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On Civility During Community Meetings

by Jeffrey Rubin, PhD

Welcome to From Insults to Respect. Today, I came upon a NewYorkTimes article titled “Residents’ Rights to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court.” The ruling settled a conflict between the town of Southborough’s “civility code” for public comment at meetings and Ms Louise Barron who had said to a town board member, “Look, you need to stop being a Hitler. You’re a Hitler. I can say what…

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A Gone With The Wind Insult

by Jeffrey Rubin, PhD

Welcome to From insults To Respect. In several previous post we discussed suggestions for responding to insults in a positive manner. For example, we discussed Abe Lincoln’s wise approach (see HERE) and Jackie Robinson’s challenging approach (see HERE). To deepen our thinking about this issue, I am always on the lookout for these types of examples. Last night, I happened to be watching the epic 1939 film,…

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Thoughts On Paul McCartney’s Song “Who Cares”

by Jeffrey Rubin, PhD

Welcome to From Insults To Respect. Recently, I happened to be listening to Paul McCartney’s fine album, Egypt Station, and my emotions were stirred up by the straight away rocker, “Who Cares.” The first stanza, with its driving beat, sets up its theme: Did you ever get hurt by the words people say And the things that they do when they’re picking on you? Did you ever…

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How Lincoln Handled Insults

by Jeffrey Rubin, PhD

Welcome to From Insults to Respect. About nine years ago I began this blog, and one of the first sets of words that I wrote were: We have all experienced name calling, insults and teasing, even the greatest presidents, the most talented athletes, and every member of your favorite band.  If someone insults you, calls you names, or teases you, it does NOT mean that…

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