Phil,
I think we are in violent agreement. I'm NOT accusing the people who don't like Hawaii of having any deep psychological issues which I have magically transcended. I have MY emotional assumptions and bias; they have theirs. What I was suggesting is that anyone can benefit from taking a closer look at why they are so annoyed.
Let me lay this one the line: after participating in these discussions for some time now, I have reached the conclusion that many of us Masters swimmers tend to be self-centered and dismissive of anyone's concerns except our own. (And please, I am NOT singling out anyone. We're all people; none of us are perfect; let all try to see the person behind the opinion we don't like.) Just think about all the whining associated with Nationals. I'd recap here, but Emmett's last post did such a good job of doing that, let me simply refer you to it. My point is that there are some very structured people in this sport, and some of them are quite passionate in their desire to shove their structure down my throat because it makes sticking to their routine easier. I have two objectives when I encounter such people. First, I'd like to help explain to them that different people with different values and goals might see things differently, and still be decent, rational people whose concerns deserve as much respect as anyone's. Second, I would like to help them see the assumptions behind their passionate beliefs because, just maybe, they might see creative solutions if they question the universal truth of their assumptions. I believe it was Thoreau who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
So, whap me on the knuckles if I'm wrong, but I think we mostly agree with each other.
Matt
Phil,
I think we are in violent agreement. I'm NOT accusing the people who don't like Hawaii of having any deep psychological issues which I have magically transcended. I have MY emotional assumptions and bias; they have theirs. What I was suggesting is that anyone can benefit from taking a closer look at why they are so annoyed.
Let me lay this one the line: after participating in these discussions for some time now, I have reached the conclusion that many of us Masters swimmers tend to be self-centered and dismissive of anyone's concerns except our own. (And please, I am NOT singling out anyone. We're all people; none of us are perfect; let all try to see the person behind the opinion we don't like.) Just think about all the whining associated with Nationals. I'd recap here, but Emmett's last post did such a good job of doing that, let me simply refer you to it. My point is that there are some very structured people in this sport, and some of them are quite passionate in their desire to shove their structure down my throat because it makes sticking to their routine easier. I have two objectives when I encounter such people. First, I'd like to help explain to them that different people with different values and goals might see things differently, and still be decent, rational people whose concerns deserve as much respect as anyone's. Second, I would like to help them see the assumptions behind their passionate beliefs because, just maybe, they might see creative solutions if they question the universal truth of their assumptions. I believe it was Thoreau who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
So, whap me on the knuckles if I'm wrong, but I think we mostly agree with each other.
Matt
