Shog9:
I have to say something. I don't want to, but I fear my silence is
harmful here. Some of you are angry, hurt, afraid. I feel that way
too. It is natural. But please, be careful how and when you express
those feelings.
My former colleagues have an amazing skill: they are able to
understand what people are trying to say. To read between the lines
and see, not just what is written, but what is meant, what is felt.
And to respond accordingly, with care and empathy. They can
communicate.
And right now, they are being told not to use that skill. Told that
they MUST not use that skill. I know this because I was told this. It
has been ratcheting for over a year now: more and more "musts" and
"must nots" - "say this AND ONLY THIS."
At this point, they are operating under an unbelievable amount of
pressure. And you have seen the results of this: "they gulped out fine
folly about dignity and acquiescence".
You may think, in expressing
your anger, that your words will reach and influence those behind the
scenes, those calling the shots, writing the words that MUST, eliding
those that MUST NOT. But know that the influence takes only one form:
yet another click of the ratchet.
Your anger will be held up as evidence of toxicity. Your frustration
as evidence of noncooperation. Just as it has been for so many months
past. My dear ex-colleagues will be blamed for failing to control you,
and another rock will be laid on their backs.
Please don't do this to
them. They didn't sign up for it, they do not deserve it. Whatever
this thing is that is happening, it has more momentum now than ever
before; I do not wish to see it roll over them as it did me.
Spacemonaut:
I'm worried there might be nothing those of us reading this can do. We've got things we're justifiably angry about, and most people will be vocal. The awful communication is itself a source of anger. It seems inevitable the ratchet will eventually tighten so much something snaps.
Shog9:
Believe me, I know how hard it is. Every muscle in my body aches with the strain.
…they gulped out fine folly about dignity and acquiescence and anything else that could make believe that the rabbits loved the shining wire
My week began with deceit and callousness from folks I had trusted... But as it draws to a close I am blessed to have seen how many people care and are kind.
