We all know real aggression and it’s unpleasant

I don’t know anyone who approves of rudeness, though obviously there are people who are guilty of it. Maybe they don’t realise their behaviour is rude. Anyway, I’m not sure how many words we need to describe it.

On Drivetime (RTÉ Radio 1 Thursday) there was a largely tongue-in-cheek discussion of ‘microaggressions’ – including eye-rolling and interruption. In a way I was glad that presenters Cormac Ó hEeadhra and Sarah McInerney didn’t take it too seriously.

Included in the discussion was the rather more serious issue of ‘unconscious bias’. They were discussing the matter with career psychologist Prof. Sinead Brady who had all the appropriate lingo – ‘micro-aggressions’, related to ‘unconscious bias’, were ‘intersectional’, were examples of ‘epiphenomenon’ or ‘empty signifiers’ – cue ‘wow!’ from Cormac Ó hEadhra.

Strangely, though you can be rude to anyone, micro-aggressions were “small subtle behaviours … intentional or unintentional used to communicate bias towards marginalised groups”. As the jargon flowed, Sinead was hesitant – “I want to be very careful about my language here”. True, if you’re into minefields, you have to be careful how you walk through them. You might get more than micro-aggro for your trouble.

Curiously, if interruptions fitted the descriptions, then even to say ‘sorry, go ahead and speak’ could be a micro-aggression. Cue loud sigh from Sarah McInerney – “It’s a minefield,” she said.

Sometimes I feel people have too much time on their hands. Yet, in this age of fragility, it is more important than ever to be kind and respectful. How about this advice: ‘Don’t be rude to anyone!’ – uncomplicated.

Another point occurred to me – we all know what real aggression is, and it’s not pleasant to be on the receiving end of it. Extending the meaning to behaviours like eye-rolling robs the word of its meaning, and it’s not the only word to be re-defined out of useful existence.

The political situation in Northern Ireland has been marked by real aggression. The peace process was brought about by courageous leaders and peacemakers but since then some leaders on all sides have taken dangerous risks with its stability. Last weekend hope was renewed with an agreement that should see the political institutions re-established.

Last Monday was not a public holiday in the North so the work continued. On Late Breakfast (Newstalk) UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was reported as describing a “fantastic cause for optimism”.

Journalist Fionnán Sheahan spoke of “a significant historic day”. There are now two women in charge, with a First Minister from a Catholic and Nationalist background. I’m not sure how much religion figures anymore, unless as a primarily cultural-political thing.

Last Monday on BBC News some second level students spoke about the political and religious issues. One had a message for the leaders: “you’re there to solve problems, not create them”.

The situation for religious persecution is infinitely worse in places like North Korea and Nigeria, but this doesn’t figure large in Western media. Vaticano (EWTN, Sunday) referenced a report from the Open Doors organisation which said that over half the world’s population lived in countries with severe religious persecution. Christians especially faced “existential threats” from Government bodies and other entities.

Journalists were among those persecuted, an issue raised at a recent gathering of Catholic journalists in Lourdes. Their mission to speak the truth often landed them in trouble, especially if reporting on crime or terrorism. Pope Francis encouraged them to continue to report, especially from war torn regions, as direct personal contact helps to reveal the “absurdity” of war.

Finally, I wrote extensively last week about the upcoming referenda, but it’s worth drawing attention to the Brendan O’Connor Show (RTE Radio 1 Saturday). It involved two interviews rather than a debate.

The presenter spoke with author Katriona O’Sullivan who favoured a YesYes. She wanted recognition and other rights in the Constitution for families not based on marriage. She referenced her own blended family, so much of her contributions were very personal – effective in swaying voters but not necessarily geared towards the best public policy.

Up next we had writer and commentator Maria Steen, arguing for a NoNo. She did not favour erasing the words ‘woman’, ‘mother’ and ‘home’ from the relevant articles. Even under the current articles some women felt they were being forced out to work from ‘economic necessity’ – not a problem with the law itself but with successive governments that have “failed to follow through”.

Worth listening back!

PICK OF THE WEEK

SONGS OF PRAISE
BBC One Sunday, February 11, 1.15pm

For World Day of the Sick, stories of faith and hope from Christians who are unwell and their carers. Includes the story of the Christian founder of the modern hospice movement, Dame Cicely Saunders.

CALLED AND CHOSEN – FR VINCENT R. CAPODANNO
EWTN Sunday, February 11, 9pm

Docu-drama about the life and ministry of Fr Vincent R Capodanno, a US Navy Chaplain who was killed on September 4, 1967 who gave his life trying to minister to a fallen soldier during the Vietnam War.