[Hardy-l] Re: having kittens

[Jackie Wilkinson]

My dear Carolyn,
Don't worry about it, lass! Yes, I suppose my parting sentence was rather
brutal and, indeed, probably an over-generalisation, but the point I am
making is that life was brutal then for many of the working class and human
life was cheap. Yes, of course, there is always dignity even in depravation,
and people rose up through the muck, but there were always those who did not
- and remained there by preference, those for whom brutality was part of
their everyday lives and who had no desire to change or be changed. I am
indeed fortunate for my family was one such, but I spent thirtysome years
teaching in deprived areas attempting to bring light to darkened lives. Yes,
I often succeeded but often, if not more often, failed and perhaps they
heard the words but not the message. Now I see the offspring of those
children in the same or similar circumstances. I wouldn't say that I ever
lost the dream but often the reality would intrude, brutally, and, yes,
offensively. I retired however, still holding the dream.

I think one of the dangers with the present exchange of views is that the
generalisations each of us appears to be making only muddies the water
rather than clearing it. There are so many factors to take into account and
frequently these are lost in forum conversations which are sometimes written
in haste and perhaps ill-considered. So 'pace', Carolyn - and hold the
dream!
Jacky


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