Lend a Helping Hand!

We received several emails the past few weeks from letterboxers who feel misunderstood and outcast for various reasons. One of them really affected us and made us stop and reflect.

This boxer had a shaky start on a few of the talk lists when they authored a post that didn't sound quite kosher. In no time, this newbie was jumped on like the proverbial pigpile as more and more people heaped a bunch of ill will on this person. It didn't take long for the flame to begin. Being the optimist, this boxer attended a gathering and was shunned and left to box along. Now they do their own thing and feel left out of the community.

When this boxer emailed me, I didn't exactly remember what had happened but I distinctly remember a flame was involved! Well, this boxer told me that they are mentally challenged and those posts that sounded wrong were not meant to be that way on purpose. This boxer was a child of an abuser and didn't need a rash of hate posts that followed.

Maybe I'm being a softie or expecting too much from letterboxers but isn't it easier to treat a new person with respect and give them the benefit of the doubt before we attack them? As we have tried to point out, their posts could be colored by a past that they don't wish to share; but one that affects their daily life. Don't they have as much right to post and become active letterboxers? As a community, shouldn't we be more caring and accepting of those that really need the help and nurturing?

Let's face it - letterboxing mirrors society as a whole. We have our share of comedians, do-gooders, ambassador and even crabs and trolls. And yes, we even have some members that are mentally challenged. Is one segment of our boxing society more important than another? We think not - it's that blend of good and wackiness; the boxing ying and yang, that keeps this game ever interesting.

Maybe offering goodwill isn't what this hobby is about. But tell Dogs with Wings or Desi and Darren, who were supported by this community when hard times came their way. We should be open to emotional support as well.

Every person has a side that, once we open ourselves to accept them, becomes evident. I haven't, in our 55 years, met a person who didn't have a side of them that made them special. All I can think of is that song from long ago - "Everyone is Beautiful" and the song goes on to say "in their own way." What beauty are you missing by not opening yourselves to someone in this hobby?

By the way - do you like these photos in this article? We think they're great. And by the way - they were taken by that mentally challenged boxer we've been talking about.

Pretty cool, huh? Did we make our point?
Just get out there and show some boxing love~