The Universal Shrug
An expression of apathy39 total reviews
Comment from nomi338
I hear you. I see you and I feel your concern. I moved here from Detroit in the Summer of 1972. My wife and I attended the Concert at the Coliseum called 'Wattstaxx' In a total surprise, we wound up briefly in the film that was made from the concert. I was very much impressed from the vibe that existed in Southern California at that time. I had no marketable job skills when I got here but earned the opportunity to get into a computer class and found employment that I was later able to retire from after having worked for such companies as Lawry's foods, Ihop, The LA Times, and others. My point is have become very much alarmed at the change in California over the ensuing years. Like you I long for the way it used to be.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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I hear you. I see you and I feel your concern. I moved here from Detroit in the Summer of 1972. My wife and I attended the Concert at the Coliseum called 'Wattstaxx' In a total surprise, we wound up briefly in the film that was made from the concert. I was very much impressed from the vibe that existed in Southern California at that time. I had no marketable job skills when I got here but earned the opportunity to get into a computer class and found employment that I was later able to retire from after having worked for such companies as Lawry's foods, Ihop, The LA Times, and others. My point is have become very much alarmed at the change in California over the ensuing years. Like you I long for the way it used to be.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you for sharing your story, my friend. I hear you when you say it isn't how it used to be. I don't blame only California. It is everywhere in the States and around the world. People are shrugging all over the place. Hugs instead of shrugs is the only answer that fits.
Thanks for your positive feedback.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Jesse
Comment from lancellot
Hmm, you have some interesting thoughts and conclusions. I won't lie. I cannot agree with most of them, and you seem to make stretches or leaps in logic. I do understand your POV and why you and others have it.
I think this faith-based commentary (non-religious) is well written.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Hmm, you have some interesting thoughts and conclusions. I won't lie. I cannot agree with most of them, and you seem to make stretches or leaps in logic. I do understand your POV and why you and others have it.
I think this faith-based commentary (non-religious) is well written.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Lance, for your honest review. The idea that you think this is well-written means more to me coming from you than your point of view on the subject.
Thanks for your positive feedback.
Jesse
Comment from Dawn Munro
Here, here! This is a well-written reminder that change only comes about when we -- individually -- desire it and do something (even if it is only reflect positivity rather than apathy)! I love the idea of a universal hug instead of the universal shrug, and indeed, it is that (or worse) these days. Kudos to you for writing this -- share it widely!
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Here, here! This is a well-written reminder that change only comes about when we -- individually -- desire it and do something (even if it is only reflect positivity rather than apathy)! I love the idea of a universal hug instead of the universal shrug, and indeed, it is that (or worse) these days. Kudos to you for writing this -- share it widely!
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much for your generous six stars and encouragement to share this widely. I am considering publishing this in a few local magazines to see how the readers respond. I want to get the word out. I appreciate your positive feedback.
Jesse
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You are very welcome.
Comment from Janet Foor
I read somewhere that children need five hugs a day to survive. Not to do ok or to do well but to survive. I'm not sure we ever out grow that need. I started at that time to hug my grandchildren five times in a row when we get together just to make sure they are getting their 5 hugs and you know what, it helps me too. And now, it's become a tradition and though they are 24, 26 and 30, we still love our hugs.
I enjoyed your story and wish you well in your recovery Jesse and I'm giving your a virtual hug. (smile)
Blessings
Janet
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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I read somewhere that children need five hugs a day to survive. Not to do ok or to do well but to survive. I'm not sure we ever out grow that need. I started at that time to hug my grandchildren five times in a row when we get together just to make sure they are getting their 5 hugs and you know what, it helps me too. And now, it's become a tradition and though they are 24, 26 and 30, we still love our hugs.
I enjoyed your story and wish you well in your recovery Jesse and I'm giving your a virtual hug. (smile)
Blessings
Janet
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful story with me, Janet. I believe it in a heartbeat! Five hugs a day just to survive is a great concept and one I hope to share with others of like minds.
Thanks for your good wishes and the virtual hug.
Jesse
Comment from Wayne Fowler
I'm not a natural hugger, but I get your sentiment. For me, a warm, accepting smile and a firm handshake serve the same. But the personal, as well as national, problems won't be solved without valuing one another.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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I'm not a natural hugger, but I get your sentiment. For me, a warm, accepting smile and a firm handshake serve the same. But the personal, as well as national, problems won't be solved without valuing one another.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Valuing one another means more than hugs and smiles but acceptance of each other's point of view. I'm sure you and I think differently but we both agree we shouldn't turn away from others issues without giving of ourselves. Shrugs get us nowhere.
Thanks for pondering this idea.
Best wishes to you as well.
Jesse
Comment from Begin Again
Bravo! You deserve to have everyone stand up and cheer. A positive note! I am so tired of everything being negative no matter which way you turn, A hug,,,just giving a second of yourself, can change so much... even make someone's day. Proud of this one!
Smiles, Carol
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Bravo! You deserve to have everyone stand up and cheer. A positive note! I am so tired of everything being negative no matter which way you turn, A hug,,,just giving a second of yourself, can change so much... even make someone's day. Proud of this one!
Smiles, Carol
Comment Written 08-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Thank you, Carol. I needed this boost of confidence to help me through the long nights. I appreciate your positive feedback.
Giving of oneself is a treasure to behold.
I'm glad you are proud of this one.
Smiles back at you,
Jesse
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Hello, Jesse, you are right, something as simple as a hug and random acts of kindness can change the mood and promote good heath. Well done!
Gypsy
"Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason" -- Novalis
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Hello, Jesse, you are right, something as simple as a hug and random acts of kindness can change the mood and promote good heath. Well done!
Gypsy
"Poetry heals the wounds inflicted by reason" -- Novalis
Comment Written 08-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Thanks, my friend. Your positive feedback helps me to see that I am on the right track. Random acts of kindness mean so much.
Have a great day.
Jesse
Comment from Mustang Patty
Good morning, Jesse!
Your words need to be SHOUTED from the rooftops. Yes, IF we all helped one another, this would be a much better world. Last year, I met a young couple who were living in their car. I invited them to come to our house, and we made a place for them in our garage - it is insulated, and they had about four hundred square feet to call home for a few months while they saved the money to get their own place. It wasn't always easy sharing the guest bathroom with four of us, but we all made it work. It was fun to have folks to play board games with, and other voices and opinions about the news and shows we watched.
I hope your neck is healing well,
~patty~
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Good morning, Jesse!
Your words need to be SHOUTED from the rooftops. Yes, IF we all helped one another, this would be a much better world. Last year, I met a young couple who were living in their car. I invited them to come to our house, and we made a place for them in our garage - it is insulated, and they had about four hundred square feet to call home for a few months while they saved the money to get their own place. It wasn't always easy sharing the guest bathroom with four of us, but we all made it work. It was fun to have folks to play board games with, and other voices and opinions about the news and shows we watched.
I hope your neck is healing well,
~patty~
Comment Written 08-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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I applaud you for giving that homeless couple a temporary home until they could get back on their feet and start fresh. If only other people were that generous what a world we would be living in!
Thanks, Patty, for sharing this good samaritan story with me.
I am glad we are on the same page.
The screws holding the hardware in my neck have broken so now I may need surgery again to correct the problem. My neck hurts badly. Otherwise, I am in good spirits, thanks for asking.
Take good care of yourself, my friend.
Jesse
Comment from Michele Harber
This is so intelligent, Jesse, and you do such a good job of putting into words what so many of us feel. "The Universal Shrug" is a perfect term to describe a general feeling of apathy, something I make a deliberate attempt not to succumb to. I fully agree that all people "deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," and I appreciate your using your personal experiences with David as examples. I wish more people chose, as you do, "solve...problems with caring hugs instead of shrugs."
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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This is so intelligent, Jesse, and you do such a good job of putting into words what so many of us feel. "The Universal Shrug" is a perfect term to describe a general feeling of apathy, something I make a deliberate attempt not to succumb to. I fully agree that all people "deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," and I appreciate your using your personal experiences with David as examples. I wish more people chose, as you do, "solve...problems with caring hugs instead of shrugs."
Comment Written 08-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Michele. Your caring and thoughtful words mean so much to me. I value your opinion so highly that I look forward to your thoughts on the subjects I choose to write about.
Thanks for your honest integrity.
Virtual hugs from across the land.
Jesse
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I always enjoy reading your work, Jesse. You have such a positive attitude and, despite all the troubles you've been through, even when you're knocked down, you wind up back on your feet. I've always had tremendous respect for you, as a person, as a writer and, especially, as my friend.
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I feel the same way about you, Michele.
I appreciate your kind words very much.
Our friendship means the world to me.
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To me as well, Jesse.
Comment from Wendy G
You are right, Jesse. The "universal shrug" is a cop-out when people don't want to get involved. It's the result of the prevailing "me-first" philosophy which is all pervading. It doesn't take much to show a little kindness and compassion, not necessarily in the form of a physical hug, but with words and deeds. Well said.
Wendy
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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You are right, Jesse. The "universal shrug" is a cop-out when people don't want to get involved. It's the result of the prevailing "me-first" philosophy which is all pervading. It doesn't take much to show a little kindness and compassion, not necessarily in the form of a physical hug, but with words and deeds. Well said.
Wendy
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Wendy, for your insightful thoughts on the subject. I wish we lived closer and could enjoy lunch together but we live across the planet, so I send you a virtual hug. Actions and deeds are indeed the answer to the prevailing attitude of the me-first philosophy.
Jesse
