Gary Crooks: The shame of public shaming

Must be a lot of perfect parents, judging from the avalanche of condemnation for the mother who briefly lost sight of her 3-year-old boy at the Cincinnati Zoo. That momentary lapse led to the death of a gorilla, which had the child in its grasp. It’s a terribly sad tale.

Apparently, the critics have never gotten distracted while keeping vigil over their children. Never felt that twinge of panic when a child briefly disappears at a park, store or other setting. Once at a crowded wave pool, I lost sight of my daughter, who was 7 or 8 years old at the time. I was filled with dread as children bobbed up and down, but I couldn’t locate her. She was briefly underwater, but a gentleman pulled her to the surface.

So, yes, that could’ve been my child who fell into a gorilla enclosure.

Social media shaming is rampant, but nothing new. It also happens with predictable frequency in comments after news articles about traffic accidents and other mishaps.

Schools try to crack down on online bullying. Sadly, adults provide plenty of examples.

THE PROPOSITION. Last week, I asked how people go about managing their daily lives while upholding their political views and personal values. The following are some abridged responses:

“I believe I am an idealist and would like to make a statement by not traveling to and spending my money in states such as Arizona or Idaho, which, in my opinion, harbor right-wing extremists that are bad for this country. But to be realistic that isn’t going to work with relatives and many friends who live in the Phoenix area. And, of course, me not going to Arizona wouldn’t impact anything. Might make me feel better, but that’s about all it would do.” – Chris Powell, Spokane

“I think most people accept the notion of religious ecumenism, where people of diverse beliefs can come together and work for a common good. Political ecumenism allows me to hold my views and allow others theirs. Religious organizations that can work together can get things done. And political parties that can work together can get things done. Zealots, proselytizers, fanatics and true believers, diehards and demagogues get their way by appealing to desires, prejudices, fear and bullying. I don’t think any of us truly wants that.” – Mary Walker, Spokane

“We certainly have our opinions about these politicians and political issues, but we do not use a person’s political views as some kind of measuring stick in relating to our family members or to our friends and associates, nor in determining where we shop and who we do business with.” – Michael and Valerie Adams, Spokane

“My answer is, I try to do so. If my Christian faith means anything to me, I expect myself to try to follow obediently what Christ instructs through His word … the Bible. Rhetoric is cheap and hypocritical if I do not make an effort. … And my faith cannot be selective and still be Christ-led living.” – Ward B. Buckingham, Spokane

“For the most part, I avoid discussing politics with folks whom I know are not of my liberal persuasion. I don’t go out of my way to not patronize businesses, since I figure that most businesses in North Idaho have conservative owners. However, if a business is blatantly uber-right, I don’t go there anymore. Case in point: One business that I have tried to patronize … put up a bunch of signs for Heather Scott, Sage Dixon and the other tea-party candidates in the recent primary election.” – Ted Wert, Sagle, Idaho

“I suppose it all depends on what measures one finds within reason and how strongly one feels about the issue. I sort of have a personal professional protest against purchasing Exxon gasoline since 1989 out of dislike for a corporation which would tolerate such a gawd-awful level of seamanship that would first pile up the Exxon Valdez on a reef and then utterly bungle one’s response actions.” – John P. Simanton, LCDR, USNR (ret.), Spokane

Opinion Editor Gary Crooks can be reached at garyc@spokesman.com or (509) 459-5026. Follow him on Twitter @GaryCrooks.