voice of experience few have.
I could see no typos or spag. You have a few lines crowded up where you intend a para break, as happens on here, when importing from Word. Also the 4 changes of clothes are best as four.
It's great. I hope it wins.
Congrats on your wins for the terrific 'Last Words' story and in the Werewolf contest.
Best wishes,
Alison
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Hi Gareth,
I would give you a six if I had one.
This is so articulate and well written, and a great overview on the whole 'troubles' bit. 'Troubles' itself is such an understatement, as you point out.
It is also a wonderful philosophical exploration of bigotry. You may have left it to the last minute but you have written a superb piece, from a voice of experience few have.
I could see no typos or spag. You have a few lines crowded up where you intend a para break, as happens on here, when importing from Word. Also the 4 changes of clothes are best as four.
It's great. I hope it wins.
Congrats on your wins for the terrific 'Last Words' story and in the Werewolf contest.
Best wishes,
Alison
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for this review, Alison. Means a lot to me. Much appreciated
Comment from granny goes viral
Hi my friend. Yes, you have typos and probably SPAG, but that does not matter to me. You have educated me on what has gone on (and I dare say could ignite again) in a place I believe I lived in in a past life. Does that sound strange? I guess you would have to read some of my work. Also, I have "Irish" family though marriage, and grandchildren with the extraordinary DNA mixture of Irish, Scotch, Russian, Polish.
And the religious background of Catholic, Jewish, and whatever floats your boat. If you have read any of my words, you know I am a devout Agnostic on some days. Humanist on others. Peacenick on alternate Mondays, bleeding heart liberal on alternate Wednesdays, and quasi-Zionist every other Friday, while yearning for peace seven days of the week. I do not read any poems which start with god. Just pass, do not remark. Have tried to get some writers to stop saying "bless you", as a sign off. Gave up.
Do not read certain writers who are obviously hateful to me and mine. I read large amounts of "faction". Stories based on history. All history. I have not yet come across any that was not filled with war and murder. Not in any period of recorded time. Not one. Maybe that is just the chosen subject matter, as the background for everything else the writer wishes to write. I don't know. I have no answers, used to have loads of questions. Kind of ran out of those. I look at my beautiful Jirish grandchildren, who are brought up as quasi-Unitarians, and their very Catholic cousins and wonder what kind of life we are leaving these lovely children. Thank you for your words and bit of education.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Hi my friend. Yes, you have typos and probably SPAG, but that does not matter to me. You have educated me on what has gone on (and I dare say could ignite again) in a place I believe I lived in in a past life. Does that sound strange? I guess you would have to read some of my work. Also, I have "Irish" family though marriage, and grandchildren with the extraordinary DNA mixture of Irish, Scotch, Russian, Polish.
And the religious background of Catholic, Jewish, and whatever floats your boat. If you have read any of my words, you know I am a devout Agnostic on some days. Humanist on others. Peacenick on alternate Mondays, bleeding heart liberal on alternate Wednesdays, and quasi-Zionist every other Friday, while yearning for peace seven days of the week. I do not read any poems which start with god. Just pass, do not remark. Have tried to get some writers to stop saying "bless you", as a sign off. Gave up.
Do not read certain writers who are obviously hateful to me and mine. I read large amounts of "faction". Stories based on history. All history. I have not yet come across any that was not filled with war and murder. Not in any period of recorded time. Not one. Maybe that is just the chosen subject matter, as the background for everything else the writer wishes to write. I don't know. I have no answers, used to have loads of questions. Kind of ran out of those. I look at my beautiful Jirish grandchildren, who are brought up as quasi-Unitarians, and their very Catholic cousins and wonder what kind of life we are leaving these lovely children. Thank you for your words and bit of education.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for this very thoughtful review. much appreciated
Comment from royowen
I was in Northern Ireland (as a tourist) at the time of the Omagh bombing, people on both sides died,mi think it shocked even the IRA. When it came time to journey South, I asked which road to take, they reply muttered back was, we don't go there! I raised my girls without any discussion about religious forms, race, or politics, although I am devoutly Christian, but of no fixed denomination, my girls grew up without any prejudice, I wrote a poem, on a child being a blank canvass, whatever we write on that page, the child will become. Yes my parents were covert bigots, but good people, you can break the generational drift! Well done with this work, you have pointed out you can look at it the way it is, bigotry is the single worst cause of war, there other factors as well, it is also absolute crap, ALL people are equal, including embryos, I knew you were a Celt, with a name like Gareth, my grandfather was welsh, spoke welsh, blessings my friend, good luck, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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I was in Northern Ireland (as a tourist) at the time of the Omagh bombing, people on both sides died,mi think it shocked even the IRA. When it came time to journey South, I asked which road to take, they reply muttered back was, we don't go there! I raised my girls without any discussion about religious forms, race, or politics, although I am devoutly Christian, but of no fixed denomination, my girls grew up without any prejudice, I wrote a poem, on a child being a blank canvass, whatever we write on that page, the child will become. Yes my parents were covert bigots, but good people, you can break the generational drift! Well done with this work, you have pointed out you can look at it the way it is, bigotry is the single worst cause of war, there other factors as well, it is also absolute crap, ALL people are equal, including embryos, I knew you were a Celt, with a name like Gareth, my grandfather was welsh, spoke welsh, blessings my friend, good luck, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for your thoughts on this Roy. Always a pleasure to have a review from you. Much appreciated
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My pleasure
Comment from alf collier
Hi giraffmang. A really well presented piece on bigotry. A few spags (explained by the thumb) but I did wonder whether you meant tenet rather than tenant in para beginning . . education is key . . . You have lived with this situation and left it behind and your summary of events reflects, at least, a surface of tolerance of the lifestyle, non-judgemental but harbouring a modicum of pride in your heritage.
Good luck. I haven't read any other entries, but will remember this one as I read, alf
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Hi giraffmang. A really well presented piece on bigotry. A few spags (explained by the thumb) but I did wonder whether you meant tenet rather than tenant in para beginning . . education is key . . . You have lived with this situation and left it behind and your summary of events reflects, at least, a surface of tolerance of the lifestyle, non-judgemental but harbouring a modicum of pride in your heritage.
Good luck. I haven't read any other entries, but will remember this one as I read, alf
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for the review, Alf. much appreciated as always
Comment from Pyrrho
I believe that most folks from North Ireland are aware that the true roots of the problem are financial. "Follow the buck" seems to always make sense. Absentee owners of income property (mostly farms) and political power of the owners was the only reason the U.K. held on to Northern Ireland.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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I believe that most folks from North Ireland are aware that the true roots of the problem are financial. "Follow the buck" seems to always make sense. Absentee owners of income property (mostly farms) and political power of the owners was the only reason the U.K. held on to Northern Ireland.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2015
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Many thanks for the review. Much appreciated