Many years ago, there was a popular bumper-sticker in the
UK:
Be Alert . . . Britain needs Lerts
I was reminded of this the other day whilst seeking the
advice of my local computer shop: faced with a new PC I was re-installing all my
favourite programs and, in downloading the Firefox browser had inadvertently
also downloaded some ad-ware: persistent pop-up ads. We had agreed how alert we
have to be for things that are not what they seem; how aware we need to be of
potential deception and how ready to take decisive action against those with ulterior
motives.
Whether it’s bullying from a colleague, aggressive door-to-door
or telephone salesmen, IT based spams or scams, we are pretty much all exposed,
day-in-day-out to individuals driven to get one over on us. Whether we like it
or not, we have to be constantly on our guard against those for whom co-operation
and compassion are alien concepts. If we were to look at the background of such
individuals, at their upbringing, we would probably find reasons galore for their
attitudes and behavior. There may be selfish genes at work, but it is almost
certainly conditioning and circumstances that have taken hold of the ‘survival
of the fittest’ motivation and run with it. They probably had little choice. In
the same circumstances we, you or I, may have done the same.
But, as any fan of
Disney or Pixar animations will affirm, it is possible to overcome the tyrant,
the evil witch . . . or their real-life equivalent, whatever form they may
take: physical or virtual. Courage and compassion, we know, deep down, will win
out in the end. Somehow we have to be a-lert to cunning plans, aware of selfish
intent and stand-up for the greater good. It’s often not easy, but we owe it to
those who have given their lives for such causes.
On this Remembrance Day, as we reflect on the courage and
sacrifice of those who have had to fight real, physical wars, we might ask ‘how
can we best show our respect, solidarity and gratitude?’ By being alert, by showing
compassion; by being firm . . . . but kind.
Keith Beasley: www.onereality.co.uk
Key words: remembrance,
war, compassion, spam, scam, ad-ware, love, respect, solidarity, courage,
alert, aware, Firefox, pop-ups, ads
