“Mockery when done without prejudice or discretion, can be a form of respect. It's the closest we'll ever come to true equality.”
"“Mockery when done without prejudice or discretion, can be a form of respect. It's the closest we'll ever come to true equality.” - Paul Neilan"
In this quote by Paul Neilan, the idea that mockery can be a form of respect is presented in a thought-provoking manner. By suggesting that mocking others without prejudice or discretion could be a way to achieve true equality, Neilan challenges conventional notions of respect and equality. This quote prompts readers to reconsider their understanding of these concepts and the complexities inherent in human relationships and interactions.
In today's society, the idea of using mockery as a form of respect may seem counterintuitive. However, Paul Neilan's quote brings to light the concept that when done without prejudice or discretion, mockery can actually promote equality. This perspective sheds light on the potential benefits of satire and humor in addressing social issues and challenging power dynamics.
Reflect on the quote by Paul Neilan and consider the following questions:
“But really it’s condescending and patronizing not to make fun of someone because they’re old or stupid or crippled or morbidly obese. Banged up people don’t want your pity. They just want to be treated like everyone else. Mockery, when done without prejudice or discretion, can be a form of respect. It’s the closest we’ll ever come to true equality.”
“It’s real hard to come off as even slightly superior when you’re living a Tom and Jerry episode.”
“Buy it for the lady who’s about to become your mother-in-law, the one who’s already trying to control your life and the lives of the three children she’s already pressuring you to have. Give her the book one day out of nowhere, just as a nice surprise, and when she hugs you, calmly whisper: “Don’t fuck with me, Ellen. Don’t even think about it. Ever.” Then smile at her like everything is wonderful. Because from now on, it will be.”
“I’d never actually talked to a deaf person before but I’d been swimming and gotten water stuck in my ears lots of times, felt that underwater silence as I shook my head and watched people’s mouths moving without hearing the words, so I knew what it was like for her. I could empathize.”
“The fan was spinning and as the shadows passed over the white ceiling I let my eyes unfocus until all of it looked like a universe being born or a planet unraveling, some creation or catastrophe depending on which way gravity was going and where you were standing. So instead of Elizabeth Taylor I thought about stars and how little I knew about them, and how if I was an explorer and I had to sail a boat across the ocean without rador or an electronic compass I’d be screwed because the only constellations I knew were the Big Dipper and Little Dipper and I always got them confused. And even though I knew I’d never have to sail that boat I still wished I knew more about stars and other things. And I wished I could remember lying in the back yard as a kid with my hands locked behind my head, looking up at the night sky and dreaming. But I couldn’t, because it wasn’t something I ever did. It would have been a nice memory though”
“at first I thought you were just using me" she said"I definitely am." I just wasn't sure for what."Asshole!" she said, and punched me in the side. And she laughed as my kidney began to hemorrhage.That's the beauty of honesty. Everyones so unused to hearing it they just assume you're kidding, and you get to feel very good and forthcoming without suffering any consequences except for traces of blood in your urine for the next day or two.”