If we're lucky, at some point along life's journey we realize that those strong emotions we like to blame on others are actually only our own. Other people can't really "make" us feel any particular way (as in, he "made" me so mad.) People can do or say things that trigger or provoke us, awakening strong feelings and emotions that consequentially cause us to say or do things (maybe things we regret), but ultimately we are the only ones who can control what we're thinking and feeling. More specifically, I am in control of my emotions. You are in control of yours.
That said, if every woman were to stab every man who ever looked at her lustfully in a bar, there'd be a lot of women behind bars.
Nanaimo born Scott Jones, guilty only of trying to come to terms with his own sexuality, admits to sending a vibe to a guy in a bar. That guy, I'm guessing, felt things he didn't like feeling, for whatever reason. He might have said, to himself, "hmm ... interesting ... I'm feeling this thing and it's provoking these thoughts. But these are my feelings and my thoughts. That guy, who looked at me, isn't responsible for my feelings and thoughts. I have no reason to hate him." Unfortunately, that guy didn't have the guidance or training or understanding to think those thoughts. That guy felt something powerful that inspired him to stab, and nearly kill, Scott Jones.
It's just lucky that Scott Jones didn't tell the court that he had looked at that guy in that way in that bar that night. Imagine the line of questioning that would have followed: "what were you wearing, how many other times have you been at that bar by yourself," etc.
Haters gonna hate. If only we could figure out why, and help them, and stop it. Love, Scott is a good place to start.
Directed by Laura Marie Wayne, one of Scott's best friends, Love, Scott screens Monday February 4th at 6:00 pm at Parkside and Wednesday February 6th at 9:15 pm at the Capitol Six. You can buy your tickets here.
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