I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear every day. There’s too much of it.
John Coffey spoke those words in the 1999 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Green Mile.
I’ve repeated that quote quite a lot lately.
When did people become so ugly to one another? When did they feel free to go to battle on social media, saying things they would never say to someone standing in front of them? (Or would they?)
Why do people feel the need to hide behind fake names and anonymous groups? Should we trust their voice?
John Coffey felt the world’s cruelty as a constant burden.
Want to know something? I feel his pain.
Hurtful words are hurled like weapons. Insults are hurled because no one says, “Enough!”
What has happened to us as a people? Where has civility gone?
When did comedy stop being funny?
I’m tired of the chaos. I’m tired of the ugliness.
My mother would always say, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Well, I believe ugly is as ugly speaks.
What are we showing our children? How will they ever learn respect and the importance of treating others well?
Has ugliness become normal?
Have we put kindness in a drawer because it’s inconvenient and gets in the way of getting what we want?
The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as we would have done to us,” is tarnished.
We cheer on brutality. We make death a spectacle.
The least of these are neglected and even harmed.
Might has become right.
Have we become blind, or do we refuse to see?
Photo provided
I want back the world I grew up in. I miss the world where people cared for children and the elderly, followed the Golden Rule, where kindness mattered, and where respect and manners were taught and shown.
I’m tired of the anger. I’m tired of the ugliness. I’m tired of people being mean to those without a voice.
I’m a 71-year-old lady with a voice. Some have tried to silence me. Some have tried to shame me for my beliefs but as long as I have breath, I will use my voice. I have a tender heart but broad shoulders and thick skin. You have to when you write an opinion column.
The picture you see with my column was taken by my husband as I was pondering one morning. Pajamas, a comfy throw, messy hair, and a cup of coffee settle my thoughts as I ponder so many questions. Perhaps you have them as well.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com. You can purchase her book “When the Hart Speaks” at amazon.com/dp/B0B1C7QKF6.
Indeed Janet , modernity has brought about a behavioral change amongst most all of us & it’s not one where our better angels prevail very regularly.
A random afternoon drive around the county will tell you all you need to know about the current state of human nature.
Leave social media. Walk in your own hometown-or come to ours in Sheridan. Neighbors helping neighbors, a small community rebuilding itself, families walking a trail-you know what I mean. Use your column to explore snd champion that. I am not blind to the national ugliness; I am just saying we spend our passions more wisely championing that which is so good. 100 positive, joyful voices is the anecdote for silencing the 3 ( yes, I think that’s the ratio) negative/ugly ones.
I think of the story of the man that held a nightly vigil outside the White House during the Vietnam war. When asked if he thought his actions could change the world, he said something similar to ‘I do this so it won’t change me.’
Yes, I miss how everyone took care of each other because of love and kindness. That has vanished and there is so much anger and hatred against each other
So well said Janet. Most of us feel this way, but the ugly seems to still come through
Sadly, civility and manners have been supplanted by actions of power and control. The antidote is for each of us to live the golden rule, treat others with respect, and return to a culture of kindness that helps all of us feel valued and important.