This morning, I am touched by this article on the story of Mrs. Jeanson.
I remember … the child prodigy of Quebec cycling who fell in 2005 from a doping scandal. Like the majority of Quebecers, I probably judged without knowing. I am ashamed this morning to have participated in this collective judgment.
I too have been guilty of “schadenfreude” at times in my life. This German word expresses the experience of pleasure, joy or self-satisfaction in learning about or witnessing another person’s problems, failures or humiliation. This is why we, the people, devour gossip magazines. Becoming aware of it and talking about it is the first step find freedom from this destructive feeling.
Whoa! The stories we tell ourselves when we despise others…they hurt us by disconnecting ourselves from the reality and suffering of others.
Mrs. Jeanson, I sincerely apologize for having, like my fellow citizens, judged your situation hastily.
From now on, I will think twice before making a negative judgment about a person, especially on the basis of a news story.
Thank you Mrs. Jeanson for your courage.
Thank you Simon Drouin for your article.
Martin Pham Dinh 