The fact that some illnesses result from behavioural factors such as diet, drinking, smoking, sleeping etc. is nothing new. Behaviour is life, and life is the only cause of death. If we change our behaviour, we can live disease free! To simple-minded people, this is the answer. Stop behaving and live forever! Preventative Medicine, what a wonderful idea, it has become the catch phrase of the millennium. However, it may be doing more harm than good.
A whole movement of followers has developed, those trying to cheat death by restricting their behaviour. You know the type, they are uptight and self-righteous, and preventative medicine has become their cause! With paltry study after paltry study waving in their hands, these health fanatics feel justified or even obligated to judge others behaviour as unsatisfactory. In other words, if you do not adhere to strict restriction of your behaviour as suggested by the latest popular ‘study’ and you happen to get sick, it is your fault!
This preventative medicine movement is getting out of control. It is on the other side of public health, it serves to support political and commercial interests. Every time you hear one of these new studies suggesting behaviour change, check the motivation. Why, because the research they are basing their claims on, is at best piece-meal and at worst down right lies. Studies in magazines and sound bytes on the news, is far from a complete picture of health for humans. Rarely do you get details of these ominous research studies. Details such as, location, number of people, controlled variables or confounding variables or contrary research are not addressed - all you get is the headline! Who decides on the headline, some media editor with pressure from a commercial sponsor or social movement?
If there were one all-encompassing answer to human illness, it would be the story of the century. There are too many single variables: genetics, environment and stress are among thousands that need investigation. Moreover, the number of combinations and interactions among these thousands of single variables are infinite. Unfortunately, the research you are banking your life on, are simple correlations of a couple of variables at a time.
The “Fight” word is the operative word with regard to disease. “We are going to fight cancer or he battled cancer…” are the phrases used with respect to the cause. If there isn’t a war, people will invent one. Unfortunately, what invariably happens is people end up fighting other people instead of the ‘cause’. In the case of preventative medicine it has become blame the victim. Instead of expending energy and emotions on compassion and empathy for the victim, simply blaming the victim gets you right off the hook. On the other hand, the victim is now filled with guilt and stress, on top of being sick.
At the very least, preventative medicine creates subtle divisions between people, and in extreme cases promotes hatred. For example, Study Y says, eating food X is unhealthy on TV with lots of hype. Group A does not eat food X and Group B does. Automatically, Group A is superior and Group B will be subject to behavioural modification. This instant segregation creates in-group versus out-group spats over the best way to live and usually Group B will become social targets of reform. Can you even imagine what it must be like to be an overweight person in today’s world? Be careful people, you may be in the next group B.
There are a million studies out there correlating behaviour with illness. Okay let us ‘prevent’ all illness by banning all health threatening behaviour. Why not have government issued food packages, government monitored exercise, no booze, restricted sex, no atmospheric pollution, everyone will be ‘Perfect’ and peace on earth. This is not only impossible, but is extremely stressful for those unable to conform. In fact, one of the largest comprehensive studies on health determinants concludes that the strongest health determinant is low socio-economic status! Specifically, the stress associated with having little control over one’s life.
The first and only fact about life is Death. What is this obsession with living forever? Quit thinking about death and start thinking about life. Ask any old person, “It goes by real fast!” What are we saving up for? Restrict your whole life to do what, let loose at 60 or live a couple extra years at 80? Number one, the research does not support such piety. Number two; this is my life and my philosophy of life and maybe it differs from yours. Instead of waving a religious book on moral behaviour, these people wave health studies on undesirable social behaviour.
Let people decide for themselves what to smoke, drink, and eat. Let them make adult choices! If the paranoid health freaks are right, then dissenters will die young and be out of their way. If the health paranoids are wrong, think of all the fun we are missing or feeling guilty about. Moreover, guilt induces unneeded stress and subsequent ill health. Therefore, they are doing more harm than good. So, let adults be adults. Having control is a stress reliever and control is what people need. Relieving stress is good for you; we know that for sure!
So cut health care costs by having fun and reducing stress! Instead of worrying about death, which is inevitable. Make happiness during life your goal. I eat French fries about once a year. However, when I do, I want them crisp and tasty. How dare you put into law what I can and cannot eat i.e. transfats ban. Let me make that decision. The research is pecking away one variable and situation at a time. There is not nearly enough evidence to justify not living!
Joseph Shelling a Natural philosopher in the 18th century believed that, “Nature should be given its own integrity and not be made overly dependent on the formal structure of our minds…instead of setting our minds on what Nature ought to be…”
by xntrk
xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
TPG 5 Political Incorrectness: Morally Wrong or Biological Imperative?
Story of Bobby...
When Bobby starts grade one, some of the kids avoid him, some kids stare at him and others are down right mean and aggressive. The aggressive kids are relatively easy to single out and sanction; they are now, ‘Bad’! As a result, the ‘Bad’ kids are even angrier with Bobby, because he got them into trouble. It is explained to Bobby that these kids are just mean and everything else is just fine. “Don’t let it bother you.”
Even a six-year old can connect the dots. Everything is not fine, why do some kids stare and others avoid him. It is because he is Different and humans have a hard time with difference. His classmates are not inherently BAD, and they should not be labelled and sanctioned as such; they like all human beings are simply reacting to ‘difference’. Reaction to difference is biological not moral.
Human Reaction to "Different"
Human beings have a hard time handling differences. Differences in the physiology of others such as colour, size, strength and physical appearance make us uncomfortable. I take issue with certain proponents of political correctness that would lead you to believe that the modern human is capable of denying that differences between humans raise the blood pressure. They infer that discrimination and stereotype are bad words and anyone using such mechanisms is innately ‘bad’. There are oodles of new politically correct social rules written everyday, each accompanied by social sanctions with moral overtones.
Instead of inferring that, discrimination, stereotyping and judgement are bad if not immoral, why not look inside each human for a common origin for this behaviour. Gee, there is one - our brain! Deep in the basement of our modern-rational human brains is a remnant from the past, our survival centre. Every vertebrate has one. This basement dweller is instinctive, reflexive and unconscious.
Almost everyone has heard of the ‘Fight, Flight or Freeze’ response. This is a physiological response triggered in every animal brain when confronted with what could be a life or death situation. When one animal comes across another animal, this ancient part of the brain kicks-in. The blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels all rise, the stomach turns, reflexes sharpen and you start to sweat; does this experience sound familiar?
Like other animals, humans experience the ‘threat response’ to real and immediate threats of life or death. Unlike other animals, humans also experience the ‘threat response’ and all of its physical symptoms, when presented with abstract threats i.e., “Just the idea of harm…” For example, the first day at a new school. This is not an immediate life or death threat, nevertheless it is an unfamiliar environment filled with unfamiliar people and the vary idea is perceived as threatening - the adrenaline kicks in, and you may find yourself in a very uneasy and uncomfortable biological state. Anxiety is your survival centre working overtime in the face of abstract threats.
It is in the animal’s best interest to resolve a stressful situation as quickly as possible. Thus, animals must be extremely fast at assessing the relative strength or weakness of the other animal i.e., take-in and categorize the size, species, age, posture etc. of its foe. An almost instantaneous judgment is made and the animal either flees, freezes or fights. This immediate ‘sizing-up’ or ‘judging’ of another animal is built-in! It is unconscious! It is a behavioural adaptation for survival!
Humans use the same techniques as animals to assess a potential foe; that is, they must assess the relative strength or weakness of the unfamiliar person instantaneously! Anyone who says they do not discriminate and are not judgemental is lying, at least in the biological sense. Humans react to any new person by immediately sizing the other up. We size-up each other’s strengths and weaknesses all day, everyday – both real and abstract.
Ironically, abstract associations with the threat response is what gets us modern rational humans into trouble. The threat response is just as real, stressful and uncomfortable when confronted by an abstract threat, as it is with a life or death drama. Again, the goal is to relieve the stress as soon as possible. In order to do this, one must perceive, discriminate, classify (stereotype) and judge the ‘different other’ in an instant. Unfortunately, abstract fears are simply that, abstractions of previous learning, based on social rules, rumours, stories, propaganda and rarely on actual personal experience. Please note that stereotypes are simply a way of categorizing, e.g., one common positive stereotype is that firefighters are brave.
Stereotypes are not bad; they are a biological imperative for survival, shortcuts for relieving the threat response to the unfamiliar. The sooner you can react, the sooner you feel at ease and comfortable. Therefore, the idea that unfamiliar people make us uncomfortable makes sense biologically. It follows that, the more unfamiliar the new person is, the more uncomfortable and uneasy we feel.
The trick is to understand ourselves first, acknowledge the fact we have this protective survival centre in our brains that sometimes gets in the way of perfect social relations. Instead of using our modern rational human brain to creatively sanction so-called politically INcorrect behaviour, use it to understand how the survival centre effects us and even protects us in our daily interactions.
I believe that the majority of Politically Incorrect behaviour is a result of ignorance rather than evil! Most human discrimination and judging of others is carried out by the ‘survival’ part of our brain and is unconscious. Imagine meeting your boss’s wife for the first time; she greets you from a wheelchair and is severely disfigured. Unless, you have experience with such a person, uncomfortable you will feel.
So don’t just say, discrimination of differences is bad, and sanction those not behaving in a Political Correct manner. Instead, teach all people that they should get to know about the survival centre in the basement of their brain. It is always there - All Day/Everyday!
Most importantly, this understanding will also help the victims of careless discrimination. There is nothing worse than being attacked for being different and then having well-meaning people deny your experience. For example, a boy explains, “The kids are picking on me at school for being different (pick)” and a teacher replies, “Don’t let it bother you, everybody is different. You are just going to have to learn how to get along with people”. The boy is denied his experience and now it is his problem, i.e. guilt and ignorance all ‘round.
The boy would be better off understanding biology. Understanding that human beings respond to difference with fear and anxiety, and behave irrationally not only acknowledges the boys experience, but also explains why the boy is picked-on.
by xntrk
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Bobby came in the emergency department around ten in the morning. He was a very attractive child with bright eyes and a smile that could melt your heart. “I was trying for 3 (rungs) on the monkey bars and I fell” he chirps. Although he was in obvious pain, Bobby is a very stoic and cooperative patient. The x-ray is positive; Bobby has a severely broken arm. Bobby needs surgery to reset the arm. A post-operative x-ray is required, so I meet Bobby again. He is a little tired, but still smiling and is now asking people to sign his cast. Everyone has fallen in love with this six year old, and people line-up.
A week or so later, I receive a requisition for a portable x-ray in paediatrics. I was very surprised to see that the requisition was for Bobby - “post surgery, right arm”. What happened? Bobby is sitting up in his bed with his arm on a pillow. He has a look of death on his face. I immediately discover, the x-ray is of the stump of his right arm. My heart sank. Inside, Bobby was the same beautiful kid I had met a week ago, but on the outside, Bobby is now DIFFERENT!
A week or so later, I receive a requisition for a portable x-ray in paediatrics. I was very surprised to see that the requisition was for Bobby - “post surgery, right arm”. What happened? Bobby is sitting up in his bed with his arm on a pillow. He has a look of death on his face. I immediately discover, the x-ray is of the stump of his right arm. My heart sank. Inside, Bobby was the same beautiful kid I had met a week ago, but on the outside, Bobby is now DIFFERENT!
When Bobby starts grade one, some of the kids avoid him, some kids stare at him and others are down right mean and aggressive. The aggressive kids are relatively easy to single out and sanction; they are now, ‘Bad’! As a result, the ‘Bad’ kids are even angrier with Bobby, because he got them into trouble. It is explained to Bobby that these kids are just mean and everything else is just fine. “Don’t let it bother you.”
Even a six-year old can connect the dots. Everything is not fine, why do some kids stare and others avoid him. It is because he is Different and humans have a hard time with difference. His classmates are not inherently BAD, and they should not be labelled and sanctioned as such; they like all human beings are simply reacting to ‘difference’. Reaction to difference is biological not moral.
Human Reaction to "Different"
Human beings have a hard time handling differences. Differences in the physiology of others such as colour, size, strength and physical appearance make us uncomfortable. I take issue with certain proponents of political correctness that would lead you to believe that the modern human is capable of denying that differences between humans raise the blood pressure. They infer that discrimination and stereotype are bad words and anyone using such mechanisms is innately ‘bad’. There are oodles of new politically correct social rules written everyday, each accompanied by social sanctions with moral overtones.
Instead of inferring that, discrimination, stereotyping and judgement are bad if not immoral, why not look inside each human for a common origin for this behaviour. Gee, there is one - our brain! Deep in the basement of our modern-rational human brains is a remnant from the past, our survival centre. Every vertebrate has one. This basement dweller is instinctive, reflexive and unconscious.
Almost everyone has heard of the ‘Fight, Flight or Freeze’ response. This is a physiological response triggered in every animal brain when confronted with what could be a life or death situation. When one animal comes across another animal, this ancient part of the brain kicks-in. The blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels all rise, the stomach turns, reflexes sharpen and you start to sweat; does this experience sound familiar?
Like other animals, humans experience the ‘threat response’ to real and immediate threats of life or death. Unlike other animals, humans also experience the ‘threat response’ and all of its physical symptoms, when presented with abstract threats i.e., “Just the idea of harm…” For example, the first day at a new school. This is not an immediate life or death threat, nevertheless it is an unfamiliar environment filled with unfamiliar people and the vary idea is perceived as threatening - the adrenaline kicks in, and you may find yourself in a very uneasy and uncomfortable biological state. Anxiety is your survival centre working overtime in the face of abstract threats.
It is in the animal’s best interest to resolve a stressful situation as quickly as possible. Thus, animals must be extremely fast at assessing the relative strength or weakness of the other animal i.e., take-in and categorize the size, species, age, posture etc. of its foe. An almost instantaneous judgment is made and the animal either flees, freezes or fights. This immediate ‘sizing-up’ or ‘judging’ of another animal is built-in! It is unconscious! It is a behavioural adaptation for survival!
Humans use the same techniques as animals to assess a potential foe; that is, they must assess the relative strength or weakness of the unfamiliar person instantaneously! Anyone who says they do not discriminate and are not judgemental is lying, at least in the biological sense. Humans react to any new person by immediately sizing the other up. We size-up each other’s strengths and weaknesses all day, everyday – both real and abstract.
Ironically, abstract associations with the threat response is what gets us modern rational humans into trouble. The threat response is just as real, stressful and uncomfortable when confronted by an abstract threat, as it is with a life or death drama. Again, the goal is to relieve the stress as soon as possible. In order to do this, one must perceive, discriminate, classify (stereotype) and judge the ‘different other’ in an instant. Unfortunately, abstract fears are simply that, abstractions of previous learning, based on social rules, rumours, stories, propaganda and rarely on actual personal experience. Please note that stereotypes are simply a way of categorizing, e.g., one common positive stereotype is that firefighters are brave.
Stereotypes are not bad; they are a biological imperative for survival, shortcuts for relieving the threat response to the unfamiliar. The sooner you can react, the sooner you feel at ease and comfortable. Therefore, the idea that unfamiliar people make us uncomfortable makes sense biologically. It follows that, the more unfamiliar the new person is, the more uncomfortable and uneasy we feel.
The trick is to understand ourselves first, acknowledge the fact we have this protective survival centre in our brains that sometimes gets in the way of perfect social relations. Instead of using our modern rational human brain to creatively sanction so-called politically INcorrect behaviour, use it to understand how the survival centre effects us and even protects us in our daily interactions.
I believe that the majority of Politically Incorrect behaviour is a result of ignorance rather than evil! Most human discrimination and judging of others is carried out by the ‘survival’ part of our brain and is unconscious. Imagine meeting your boss’s wife for the first time; she greets you from a wheelchair and is severely disfigured. Unless, you have experience with such a person, uncomfortable you will feel.
So don’t just say, discrimination of differences is bad, and sanction those not behaving in a Political Correct manner. Instead, teach all people that they should get to know about the survival centre in the basement of their brain. It is always there - All Day/Everyday!
Most importantly, this understanding will also help the victims of careless discrimination. There is nothing worse than being attacked for being different and then having well-meaning people deny your experience. For example, a boy explains, “The kids are picking on me at school for being different (pick)” and a teacher replies, “Don’t let it bother you, everybody is different. You are just going to have to learn how to get along with people”. The boy is denied his experience and now it is his problem, i.e. guilt and ignorance all ‘round.
The boy would be better off understanding biology. Understanding that human beings respond to difference with fear and anxiety, and behave irrationally not only acknowledges the boys experience, but also explains why the boy is picked-on.
by xntrk
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Thursday, October 8, 2009
TPG Paper: Anti-smoking Zealots are Bullies II
Everyone knows what bullying is: it is on the top of the social “Stop It!” list. Picking on some one in a weaker position and causing them harm is horrific. However, it is okay to be a social bully. The majority of smokers are poor and the lobbyists pushing the anti-smoking revolution are let us say, relatively better off. My main objection is the way these soldiers of the anti smoking cause treat people, who happen to enjoy tobacco. These bullies, under the guise of concern for public health, are making good peoples’ lives miserable. The anti-smoking movement is mean, hurtful and misinformed!
I would never argue that smoking is good for you; however, I really do not see it at as the cause of all human illness and death. According to the anti-smoking lobbyists, smoking causes everything from haemorrhoids to herpes. There are enough small studies done now days that it is very easy to pick and choose research that can be used to support almost anything - truth or opinion. My complaint is antismoking lobbyists use these questionable techniques with zealous self-righteousness.
First, the statement on cigarette packages that, “Cigarettes Cause Cancer” is wrong. Real social scientists never use the word cause. Why, because as scientists, they look at ALL factors associated with a problem, not just the politically incorrect ones. Second, “A small town dies every year” and the supporting graphs depicting cigarettes alone kill more people than anything else, are at best contrived. These research claims are false and misleading. Nothing is more sinister to public interest than research quoted by a social movement with an agenda.
Yes, we all hate cancer and we would love to have something or someone to blame for our losses. Unfortunately, people like to see things simply and this is what has happened - you hate cancer, Smoking Causes Cancer therefore, you hate smokers - not much of a leap. It is incredibly easy to make smokers the representatives of this disease. Unfortunately, it is not that simple of a disease and not that simple a solution. Over half my immediate family has died from cancer - none of them ever smoked. Could it be genetic?
Good research looks further. Good research searches for the truth. People lobbying in the name of public health should look for the truth. There are so many variables in life that it is impossible to examine them all at the same time, at the same place, or with the same people. Good quality research on health looks at more than smoking or non-smoking. Maybe there are other causes of poor health. Good research looks at genetics, location, diet, exercise and stress. Moreover, good research looks at health and longevity in terms of socio-economic status defined by income, education and social status.
The Public Broadcasting (PBS) channel presented an excellent-quality comprehensive study on the determinants of health. Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth details and compiles many well respected studies on health in North America. Most of these studies were long term and had large numbers of subjects. According this award winning presentation, the biggest health determinant hands-down over smoking, drinking/drugs etc. is low socio-economic status.
In North America, people get sick because they are poor and less educated. Poor people cannot afford to eat well and, are less able or likely to lobby for their own health care. More importantly, they have little control over their lives. Independence takes money, education or social status. Minimum wage employment rarely comes with perks, and your behaviour is controlled by a corporate manual. You think that sucks, now you can’t even enjoy tobacco to make yourself feel better.
In recent years, people who enjoy tobacco have been subject to degrading advertising, social stigma and now, total social isolation. Neuroscientist Kathleen Taylor studies social cruelty and states that the abuse of others is much easier after the process of ‘other’-ization gets under way. This is when a social group of strength dehumanizes their targets by social campaigns before attack. This is similar to that of the anti-smoking lobbyists. Their ads portray smokers as smelly, dirty, unattractive scum bags with bad teeth, who probably have a bad ‘life’ attitude. Now that the target is dehumanized, we can hurt them without guilt.
Smokers are not welcome ANYWHERE! At the beginning of this movement when lobbyists were weak and smoking was popular, people agreed to make compromises. As the movement gained strength, smokers moved slowly from smoking sections to smoking lounges to permanent banishment from any social situation. Heck, you can’t even get a place to live if you enjoy tobacco. If they did this to any other segment of society, there would be hell to pay.
Smokers are weak and cannot fund opposing research on benefits of smoking or actively question the lack of research on second-hand smoke, because most are from the poorer end of the social scale. I would bet that if questioned casually, most anti-smoking zealots are more offended by the smell of cigarette smoke than its long-term health risks. Poor people smell bad. Reminds me of the playground in elementary school.
How can such lofty people, struggling in the fight for public health be so mean and lacking compassion for other human beings. Smokers do not represent cancer the disease; smokers represent nice, honest, hard working humans with a vice that has been around for centuries. Of course, the social isolation, social stigma and humiliation is okay, now that the target is dehumanized.
I object to the methods used by anti-smoking zealots. Their evidence is suspect and their intentions mean spirited. Please compromise just a bit! At least allow private clubs a smoking room with a cutting edge air purification system. We have the technology. It is not fair to pay a 100% tax on a package of smokes to a society that won’t let you inside…
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
I would never argue that smoking is good for you; however, I really do not see it at as the cause of all human illness and death. According to the anti-smoking lobbyists, smoking causes everything from haemorrhoids to herpes. There are enough small studies done now days that it is very easy to pick and choose research that can be used to support almost anything - truth or opinion. My complaint is antismoking lobbyists use these questionable techniques with zealous self-righteousness.
First, the statement on cigarette packages that, “Cigarettes Cause Cancer” is wrong. Real social scientists never use the word cause. Why, because as scientists, they look at ALL factors associated with a problem, not just the politically incorrect ones. Second, “A small town dies every year” and the supporting graphs depicting cigarettes alone kill more people than anything else, are at best contrived. These research claims are false and misleading. Nothing is more sinister to public interest than research quoted by a social movement with an agenda.
Yes, we all hate cancer and we would love to have something or someone to blame for our losses. Unfortunately, people like to see things simply and this is what has happened - you hate cancer, Smoking Causes Cancer therefore, you hate smokers - not much of a leap. It is incredibly easy to make smokers the representatives of this disease. Unfortunately, it is not that simple of a disease and not that simple a solution. Over half my immediate family has died from cancer - none of them ever smoked. Could it be genetic?
Good research looks further. Good research searches for the truth. People lobbying in the name of public health should look for the truth. There are so many variables in life that it is impossible to examine them all at the same time, at the same place, or with the same people. Good quality research on health looks at more than smoking or non-smoking. Maybe there are other causes of poor health. Good research looks at genetics, location, diet, exercise and stress. Moreover, good research looks at health and longevity in terms of socio-economic status defined by income, education and social status.
The Public Broadcasting (PBS) channel presented an excellent-quality comprehensive study on the determinants of health. Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth details and compiles many well respected studies on health in North America. Most of these studies were long term and had large numbers of subjects. According this award winning presentation, the biggest health determinant hands-down over smoking, drinking/drugs etc. is low socio-economic status.
In North America, people get sick because they are poor and less educated. Poor people cannot afford to eat well and, are less able or likely to lobby for their own health care. More importantly, they have little control over their lives. Independence takes money, education or social status. Minimum wage employment rarely comes with perks, and your behaviour is controlled by a corporate manual. You think that sucks, now you can’t even enjoy tobacco to make yourself feel better.
In recent years, people who enjoy tobacco have been subject to degrading advertising, social stigma and now, total social isolation. Neuroscientist Kathleen Taylor studies social cruelty and states that the abuse of others is much easier after the process of ‘other’-ization gets under way. This is when a social group of strength dehumanizes their targets by social campaigns before attack. This is similar to that of the anti-smoking lobbyists. Their ads portray smokers as smelly, dirty, unattractive scum bags with bad teeth, who probably have a bad ‘life’ attitude. Now that the target is dehumanized, we can hurt them without guilt.
Smokers are not welcome ANYWHERE! At the beginning of this movement when lobbyists were weak and smoking was popular, people agreed to make compromises. As the movement gained strength, smokers moved slowly from smoking sections to smoking lounges to permanent banishment from any social situation. Heck, you can’t even get a place to live if you enjoy tobacco. If they did this to any other segment of society, there would be hell to pay.
Smokers are weak and cannot fund opposing research on benefits of smoking or actively question the lack of research on second-hand smoke, because most are from the poorer end of the social scale. I would bet that if questioned casually, most anti-smoking zealots are more offended by the smell of cigarette smoke than its long-term health risks. Poor people smell bad. Reminds me of the playground in elementary school.
How can such lofty people, struggling in the fight for public health be so mean and lacking compassion for other human beings. Smokers do not represent cancer the disease; smokers represent nice, honest, hard working humans with a vice that has been around for centuries. Of course, the social isolation, social stigma and humiliation is okay, now that the target is dehumanized.
I object to the methods used by anti-smoking zealots. Their evidence is suspect and their intentions mean spirited. Please compromise just a bit! At least allow private clubs a smoking room with a cutting edge air purification system. We have the technology. It is not fair to pay a 100% tax on a package of smokes to a society that won’t let you inside…
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Thursday, June 11, 2009
TPG4 Anti-smoking Zealots are Bullies
There is nothing worse than a fanatic with a cause. I can't remember where I heard this, but it is true in the case of anti-smoking lobbyists. I would never argue that smoking is good for you, but is enjoying tobacco the worst thing in the world? Perhaps to someone who has the time and wherewith all to join a lobby group. What a sense of power, what a rush that must be to actually change the laws of the country, and dictate to others how they must live their lives. Congratulations! You have made my life miserable.
Has anyone really looked at this social movement? I have been bombarded with insulting anti-smoking commercials and questionable propaganda/research. I have been segregated from people as if I were a leper by laws that are humiliating and unfair. If you think past go, you can see this whole movement is social bullying. This whole campaign has become hateful and downright mean. It reminds me very much of getting bullied on the playground as a kid. The strong pick on the weak. That's the law of the animal kingdom.
This could be construed as a class war. The privileged don't want these dirty people messing up their perfect little world. These privileged people feel compelled to minister unto others regarding adult behavior. Fair or unfair they get their point across. They have the power! I would bet that the majority of smokers are the unpowerful - the poor! Anybody check that? I would like to question all this research that says smoking causes everything from cancer to herpes. Smoking or second-hand smoke that's it? Causes everything? Hmmm... Can't prove that can you?
When I see the bars and graphs on the packages of smokes of how "smoking killed a small town last year", I have to wonder...
Most importantly, did they control for socio-economic status?
Who smokes more? Advantaged or relatively disadvantaged? Do you even know?
Did they control for diet, exercise, or stress?
How about genetics? Half my family on both sides have died of cancer. None of them smoked or were near second-hand smoke. Can cancer simply run in the family?
The closest to a comprehensive study on health determinants that I have seen, is a PBS special on determinants of health and longevity. Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth was a very interesting program. According to them the biggest health determinant hands-down is socio-economic status. It is stronger than smoking, drinking, drugs etc. Poor nutrition, stress at work, little control over their lives are cited as factors having the biggest influence on physiological and psychological problems in poorer North Americans. http://www.pbs.org/unnaturalcauses/
Even if you are part of the poorer crowd, you still need some kind of relaxation or reward for hard work. Okay, let's go out to a movie. You need transportation, a movie ticket, maybe a drink and some popcorn. Oh yeah, if you have kids, you will also need a babysitter. Minimum $30 per person for a night out - approximately 2 hours of (probably guilt ridden) entertainment, and you are too broke to go for a coffee after. It better be one hell of a movie. When you are living on mac and cheese, this a lot of money! This is not a relaxing night at the symphony or the theatre, dressed to the nines and feasting on some elite chef's $100 pate de foie gras!
I can see why poorer people choose buying a package of smokes that lasts a couple of days, with satiation every couple hours. Hmm... even at $10 per pack, (the heavy price being greatly influenced by the anti-smoking zealots) that sounds like a reasonable option. In other words, stay home, make some popcorn and watch a movie. Or, quit smoking so you can go on one cheap night out per week.
Because smokers are beneath contempt, even a small break like going for walk and stopping for a coffee and smoke is now impossible. The laws have made it quite clear who belongs in this world and who doesn't. Smokers are sentenced to being at home unless you enjoy a smoke standing outside at -30. Nowadays smokers are lucky to even find a place to live. Where did all this hate come from?
The whole movement started as a health concern. Everyone gets emotional over cancer. But it is a complex disease. Unfortunately, it has been reduced to one cause and one villain - smoking and smokers. If this was the case, illegalize smoking and cancer is cured. The methods used to supposedly help people to stop smoking are disgusting and hateful. According to the ads, smokers are unattractive, have filthy teeth, they smell, they are lazy and they are obviously not too bright. If these kinds of things were said about a race or any other minority it would be considered a hate crime.
Imagine what this kind of bullying does to one's self esteem? Now add to this, the humiliation of not being allowed to join the 'others' anywhere! Not being allow to smoke in a bar is ridiculous. Alcohol consumption is cool, we have a seat for you. But smoking? - Go OUTSIDE! Number one, its cold outside and I would like to sit please. The worst thing about standing outside is the social stigma, people glaring and sneering at you as they walk by. Perhaps even a put-down or two to remind you of who you are - less than. Ironically, of the 12 people in the bar, 10 of them probably smoke. There are more people outside the bar than in. This doesn't sound like health concern to me, it reminds me of bullies in the school yard. Rich people telling me how to live my life. All a smoker gets from this social movement are feelings of shame, frustration, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Lets talk about adults making their own decisions. In the good old days, I would walk at least a mile everyday. My reward was reaching a target destination where I could sit down, do some writing while enjoying a coffee and a smoke. The exercise was great, but the simple fact I could participate inside society and be treated as a human being, was good for my physical and my psychological well being. I was Happy!! There is another site I have come across that says being happy can buy you an extra 5 to 10 years. Here is one of numerous sites that talk about the health implications of happiness: http://www.researchmatters.ku.edu/2009/march/happy.shtml
Maybe I am a weakling, I need a reward at the end of the walk. Hmm... do others reward themselves with a treat after a work out? Remember even going out for a cup of coffee is relatively costly. The other reward that seems to satiate is food. Since poor people typically can not afford "good" food, carbohydrates prevail. More than 10 years ago, I made a comment to a table of friends. "Most people gain weight when they quit smoking. These types of zealots have to have somebody's ass to pick, so I bet within the next ten years they will be picking on the fat people!" Sounds prophetic now, but even way back then I had several people agree with me regarding the 'picking-on' part of my statement. There will be bullies always! They don't change a lot when they grow-up, just become a little more sophisticated with their talent to make people feel less than human, even a monster.
Here is where an adult decision comes in...
As a teenager, I weighed 60% more than I should have. It took me 5 years and a lot of discipline, sacrifice, exercise and yes, smoking to attain a BMI of 20. For a lot of people smoking is a very effective appetite suppressant. I looked so forward to my daily walk, it made me fit and happy! I am now confined to my residence.
Let's talk health costs! I have paid huge taxes (100% now) on every package of smokes I have bought during the course of my life. In other words, I have paid for my cancer! I want a private room and a good looking nurse. Hey, within six months, I am gone - no problem. If I quit smoking, no more taxes in the kitty, I quit exercising, gain weight and develop type 2 diabetes. OH MY! Think of the health care costs of that disease? And, it lasts for years...
First I find it hard to believe the research as it has been set out by the anti-smoking zealots. The ban from a social life reduces my physical activity. The vicious ads and social stigmga that has been attached to an otherwise happy and reasonably well-adjusted individual have been brutal to my social self and my self-esteem. Think past go! You took away my happiness and replaced it with the feeling that I am on the playground again, at the mercy (ha ha) of those stronger than myself.
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Has anyone really looked at this social movement? I have been bombarded with insulting anti-smoking commercials and questionable propaganda/research. I have been segregated from people as if I were a leper by laws that are humiliating and unfair. If you think past go, you can see this whole movement is social bullying. This whole campaign has become hateful and downright mean. It reminds me very much of getting bullied on the playground as a kid. The strong pick on the weak. That's the law of the animal kingdom.
This could be construed as a class war. The privileged don't want these dirty people messing up their perfect little world. These privileged people feel compelled to minister unto others regarding adult behavior. Fair or unfair they get their point across. They have the power! I would bet that the majority of smokers are the unpowerful - the poor! Anybody check that? I would like to question all this research that says smoking causes everything from cancer to herpes. Smoking or second-hand smoke that's it? Causes everything? Hmmm... Can't prove that can you?
When I see the bars and graphs on the packages of smokes of how "smoking killed a small town last year", I have to wonder...
Most importantly, did they control for socio-economic status?
Who smokes more? Advantaged or relatively disadvantaged? Do you even know?
Did they control for diet, exercise, or stress?
How about genetics? Half my family on both sides have died of cancer. None of them smoked or were near second-hand smoke. Can cancer simply run in the family?
The closest to a comprehensive study on health determinants that I have seen, is a PBS special on determinants of health and longevity. Unnatural Causes: In Sickness and in Wealth was a very interesting program. According to them the biggest health determinant hands-down is socio-economic status. It is stronger than smoking, drinking, drugs etc. Poor nutrition, stress at work, little control over their lives are cited as factors having the biggest influence on physiological and psychological problems in poorer North Americans. http://www.pbs.org/unnaturalcauses/
Even if you are part of the poorer crowd, you still need some kind of relaxation or reward for hard work. Okay, let's go out to a movie. You need transportation, a movie ticket, maybe a drink and some popcorn. Oh yeah, if you have kids, you will also need a babysitter. Minimum $30 per person for a night out - approximately 2 hours of (probably guilt ridden) entertainment, and you are too broke to go for a coffee after. It better be one hell of a movie. When you are living on mac and cheese, this a lot of money! This is not a relaxing night at the symphony or the theatre, dressed to the nines and feasting on some elite chef's $100 pate de foie gras!
I can see why poorer people choose buying a package of smokes that lasts a couple of days, with satiation every couple hours. Hmm... even at $10 per pack, (the heavy price being greatly influenced by the anti-smoking zealots) that sounds like a reasonable option. In other words, stay home, make some popcorn and watch a movie. Or, quit smoking so you can go on one cheap night out per week.
Because smokers are beneath contempt, even a small break like going for walk and stopping for a coffee and smoke is now impossible. The laws have made it quite clear who belongs in this world and who doesn't. Smokers are sentenced to being at home unless you enjoy a smoke standing outside at -30. Nowadays smokers are lucky to even find a place to live. Where did all this hate come from?
The whole movement started as a health concern. Everyone gets emotional over cancer. But it is a complex disease. Unfortunately, it has been reduced to one cause and one villain - smoking and smokers. If this was the case, illegalize smoking and cancer is cured. The methods used to supposedly help people to stop smoking are disgusting and hateful. According to the ads, smokers are unattractive, have filthy teeth, they smell, they are lazy and they are obviously not too bright. If these kinds of things were said about a race or any other minority it would be considered a hate crime.
Imagine what this kind of bullying does to one's self esteem? Now add to this, the humiliation of not being allowed to join the 'others' anywhere! Not being allow to smoke in a bar is ridiculous. Alcohol consumption is cool, we have a seat for you. But smoking? - Go OUTSIDE! Number one, its cold outside and I would like to sit please. The worst thing about standing outside is the social stigma, people glaring and sneering at you as they walk by. Perhaps even a put-down or two to remind you of who you are - less than. Ironically, of the 12 people in the bar, 10 of them probably smoke. There are more people outside the bar than in. This doesn't sound like health concern to me, it reminds me of bullies in the school yard. Rich people telling me how to live my life. All a smoker gets from this social movement are feelings of shame, frustration, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Lets talk about adults making their own decisions. In the good old days, I would walk at least a mile everyday. My reward was reaching a target destination where I could sit down, do some writing while enjoying a coffee and a smoke. The exercise was great, but the simple fact I could participate inside society and be treated as a human being, was good for my physical and my psychological well being. I was Happy!! There is another site I have come across that says being happy can buy you an extra 5 to 10 years. Here is one of numerous sites that talk about the health implications of happiness: http://www.researchmatters.ku.edu/2009/march/happy.shtml
Maybe I am a weakling, I need a reward at the end of the walk. Hmm... do others reward themselves with a treat after a work out? Remember even going out for a cup of coffee is relatively costly. The other reward that seems to satiate is food. Since poor people typically can not afford "good" food, carbohydrates prevail. More than 10 years ago, I made a comment to a table of friends. "Most people gain weight when they quit smoking. These types of zealots have to have somebody's ass to pick, so I bet within the next ten years they will be picking on the fat people!" Sounds prophetic now, but even way back then I had several people agree with me regarding the 'picking-on' part of my statement. There will be bullies always! They don't change a lot when they grow-up, just become a little more sophisticated with their talent to make people feel less than human, even a monster.
Here is where an adult decision comes in...
As a teenager, I weighed 60% more than I should have. It took me 5 years and a lot of discipline, sacrifice, exercise and yes, smoking to attain a BMI of 20. For a lot of people smoking is a very effective appetite suppressant. I looked so forward to my daily walk, it made me fit and happy! I am now confined to my residence.
Let's talk health costs! I have paid huge taxes (100% now) on every package of smokes I have bought during the course of my life. In other words, I have paid for my cancer! I want a private room and a good looking nurse. Hey, within six months, I am gone - no problem. If I quit smoking, no more taxes in the kitty, I quit exercising, gain weight and develop type 2 diabetes. OH MY! Think of the health care costs of that disease? And, it lasts for years...
First I find it hard to believe the research as it has been set out by the anti-smoking zealots. The ban from a social life reduces my physical activity. The vicious ads and social stigmga that has been attached to an otherwise happy and reasonably well-adjusted individual have been brutal to my social self and my self-esteem. Think past go! You took away my happiness and replaced it with the feeling that I am on the playground again, at the mercy (ha ha) of those stronger than myself.
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
TPG3 What Part of The House Wins Do They Not Understand?
Every single night for almost 5 years, on my way home, I had only one thought running through my mind...
Ask any dealer what a whiner is? Its the cards fault, the dealers' fault, the casinos' fault, even the other players' fault... ALL Day Long!
Do the Math! Think Past Go!
It gets better! As a public servant for over 35 years, I have a million of them and they are ALL TRUE! (names and places are changed to protect the stupid)
Stay tuned for the next edition of ...
Think Past Go!
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
What Part of The House Wins Do They Not Understand?
Of all the addictive type people I have met in my life, alcoholics, druggies, etc., gamblers are the the ones with the least ability to Think Past Go!
Casinos work on fixed and immutable odds in their favor. It is a very profitable Business!
People come to the casino every day before the machines or tables open. They enjoy the security of the building and the courteousness of the waitresses serving breakfast. Guess what? Costs to the casino to provide all this mid-morning comfort are not covered by the purchase of ham and eggs and a cup of coffee...
Costs?
Land the building is sitting on
Structural building
Maintenance - plumbing, electrical, sidewalks etc.
Utility bills - electricity wow slot machines, water, cable...
Staff - Servers, chefs, maintenance, security, cashiers, dealers, and management salaries...
Breakfast is over, the 'Machines' open and the dealers are checking the cards...
The race is on. People are claiming their favourite machines (probly the same one they played last night until closing).
There are three people sitting at the Blackjack table already. Are these people exceptional mathematicians? Obviously not, or they would work at the casino. Can they at least Think Past Go?
Casinos work on fixed and immutable odds in their favor. It is a very profitable Business!
People come to the casino every day before the machines or tables open. They enjoy the security of the building and the courteousness of the waitresses serving breakfast. Guess what? Costs to the casino to provide all this mid-morning comfort are not covered by the purchase of ham and eggs and a cup of coffee...
Costs?
Land the building is sitting on
Structural building
Maintenance - plumbing, electrical, sidewalks etc.
Utility bills - electricity wow slot machines, water, cable...
Staff - Servers, chefs, maintenance, security, cashiers, dealers, and management salaries...
Breakfast is over, the 'Machines' open and the dealers are checking the cards...
The race is on. People are claiming their favourite machines (probly the same one they played last night until closing).
There are three people sitting at the Blackjack table already. Are these people exceptional mathematicians? Obviously not, or they would work at the casino. Can they at least Think Past Go?
All day long the 'Players', as the casino likes to call them, fight the odds - fixed and immutable odds.
Ask any dealer what a whiner is? Its the cards fault, the dealers' fault, the casinos' fault, even the other players' fault... ALL Day Long!
Player: out loud "I hate this dealer, he/she always takes my money"
Dealer: "I pay and take bets, that is my job. I promise that I will not reach over the table into your pockets and take your money. However, once you put your money on the table as a bet, it becomes HOPE's money..."
These people are depressed because their HOPE is writing checks that the statistical probability can't cash (forgive me lol). No they do not have the ability to Think Past Go?
Dealer's Note: If you want to learn about someone's personality, don't use personality tests - play games with them.
In the movie Casino with Robert De Niro, his character describes very accuarately the phenomenon of casinos, something to the effect of, "We sell HOPE for cash"
Alcoholics are usually escaping from some sort of pain they can't seem to resolve, but gamblers have another idea. They are going to spend their money on redemption. The gamblers' falicy, HOPE! Maybe it is a human falicy? I always have hope, but you gotta Think Past Go!
Look at the Bigger Picture!
The casinos are not somehow subsidized by some government project to spread wealth around to those who feel deserving.
The casinos not only make enough money to pay all their overhead (see costs), but also make a tidy little profit for themselves. So much so that the casinos in our province are now substantially owned by international interests.
And this is their profit AFTER the government and the charities get their cut.
The Government of Alberta for example, makes as much or more in gaming, as they do in oil royalties.
Gamblers live in a dream world. Just take a small step back and Look at the Bigger Picture!
In the movie Casino with Robert De Niro, his character describes very accuarately the phenomenon of casinos, something to the effect of, "We sell HOPE for cash"
Alcoholics are usually escaping from some sort of pain they can't seem to resolve, but gamblers have another idea. They are going to spend their money on redemption. The gamblers' falicy, HOPE! Maybe it is a human falicy? I always have hope, but you gotta Think Past Go!
Look at the Bigger Picture!
The casinos are not somehow subsidized by some government project to spread wealth around to those who feel deserving.
The casinos not only make enough money to pay all their overhead (see costs), but also make a tidy little profit for themselves. So much so that the casinos in our province are now substantially owned by international interests.
And this is their profit AFTER the government and the charities get their cut.
The Government of Alberta for example, makes as much or more in gaming, as they do in oil royalties.
Gamblers live in a dream world. Just take a small step back and Look at the Bigger Picture!
Do the Math! Think Past Go!
It gets better! As a public servant for over 35 years, I have a million of them and they are ALL TRUE! (names and places are changed to protect the stupid)
Stay tuned for the next edition of ...
Think Past Go!
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TPG Transit Tale 2: What Exactly Is It You Want?
I know that it is a big wide scary world out there, but there are some basic skills one should really try to develop.
First social rule for people wanting "Service'' from another - let them in on it!
You might know what you want, but the person trying desperately to help you is not a mind reader.
Or, as I used to do...
"Can you hold please?"
First social rule for people wanting "Service'' from another - let them in on it!
You might know what you want, but the person trying desperately to help you is not a mind reader.
Yes, another transit example: Imagine taking a dozen or more phone calls like this everyday. Sitting at your desk in a city office somewhere downtown...
Transit Information Clerk: "Good Morning Calgary Transit Information"
Transit Passenger 2: "What time does the bus come?
Transit Information Clerk: pause " ummm...Where?"
Transit Passenger 2 (sternly): "My House!"
Transit Information Clerk: (pause and sigh) " ah...Where is your house?"
Transit Passenger 2 (Now with anger): "In Calgary! That is where I called isn't it!"
The conversation can continue for quite some time as you can well imagine...
Transit Information Clerk: "Good Morning Calgary Transit Information"
Transit Passenger 2: "What time does the bus come?
Transit Information Clerk: pause " ummm...Where?"
Transit Passenger 2 (sternly): "My House!"
Transit Information Clerk: (pause and sigh) " ah...Where is your house?"
Transit Passenger 2 (Now with anger): "In Calgary! That is where I called isn't it!"
The conversation can continue for quite some time as you can well imagine...
Or, as I used to do...
"Can you hold please?"
(Now they have time to think...)
It gets better! As a public servant for over 35 years, I have a million of them and they are ALL TRUE! (names and places are changed to protect the stupid)
Stay tuned for the next edition of ...
Think Past Go!
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
Think Past Go! Introduction toTPG©
This blog is dedicated to all those hard working public servants out there whose lives would be so much easier if people could (or would?) simply, Think Past Go! Now by public servants, I mean the ones in the trenches, e.g. the "Service Industry". Minimum wage and all the shit you can stand. There is a lighter side however, and this my focus.
My Father was a kind-hearted easy going trucker and it would take a lot to piss him off. However there were times after witnessing 'performances' of stupidity, he would shake his head and say, "Some people just can't think past go."
Thinking Past Go? It means, thinking past your first reaction or behaviour to a situation. It may seem to refer to critical thinking skills, nope not quite. It also includes to ability to see others past yourself, but you may have to Think Past Go alone.
Some of the best examples of Not Thinking Past Go are on the city transit system. You know what I'm talking about...
At a major bus stop downtown at rush hour, people are searching the numbers of the many buses pulling in and out, looking for their special ride home. I suppose it can be a little shaky finding your bus, getting to the door, showing your pass and finding a seat, but it is this last part people seem to have trouble with...
Passenger 1 (Thinking not saying): "O boy, I am first on the bus, gotta find a place for me! Hey look a pole right in front of me, I better grab it!"
Bus Driver (Thinking not saying): "There are 50 other people trying to get on the bus behind you and 50 empty seats ahead of you...
It gets better! As a public servant for over 35 years, I have a million of them and they are ALL TRUE! (names and places are changed to protect the stupid)
Stay tuned for the next edition of ...
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
My Father was a kind-hearted easy going trucker and it would take a lot to piss him off. However there were times after witnessing 'performances' of stupidity, he would shake his head and say, "Some people just can't think past go."
Thinking Past Go? It means, thinking past your first reaction or behaviour to a situation. It may seem to refer to critical thinking skills, nope not quite. It also includes to ability to see others past yourself, but you may have to Think Past Go alone.
Some of the best examples of Not Thinking Past Go are on the city transit system. You know what I'm talking about...
At a major bus stop downtown at rush hour, people are searching the numbers of the many buses pulling in and out, looking for their special ride home. I suppose it can be a little shaky finding your bus, getting to the door, showing your pass and finding a seat, but it is this last part people seem to have trouble with...
Passenger 1 (Thinking not saying): "O boy, I am first on the bus, gotta find a place for me! Hey look a pole right in front of me, I better grab it!"
Bus Driver (Thinking not saying): "There are 50 other people trying to get on the bus behind you and 50 empty seats ahead of you...
MOVE BACK!
FIND A SEAT!
DON'T GRAB THE FIRST POLE AND STOP! "
DON'T GRAB THE FIRST POLE AND STOP! "
Please Think Past Go!
It gets better! As a public servant for over 35 years, I have a million of them and they are ALL TRUE! (names and places are changed to protect the stupid)
Stay tuned for the next edition of ...
Think Past Go!
e-mail: xntrkpublishing@gmail.com
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