Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rainbows Are Stupid And Boring
I know a non-verbal, autistic boy named Bernie who signs "I'm sorry" right before he tries to hit you in the face. People make fun of Bernie; they claim that the unorthodox timing of his apologies reveals not only his confusion but also his lack of sincerity. But I always appreciate his silent expressions of empathy, and not merely because they're so useful in helping one to brace for/defend against the outburst to come. Indeed, to me it is post-trespass contrition that seems so facile.
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On the other hand, you can't know for sure if the sorry is post-trespass or pre-trespass. He could be apologizing for a previous attempt and then, upon recollecting that attempt, decides to try again.
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