Everyone is a critic, right? Especially those that would like to get a reaction out of us and pull us in the gutter with them, but we refuse to be dragged down. Our ability to do our job depends on our ability to continue to have empathy and a willingness to drown out the negativity so we can best serve this city. Even when it seems those critics aren’t serving us in good faith.
It is amazing to see change happen. Some people embrace it and others either cannot see it or refuse to recognize it. They would rather live in the past. As if no one or nothing can improve, evolve, and become better than what was. This is true of both people and organizations. Do or say something that is taken the wrong way and you are labeled, or even cancelled. People will drag out the tired and over used words or sentences, such as, “racist”’ “racism” or “you’re the black face of white supremacy” and “you’re a victim, you need saving”, and so on and so forth. You get the picture.
On Wednesday, March 23, at approximately 2230 hours, I parked and locked my vehicle on the 1200 block of Franklin Street, between Post and Geary. Upon my return, approximately 30 minutes later, I saw that my left rear passenger window was shattered. Upon closer examination, I noticed the sidewalk was littered with shattered glass and that the vehicles parked behind me also had their windows shattered. After letting out some sailor-worthy expletives, I commiserated with the woman parked behind my vehicle. We were frustrated and yes, angry!
“If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives, but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those of us trying to dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fear-mongering. If you’re criticizing from a place where you’re not also putting yourself on the line, I’m not interested in your feedback – Brene Brown
July 1, 2024
