I used to be a member of the moneysavingexpert.com site forums until I was banned for telling the right wing trolls, rather unceremoniously, where to go. Aside from the appalling level of fascist (there's no more apt a descriptor) trolling it's a decent enough forum. There are just too few sensibly minded individuals. However I occasionally visit the benefit discussion forums; consequently I discovered this fine example of the thinking of idiots.
Now how can the JC expect someone to accept a jobwhere they have to walk 13 miles home after a shift? This is patently absurd. Yet the high minded keyboard judiciary that dominate both that site and, increasingly it seems, the national mood seem to believe that's perfectly reasonable, and that being sanctioned as a result of refusing such conditions is perfectly acceptable. I don't think it is. More and more we are racing to the bottom. More and more we are being compelled, by means of such insidious standards, to accept these kinds of ridiculous standards. 13 miles is a half marathon! Expecting people to just take that in their stride is bonkers, plain bonkers. If that's the only work available then why should the individual be penalised for it because he can't do it? Ridiculous.
What annoyed me the most is the mention of a 'can do attitude'. Yet again the great and the good use simple minded platitudes to dominate discussion while simultaneously dismissing it: 'pull your socks up' and 'stop feeling sorry for yourself'. We've all heard these things (well I certainly have!) time and time again. They mean nothing; they are empty statements whose sole purpose isn't to inspire by deign of tough love, but to dismiss you. People can't face the reality of the circumstances of another it seems. These people cannot accept this individual just can't do this job and that penalising him - far from being productive - is equally unreasonable, so they dismiss it. Out of hand; 'you need a can do attitude'.
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