The Axiom Of Respect Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It
Unbeknownst to me, America is currently engaged in a "war" on Christmas. Today in CNN's "Heated Debate Again Over 'War On Christmas' Claims," I read that our country is apparently divided into two hostile camps: those who feel the holiday season has become too secular (the "pro-Christmas side" according to Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council) vs. those who say "holiday season" rather than "Christmas season" because they do not want to offend fellow Americans who do not celebrate Christmas (the anti-Christmas side??).
Our elected officials, ever cognizant of what is truly critical to our nation's success in these trying times, have made sure to take action on this issue: "Republican Rep. Henry Brown of South Carolina introduced a resolution this month asking that the House express support for the use of Christmas symbols and traditions and frown on any attempt to ban references to the holiday." As imperative as this fight is, it is no wonder that the battle for Christmas has left our Congress without enough time to do anything else, like actually read proposed legislation before voting on it. Oh well.
Here's a thought: How about we all stop fighting amongst ourselves over religion and start thinking of our country as a collection of unique individuals who all belong to the same great family. Our society is composed of those of many faiths (or no faith), and we each have varying traditions and symbols that are significant to us. None of these differences, however, should overshadow the fact that we are all American. Moreover, if we as a nation hope to successfully overcome present and future obstacles, this must be the tie that binds us, regardless of our religion, race, age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Treating others respectfully, an essential part of Magna Sententia, includes respecting the differences of others. This does not mean that we have to agree with the beliefs and practices of others; it just means that we hold ourselves to a high standard of behavior and are cordial to those around us, even if we don't agree with them.
Thus, whether you personally prefer "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hanukkah," "Happy Kwanzaa," or "Happy Atheist Kids Get Presents Day," please try to remember that others may not share your beliefs and what is truly important is a pure spirit of love and kindness, not the specific avenue by which it comes. Also, if someone wishes you a sincere "Merry Christmas," even though you do not celebrate Christmas, search for the deeper meaning of the message, a wish for your health and happiness. Focus on intent, not word choice.
I hope all of our readers have a wonderful holiday season!
Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
The Axiom Of Respect Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It
After hearing about one celebrity tantrum after another, Serena Williams' "tirade" at the U.S. Open pushed me too far, and I hope she did the same for you. ("Serena Williams: 'I Had Really Just Lost Control'")
In the past, I was always extremely disappointed when public figures behaved badly, but now I am going to do something about it: I am through with every athlete, actor, musician, or any other public figure who goes on an expletive-laden rant. I am vowing today not to watch, purchase products, or otherwise support anyone who thinks they are above the need to act decently and treat others respectfully.
For a long time, I was a huge fan of Sling Blade, the movie for which Billy Bob Thornton (who also directed and starred in the film) won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Over the years, I heard snippets about his personal life that seemed a bit odd and watched his other films (which were not nearly as good), but I still thought he was a talented artist. Unfortunately, I watched his rude, arrogant radio interview on a Toronto radio station. ("Billy Bob Thornton Makes Waves During Music Interview") Now, I wouldn't give one cent to watch or listen to anything Billy Bob acts in or creates. If I see him on television, I turn the channel. To me, he no longer exists.
The same goes for Christian Bale. Unlike Thornton, I never thought Bale was a good actor, but I tolerated him. However, after his profanity-filled tirade aimed at Shane Hurlbut, the director of photography for Terminator: Salvation, you could not pay me enough to watch Bale in any film. ("Bale Apologizes For 'Terminator' Tantrum") He's gone the way of Billy Bob. They are both disgusting.
Sadly, Serena Williams' behavior has caused her to meet the same fate: I have always liked her and her sister, but after what she did to the line judge at the U.S. Open, I will never have another good thing to say about her. She is just like all the rest of those self-indulgent, egotistical, Kanye West-like celebrities.
If you feel the same, please join me and stop supporting public figures who are unworthy of respect. Maybe, if we hurt their wallets, they will shape up - or at least go away (which would be my first choice).
Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
It is very important for every American to remember September 11th: the devastation of the attacks, those who were lost, those who were injured, and those who helped their fellow man in any way they possibly could.
Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
The Axiom Of Respect Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It
The rescue of 29-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard, after she was held captive and repeatedly raped for 18 years by Phillip Garrido, has raised a lot of questions about Stockholm syndrome and the confusing relationship that sometimes occurs between captives and their captors. ("Victims Of Repeated Abuse Suffer Complex Trauma")
What is Stockholm syndrome? Granted I am not a psychologist, but according to the American Heritage Medical Dictionary, Stockholm syndrome is: "A phenomenon in which a hostage begins to identify with and grow sympathetic to his or her captor."
Time's "Stockholm Syndrome" is a very informative article on the condition’s history:
[Stockholm syndrome] was first widely recognized after the Swedish bank robbery that gave it its name. For six days in August 1973, thieves Jan-Erik Olsson and Clark Olofsson held four Stockholm bank employees hostage at gunpoint in a vault. When the victims were released, their reaction shocked the world: they hugged and kissed their captors, declaring their loyalty even as the kidnappers were carted off to jail. Though the precise origin of the term Stockholm syndrome is debated, it is often attributed to remarks during a subsequent news broadcast by the Swedish criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who had assisted the police during the robbery.
The article also mentions many other high profile cases in which Stockholm syndrome, "also known as terror-bonding or traumatic bonding," seems to have played a part: Patty Hearst helped the Symbionese Liberation Army rob a bank after being kidnapped by them in 1974; Shawn Hornbeck, who was "kidnapped and held captive by pizzeria worker Michael Devlin in 2002 for more than four years, identified himself as Shawn Devlin when he contacted the police to report a stolen bike just 10 months after his abduction"; and Natascha Kampusch was quoted as sympathetic to her captor Wolfgang Priklopil in a documentary, even though he "abducted [her] at age 10 and held [her] for eight years in a windowless cellar."
Interestingly, while it is not Stockholm syndrome, my experience has shown me that it is not uncommon for abused children to have a similarly confusing relationship with their abusive parents. Oftentimes, these children make excuses to defend their parents' behavior, try desperately to please their parents, and even go so far as to believe that they deserve the cruel behavior they suffer at the very hands of the people whose duty it is to protect and care for them.
As adults, many abused children continue to allow their parents to demean them, intimidate them, falsely accuse them, and belittle them. Alas, these "adults" can be reduced to acting like children by the mere sound of their parents' voices. If this is you, please know that you are not alone. Also realize that you don't have to be afraid of your parents any longer and you can break free from their lifelong grip. It isn't easy, but you can stand up for yourself.
According to Magna Sententia, parents have no right to treat their children disrespectfully, and whether you are 5 or 65, you have every right to be treated respectfully by the people in your life, including your parents.
Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.
The Axiom Of Responsibility Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children
"Pop singer Chris Brown was sentenced Tuesday to serve five years probation and to spend more than 1,400 hours in 'labor-oriented service' for assaulting his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna." ("Brown Sentenced For Rihanna Assault; Other Incidents Surface")
Unsurprisingly, a "probation report" revealed that Brown and Rihanna were involved in two previous incidents of domestic violence:
"The first incident occurred in Europe about three months before the present offense," the report said. "The victim [Rihanna] and the defendant [Brown] were involved in a verbal dispute and the victim [Rihanna] slapped the defendant [Brown]. He responded by shoving her into a wall."
Another incident happened in January, three weeks before the Hollywood incident, when Brown and Rihanna were visiting her home country of Barbados, the report said.
"The defendant [Brown] and the victim [Rihanna] were visiting Barbados and were driving a Range Rover loaned to them by a local dealership," the investigator wrote. "They had an argument inside the car. The defendant [Brown] exited and broke the front driver and passenger side windows of the car."
Often in an abusive relationship, the level of violence escalates. Please be aware of early warning signs (controlling behavior, verbal and emotional abuse), and if you are a victim of domestic violence, seek assistance immediately. There are many safe houses throughout our country that can help you escape your abuser. (The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is open 24 hours a day in all 50 states, is 1-800-799-SAFE[7233].)
Ellie Sherise
Co-Creators of Magna Sententia
Co-Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society
