Feb 7, 2022·edited Feb 7, 2022Liked by Harry Shukman, Mollie Simpson, Jack Walton
Hi everyone; I just wish to clarify something. When I mentioned certain events going awry or getting aggressive, this was due to a small amount of people ruining it for the rest of us. Also some of the people might have just got a little emotional at the time, and that behaviour may not generally reflect their character as a whole. As we can all get emotional about issues we have strong opinions on. However; at worst only mean words were exchanged, nobody has been physically hurt. That said, the events I discussed were indeed a shambles and I just hope people will be more mindful about their conduct in the future.
Moreover, please let me emphasise; the VAST MAJORITY of people in the movement are decent people who come from all walks of life, all colours, religions and sexualities, they are motivated by empathy and a vision for a better country, you may see them as misguided, but their intentions come from a concern (mostly for their children's future and liberty) about government overreach and draconian policies, which is just as valid as the concern about the pandemic killing vulnerable people. Both are true and both are valid and logical concerns that caring people have.
While most of the people are motivated by good intentions; it is also sadly true that a small minority who seem to be getting more influential lately, have bad intentions, or far right agendas to push. I just hope this warning is heeded by people in the movement and they can be mindful of this hazardous potential and seek a more moderate trajectory for their activism to travel down.
Finally I am just sickened by the division which afflicts our country and our city, it's so sad and by doing this interview my hope was firstly to warn people about bad apples and potential dangers, but also to build bridges with this divided city and remind them that we're all just humans and most of us put our families before our own lives. That includes people wearing a mask or getting jabbed to protect their loved ones, just as it includes people who resort to activism because they feel fundamental freedoms are being stripped away from their children.
Please be more kind to each other and try to understand the other side; even when you disagree with what they believe in; even if you find it totally illogical. It is ok to disagree, but always remember they are human. Also be mindful that there is a hidden pandemic; the pandemic of mental illness which afflicts people in both camps - The year 2020 really devastated many people's mental health, which has sadly lead to the point we're at.
The catalyst to me changing my mind on some of these issues did not stem from people hurling abuse and vitriol my way (and through all the activism I did, I endured a fair bit of it) - No, I changed my mind because of compassionate and understanding people like Michael Marshall @Merseyside Skeptics and good doctors who parleyed with me in such a kind manner; regardless of their disagreements with my stance at the time.
Thank you Harry, for writing up this article and giving me your time. 🙏
A good informative read, conspiracy theorists. sometimes do my head in, but, they can also be decent people, who just believe in something different to many others. Life would be boring if we all thought the same things.
Hi everyone; I just wish to clarify something. When I mentioned certain events going awry or getting aggressive, this was due to a small amount of people ruining it for the rest of us. Also some of the people might have just got a little emotional at the time, and that behaviour may not generally reflect their character as a whole. As we can all get emotional about issues we have strong opinions on. However; at worst only mean words were exchanged, nobody has been physically hurt. That said, the events I discussed were indeed a shambles and I just hope people will be more mindful about their conduct in the future.
Moreover, please let me emphasise; the VAST MAJORITY of people in the movement are decent people who come from all walks of life, all colours, religions and sexualities, they are motivated by empathy and a vision for a better country, you may see them as misguided, but their intentions come from a concern (mostly for their children's future and liberty) about government overreach and draconian policies, which is just as valid as the concern about the pandemic killing vulnerable people. Both are true and both are valid and logical concerns that caring people have.
While most of the people are motivated by good intentions; it is also sadly true that a small minority who seem to be getting more influential lately, have bad intentions, or far right agendas to push. I just hope this warning is heeded by people in the movement and they can be mindful of this hazardous potential and seek a more moderate trajectory for their activism to travel down.
Finally I am just sickened by the division which afflicts our country and our city, it's so sad and by doing this interview my hope was firstly to warn people about bad apples and potential dangers, but also to build bridges with this divided city and remind them that we're all just humans and most of us put our families before our own lives. That includes people wearing a mask or getting jabbed to protect their loved ones, just as it includes people who resort to activism because they feel fundamental freedoms are being stripped away from their children.
Please be more kind to each other and try to understand the other side; even when you disagree with what they believe in; even if you find it totally illogical. It is ok to disagree, but always remember they are human. Also be mindful that there is a hidden pandemic; the pandemic of mental illness which afflicts people in both camps - The year 2020 really devastated many people's mental health, which has sadly lead to the point we're at.
The catalyst to me changing my mind on some of these issues did not stem from people hurling abuse and vitriol my way (and through all the activism I did, I endured a fair bit of it) - No, I changed my mind because of compassionate and understanding people like Michael Marshall @Merseyside Skeptics and good doctors who parleyed with me in such a kind manner; regardless of their disagreements with my stance at the time.
Thank you Harry, for writing up this article and giving me your time. 🙏
- Lewis
Thanks. A very thoughtful and well written piece.
I hope there are more people like Lewis in this strange world of mad conspiracy theories. I’m not confident!
Great article.
Lewis’s story has made it into the Guardian today. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/11/we-walked-into-a-trap-anti-vaxxers-on-life-after-conspiracy-theories?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
A good informative read, conspiracy theorists. sometimes do my head in, but, they can also be decent people, who just believe in something different to many others. Life would be boring if we all thought the same things.