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by Julia Buckley
Did you ever have days in which you feel a bit battered by life? When you, in the midst of trying to deal with one conflict, are buffetted by another, and another?
We all sometimes feel that way.
Which is why, perhaps, this video resonates so strongly. Tell me whether it makes you want to laugh or cry.
When I first saw the video, I was terrified for the ducks, especially when even the mother, who sought to gather them, was consumed by a force larger than herself. And yet--instinctively--they go with the flow, let the wind take them where it will, and then get up.
I think about this video often; I've showed it to family, friends, students. It's a lesson in determination, acceptance, and resilience. At the end, no one is lost, order is maintained, and a family reunited.
Once I was assured that no ducks were harmed, I saw the video in an entirely different light: it made me laugh. Even thought I didn't necessarily WANT to laugh at the plight of the ducks, I do. Why?
And that brings me to the question of why we laugh at anyone's misfortune, duck or human. We do it, all the time, but why? Is it because in their folly we see our own? Or is it because we're relieved that, this time at least, it's not happening to us?
Tell me your reaction to the video! Why do you think you had it?
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6 comments:
A reminder how essential perspective and point of view are in storytelling.
I can't watch the video. I try not to laugh at the misfortunes of others, unless they're stupid crooks who trip themselves up. Most people seem to have a streak of sadism, and I try not to indulge my own too often.
True, Susan. How interesting it might be to hear the duck's take on this--maybe for her it's just a typical day. :)
Sandra, I think the video is heartening. The ducks--even the tiny ones--are so sturdy, despite their lightness.
I've seen this one before and I think my reaction was close to your. At first I was concerned but once I knew the duck were unharmed, I was amused. But I was also impressed. They got blown around, picked themselves up, and regrouped. I fear we would not have done as well.
I agree, LD--especially since it looks like such significant upheaval. I react terribly to stress, so I'm impressed by the way the duck just shakes her feathers and moves on. :)
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story. I can't believe you're not more popular because you certainly
have the gift.
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