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May 12, 2005
Writing Prompt #1 - The Last Time You...
Writing Prompt: The last time you…
The last time you corrected me in public, I let it pass. Secretly I seethed, knowing that—once again—you believed you had something to teach me, that I had something valuable to learn from you. You knew that I would disagree with you. You knew that I was in no position to question you. You knew that you could play off your position as an authority figure and so cast doubt on my ideas—without ever providing substantive comments of your own. You knew that if you could just make me a believer, if I would just agree to see the light, all would be worthwhile. But what you didn't know is that I am so disgusted with your condescending attitude that every word that comes out of your mouth is automatically greeted with suspicion, with antipathy, with loathing.
This is disturbing, not only because this visceral reaction means that I have a vested interest in our relationship, but because I have clearly stepped beyond rational boundaries and am now floating in an emotional purgatory. While I began our interactions with critical thinking, I am now disposed towards a negative interpretation of everything you think, everything you say, everything you stand for. I now embody the very characteristic that I find so despicable in you—a moral superiority based on some misplaced notion that the other person "just doesn't get it".
I don't know how to crawl back to my original position of objectivity. I don't know how to greet your criticism with an open mind—to glean the useful bits and discard the trash. I don't know how to value the system you defend, even though—intellectually at least—I understand the promise it holds.
I do not want your answers, which you give when no question is asked. I do not want "learning" to mean accepting your perspective. And so even though I realize I have wandered far from the correct course of action, I will not ask your advice. I will not be greeted as a prodigal son who finally sees the light.
Comments
it's the "desert", no? your arch-enemy of old....
amy
Posted by: Anonymous at May 12, 2005 02:00 AM
