In recognition of the problems with violence in the workplace and in our schools, I present:
Things I learned Today:
If someone is venting, and talks about violence in a general way, it’s probably not a problem. That is, “I’m gonna teach him a lesson” is probably just someone letting off steam.
If someone is venting, and talks specifically about performing a violent act, you better not ignore it. That is, “I’m gonna wait till he gets home and then I’m gonna …” means you need to treat this seriously.
If someone has been making violent suggestions in the past, and you’re not sure of their true feelings, sound them out. “Say, remember last week, when you were going on about so-and-so … you were just joking, right?” Look at the previous two points to decide how to respond to the answer to this question.
All knowledge gleaned from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Though not a group that is focused on school or workplace violence, the NDVH’s advice about distinguishing, differentiating and clarifying potential behaviours can go a long way towards resolving a false alarm vs. a tragedy.
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On a more cheerful note, Happy Birthday, Ben! I just found out about this song last night and I dedicate it to you (and the rest of us in the same boat!): Middle Age, by Steve Forbert.
Sample lyric:
Middle age is diff’rent,
Now you’re someone else;
Now you’ve got some sense
Of how much time perhaps is left.
Middle age is central,
Now you tend to know
Not just where it’s been you’ve been,
But where you’ll likely go.
It’s another fine song brought to my attention by KPIG.