A Question of Caricature

A Question of Caricature

When a Caricature stumbles,
Like the sad proverbial bull,
Into Reality's footpath
And forces us to acknowledge,

To take an unwelcome notice,
Amid that dull encumbrance
That has become our perception
Of this, our inconsistent world,

Do we laugh, cry, scream, or shudder?
Are we ashamed for or by them?
Do we absolve or admonish?
And will compassion foster harm?

But if we are not the target
Of their inept social flailings
Do we defend the destruction
Or do we oppose and end it?

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This is just a bit of tetrameter blank verse that I jotted down as I contemplated current events within the world and closer to home.

Whether it be my upbringing or brain wiring or considered rational thought and action, I am not adept as applying rules differently based on whatever, if any relationship I have with those affected by said rules.  When I teach class much of my correction consists of:

"What am I going to say about that?"  followed by "then perhaps we can do it right."

I don't give people free passes for a tough day, week, month, year, or lifetime because we are all going through our tough times and when we excuse the ill treatment of the people we do not like we encourage the ill treatment of everyone or we are the worst kind of hypocrite.

In my life I apply this daily.  Some people like it, some people do not, but nearly everyone, eventually, sees the consistency of my behavior and appreciates the attitude even while they may disagree with the consistency when it affects themselves or those about whom they care.

And I am good with that because I do not need to be liked by everyone, I just want to be able to respect my behaviour.