Comic for Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Commentary

Posted May 5, 2010 at 1:00 am
I’m a strong believer in the principle that people should not be judged based solely on their feelings, but what they do with those feelings. Like, dislike, enjoyment, etc are all instinctive responses to stimuli the world provides. While we can keep such feelings under control and behave contrary to them by virtue of our ability to think beyond them, we don’t have the virtue of switching them off with the flip of a switch.

Even a wise monk who never loses their temper is using breathing techniques, mental exercises, etc to keep their tempers in check and remain calm. Such an individual still feels emotions people could describe as negative, which makes it all the more impressive they can keep them in check.

Given that these emotions occur naturally and without a conscious decision being made, I believe its not logical to hold feelings alone against someone. If someone allows their feelings to lead them to bad behavior, that’s one thing. But there’s a world of difference, for example, between disliking something and acting out against it.

Why the hell am I talking about this? Obviously, it’s in defense of Grace. You may not think that Sarah is very cute, or that her being naturally cute makes her better than someone who is artificially cute, but Grace is entitled to those feelings and is using them to try to cheer up her friend. I think that’s to be commended and if you feel differently you’re a jerk and I hate you.

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