The Cost of Not Teaching Emotional Literacy

Today when I logged on to check my email, there was an article about an Alabama professor who shot several colleagues, apparently because she was resentful about being denied tenure. There’s more history there clearly – she shot and killed her 18-year-old brother in 1986 in what she said was an accident. And several times people interviewed referred to her as “odd.” (Sounds like Asperger’s to me.) So no conclusions – it’s way more complicated than just resentment. And yet I can’t help wondering about how much of a factor blame is. How much her inability to deal with disappointment contributed. It’s not just her, of course. I hate disappointment as much as the next person, and I love to blame my feelings on others. It’s a cultural thing.

Yesterday my friend F and I were listening to the first CD of Marshall Rosenberg’s Non Violent Communication. He said there’s been research done and that cultures that use less violent language have (not surprisingly) exhibit less violence.

What’s the cure? I can’t fix the culture – hell, I can’t even fix myself. I just keep observing and gathering in and praying. I think that’s all we can do.

The Chiropractor's Response

Verbatim:

Julia,

Sorry for the delay in sending a response to your letter, I have been out of town for awhile. I take these issues very much to heart. Thank you for expressing your concerns. I can only correct a problem if I know it exists, so I appreciate your comments. First of all I want to express my sincere apology that you felt threatened by my office. People put a lot of trust in us to help them with healing, and I have always strived to create an uplifting and safe environment for my patients. This was obviously not the case with you. I have had a lengthy discussion with Jason since receiving your letter. He is very passionate about his beliefs, and it is difficult for him to turn that off while at work. I have made it very clear with him that actions were inappropriate, and I do not expect that they will happen again.

I very much enjoyed working with you, and you seem to be a wonderful person who does more than your share of good for the community.

I am glad to hear that your chiropractic experience in our office was good, and I am disappointed that I will not have the chance to help you with your condition. Ryan McLaughlin and Monica Schnack are very good chiropractors, and close to my office. I would recommend either of them, if you wish to continue care.

Again, I apologize for the actions of my staff, and I am truly sorry that you were hurt. I wish you much happiness and success in life.

Sincerely,

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