The Universal Shrug
An expression of apathy39 total reviews
Comment from karenina
Hi, Jesse, ~
Apathy does seem to be edging out even the most cursory of empathic gestures. People tend to look away from someone who requires help for even the most basic of needs.
Offering to open your home to David was an exceptionally huge move of compassion. It seems to have benefited both of you in many ways, as you explained in an earlier post!
Even the smallest of "hugs" of kindness can make a person's day ~ and often change their outlook from despair to hope.
I do not know of a single "free" clinic in Western Massachusetts. Moreover, less and less "providers" want to take any patients who have Medicaid.
It's all about "The Benjamins" as they say. Kindness for profit isn't a "thing."
Thanks for speaking out on this. If we maintain a posture of lack of interest or caring, what will we do when fate brings us into the dark circle of need?
We never know what's ahead for us. Isn't it best to show care to those around us? Is that not what we would want?
Thoughtful writing and a good healthy nudge to wake us all up!
Karenina
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Hi, Jesse, ~
Apathy does seem to be edging out even the most cursory of empathic gestures. People tend to look away from someone who requires help for even the most basic of needs.
Offering to open your home to David was an exceptionally huge move of compassion. It seems to have benefited both of you in many ways, as you explained in an earlier post!
Even the smallest of "hugs" of kindness can make a person's day ~ and often change their outlook from despair to hope.
I do not know of a single "free" clinic in Western Massachusetts. Moreover, less and less "providers" want to take any patients who have Medicaid.
It's all about "The Benjamins" as they say. Kindness for profit isn't a "thing."
Thanks for speaking out on this. If we maintain a posture of lack of interest or caring, what will we do when fate brings us into the dark circle of need?
We never know what's ahead for us. Isn't it best to show care to those around us? Is that not what we would want?
Thoughtful writing and a good healthy nudge to wake us all up!
Karenina
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Karenina, for this wonderfully insightful review. You understand completely what I am referring to and how we are in a heap of trouble if we don't start caring soon.
A wake-up call is needed now more than ever.
Have a great day,
Jesse
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You as well!
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
It is amazing how changing (or in this case simply removing) one or two letters in a word totally changes the sense. You have made an excellent point about how we should or could live to make life better. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful essay. kay
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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It is amazing how changing (or in this case simply removing) one or two letters in a word totally changes the sense. You have made an excellent point about how we should or could live to make life better. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful essay. kay
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Kay, for this thoughtful and insightful review. Hugs instead of shrugs make a better world in all the ways possible.
I appreciate your positive feedback.
Jesse
Comment from Mrs. KT
Good morning, Jesse,
Your plea for "universal hugs" rather than "shrugs" resonates with me.
Unfortunately, we live in a time where to actually hug someone is looked upon with disdain and even in many circles, such as teacher to student is forbidden. (That's just one of the many reasons I am glad I retired from teaching in 2016. To hug a child who was fearful, anxious, etc. was something I always did; until I was told I could no longer do so...)
Sending you a hug across the miles.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Good morning, Jesse,
Your plea for "universal hugs" rather than "shrugs" resonates with me.
Unfortunately, we live in a time where to actually hug someone is looked upon with disdain and even in many circles, such as teacher to student is forbidden. (That's just one of the many reasons I am glad I retired from teaching in 2016. To hug a child who was fearful, anxious, etc. was something I always did; until I was told I could no longer do so...)
Sending you a hug across the miles.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Hello Diane!
I am sorry they forbid teachers to hug students who may need a hug desperately.
That is so sad!
I'm happy we are on the same page, my friend.
We need hugs instead of shrugs.
Thanks for the hug across the miles.
Take care,
Jesse
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Today you taught me a lesson of humanity, as I sometimes fall for this universal shrug:'The universal shrug rears its ugly head too often in today's society. People say, "It is what it is" as if that justifies the ill treatment of others." Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Today you taught me a lesson of humanity, as I sometimes fall for this universal shrug:'The universal shrug rears its ugly head too often in today's society. People say, "It is what it is" as if that justifies the ill treatment of others." Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thank you for your positive feedback. I'm proud to teach you a lesson on humanity.
Have a beautiful day.
Jesse
Comment from Brett Matthew West
"nobody cares about the way things are" - truer words never spoken...unfortunately.
Good illusion of "meteor showers spraying negative energy all over the galaxy."
"Universal shrug" describes the exact sentiment of most of the two-legged varieties of the species.
Will not locate many volunteer doctors, if any, these days. More like those who leave you feeling "helpless" and "hopeless" as they chase the green for all they can squeeze out of the currency's sources.
*it is what it is" does not justify ill treatment of others, but in way too many cases, it is common reality.
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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"nobody cares about the way things are" - truer words never spoken...unfortunately.
Good illusion of "meteor showers spraying negative energy all over the galaxy."
"Universal shrug" describes the exact sentiment of most of the two-legged varieties of the species.
Will not locate many volunteer doctors, if any, these days. More like those who leave you feeling "helpless" and "hopeless" as they chase the green for all they can squeeze out of the currency's sources.
*it is what it is" does not justify ill treatment of others, but in way too many cases, it is common reality.
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Brett, for this insightful and supportive review. I am glad we are on the same page. I am also saddened we agree that the ill-treatment of others is a common reality.
Your honest and positive feedback means a lot to me.
Jesse
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Yes. Good for you, Jesse. We need to put universal shrugs in an ancient relics museum, with the words, "meh" and "whatever." Your story today is important and we all need to read and understand it. Thank you f or sharing this so genuinely and with care for Humanity. It was descriptive, well written, and relatable, too.
Have a shrug free day,
Alex :)
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Yes. Good for you, Jesse. We need to put universal shrugs in an ancient relics museum, with the words, "meh" and "whatever." Your story today is important and we all need to read and understand it. Thank you f or sharing this so genuinely and with care for Humanity. It was descriptive, well written, and relatable, too.
Have a shrug free day,
Alex :)
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Alex, for this insightful and supportive review. I appreciate you and your view on this issue.
I will have a shrug-free day.
Jesse
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Good, Jesse!!
:) Alsx
Comment from Aussie
Well done Jesse. You are starting to blossom just by having a good friend who helps and in turn, he has a home. Your writing has a whole new tune, a happy one. We can lead a horse to water but we can't make him drink. We are disabled, they don't like it and so they shrug and ignore. Big hugs across the waves! K xx
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Well done Jesse. You are starting to blossom just by having a good friend who helps and in turn, he has a home. Your writing has a whole new tune, a happy one. We can lead a horse to water but we can't make him drink. We are disabled, they don't like it and so they shrug and ignore. Big hugs across the waves! K xx
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Kay, for this stirring insightful review. Disability rights are something I am passionate about.
Thanks for the hugs across the waves!
Jesse
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Offering someone a home when they are in need is a big ask. You were very generous here Jesse. I agree with the sentiment in your fine post, love Dolly x
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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Offering someone a home when they are in need is a big ask. You were very generous here Jesse. I agree with the sentiment in your fine post, love Dolly x
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Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Dolly, for your kind support and insightful review.
Have a wonderful day.
Jesse
Comment from royowen
I absolutely agree with you Jesse, we really need to be kind to one another, by enlarge.it's an act of the will. And a decision to maintain the process. I think I'm failing the test, so you've certainly got me thinking, beautifully written my friend, blessings Roy
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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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I absolutely agree with you Jesse, we really need to be kind to one another, by enlarge.it's an act of the will. And a decision to maintain the process. I think I'm failing the test, so you've certainly got me thinking, beautifully written my friend, blessings Roy
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thanks, Roy, for your encouragement and support. I appreciate your kind comments.
Thanks for the blessings.
Jesse
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Most welcome
