Speculative fiction has a long history of taking the issues of the day and reframing them in a new context with the hope that people will look at them in a new way. Our "unprecedented" times are bringing all sorts of old ways and old thinking back to the forefront. On Tuesdays, I present "what if?" questions. Previously, the intent was as an idea generator. It still is. But now, I ask that you really think about all the repercussions that these ideas will have. If only these were just thought exercises.
What if someone did you harm (define "harm" as you will), but because everyone in your circle of friends and family like them, they don't believe you and accuse you of trying to harm them?
Sadly, we've all experienced that at some point in your life. And friends change because of it. I've always contended that if your friends believe whatever the negative or bad thing is that's been perpetrated by this other person, they probably didn't know you very well to start with, and probably weren't really your friend. Sometimes you just have to cut ties and move along for your own well being.
ReplyDeleteSadly, we do have people who don't really see us.
DeleteIt’s very sad and disappointing when that happens. Could be tragic if not one person believed the accused’s side. I wonder why it’s important for the accuser to have the upper hand. So stupid.
ReplyDeleteUh, it doesn't seem like they're real family or friends then.
ReplyDeleteSad when it happens, and I think it happens more than we suspect. It's a terrible thing to cut ties with family/friends, but sometimes it's the only answer.
ReplyDeleteWhen your family or friends betray you to such a degree, yeah, sometimes you have to cut ties.
DeleteWould prob have to be looking for new friends as for the family, they are family no matter what you say or do but I would not be hanging with them often
ReplyDeleteI know some people who have cut family out of their lives.
DeleteNot something I thought I would ever have the need to do that, but I did.
DeleteUnfortunately this happened to me, in my young life. Caused me to swallow a whole lot of horror when I was very young, which affected me on into adult life. I was too little to make the choice. I imagine this happens to a lot of little kids and women.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it does.
Deletethat would be a really hard situation to be in!
ReplyDeleteI am extremely lucky to have a very close and supportive family. However, a close friend was sexually abused by her brother when a child. No one in the family would believe her and she was punished for "telling lies".. It has affected her all her life. She had counselling in later years, which helped.
ReplyDeleteYup, exactly the sort of scenario I expected. I know it happens far more often than we would like.
DeleteThat would be a difficult position to be in, but I have learned to trust me instincts. I didn't spent years sharpening them not to trust them. If someone harmed me, I would cut them off regardless of what others thought. I have friends that others don't feel the same way about. In the end it comes down to how I feel.
ReplyDeleteYes, listening to your own feelings is very important.
DeleteBeen there more than once and it's so frustrating and sad.
ReplyDeleteYes, I expect that this happens far more often than we would care to admit.
Delete