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So I will break the trend here and speak about my feelings after today's attacks after certain people retweeted me. I'm not worried about the insults anymore, or the threats, that's fine. I'm even over people saying I'm a shit doctor, they don't know me and its only 1/2 true
But what does get to me is the fact that being a target of displacement entails knowing that people are so fed up and angry over COVID19 and the lockdowns (which are necessary to save lives,) that they would attack a doctor for trying to help.
None of us are perfect, that okay, that's normal. And the usual 'you are a paid shill, etc etc etc' will never go away, and is never true either. Its more that people are so needing of something they can hurt to show their pain, that I become the target, or another like me.
These commentators know what they are doing. They know they are setting me up for abuse. They may believe in what they are saying, and some of it may have merit, but they say it knowing it will hurt someone. Worse, they say it not knowing how many it may harm.
Im quite used to this by now, I bring it on myself. But I won't pretend its okay, or that it doesn't hit me. I work hard to help people, and that means trusting them, putting my neck out, and also knowing I may lose. I am okay with that, the whole #NHS are.
But these people lose nothing. Hate is a great motivator to drive engagement. Providing a target (oh he is a rich doctor etc etc,) gives people someone to hate, someone they can take their anger out on. It makes them feel better, I get that. I forgive them for it.
But what I will suggest is that it doesn't solve the underlying issue, which is one where we are unhappy because there is a pandemic killing our friends and family. Yelling at a psych doctor because a radio journalist slagged him off won't help that. It may make you feel better.
But hey, if I can feel shit for a few days to give a few thousand people a few minutes happiness then its okay right? No, it isn't. But that's the way of the world. So carry on as you were, but think about it.
And to the subtweeted, I really hope you stay well. We may have our political disagreements, but you are a human being and have the same rights as me. Keep safe. Just try to be less abusive of the people who are working to keep you safe. We aren't here to be abused.
