Letters: Mockery is cruel and builds no bridges

Mockery is not useful dialogue - it's cruel and builds no bridges, writes one reader. Photo / Getty Images

I read the Okay Boomer editorial by Sonya Bateson (Opinion, November 11).

It left me feeling sad. I realise that by responding, it gives you ammunition to say ... see, I told you they would hit back.

But your editorial was not edifying, just one that showed bitterness of one generation to another.

Mockery is not useful dialogue - it's cruel and builds no bridges.

Surprisingly, most seniors are vitally aware of climate change and do what we can to minimise impact on our shared environment. We are okay with technology and changes in patterns of living.

Nor do we take any pleasure in others' challenges.

Take a moment to look around and notice all the seniors who are volunteering in your community or at service groups such as Lions.

Cast an eye at the next school you pass at 3pm and notice all the grandparents collecting their mokopuna, a small job which enables parents to pursue a career and help, or provide, a family income.

We do not call you snowflake. We do not have a tit-for-tat philosophy. Life is too short for that. Rather, we have a live and let live attitude. Perhaps you could give it a go.

(Abridged)

Valerie Stocks
Pāpāmoa

Free speech is still legal - just

I think Peter Day, (Letters, November 6) needs reminding that New Zealand is a democracy and free speech is still legal - just.

However, when a government ignores the wishes of 80 per cent of the population to outlaw administering corporal punishment to your own children and a councillor is advised to step down because he says what he thinks, one wonders how long democracy will survive here.

I wonder how ridiculous Dey thinks the Hong Kong protesters were, or those who mysteriously or sometimes publicly vanish when they disagree with the government as happens in certain other countries.

To roll over and just agree with the law is easy when it discriminates in your favour.

(Abridged)

Ian Young
Pāpāmoa

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