Recently learned that it appears to be axiomatic to say that what people intend is less important, or less meaningful, than the impact of what they say or do. It seems to be an a priori assumption taken to be the truth, under whose logical apparatus any critique is a defense of the right to call someone “overly sensitive.”
No one seriously suggests that intent is more important than impact — that would be patently ridiculous. But to aver the opposite, and brook no dissent on the question, would be equally absurd, no? I’m honestly wrestling with the idea that the outcome matters more than the plan that led to it. Why does it? Just assume it is the case. Okay.
Maybe the harsh reality is some people are too sensitive, or maybe that observation is taboo now. (As a thin-skinned person at times, I resemble that remark.) It has been in vogue to be “intentional” and have good “intention,” making this phenomenon even stranger. Not going to universalize this, but that is how it looks to me.
As always, with most nearly anything, I could be wrong, so if you want, please let me know why the foregoing is misguided, clueless, or deficient so I can grow and be a better person. Honestly, that is my intent with this post. Used to think that we have no control over how our words and actions affect others, but now I’m confused.
Likewise, it has been fashionable to believe that we cannot actually make anyone feel anything, or that we are not responsible for how we make others feel, but perhaps that is all incorrect. It is really interesting to witness social mores changing so rapidly in real-time, not knowing where they’re going next. Is this the road to heaven?
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