Innate objects evoke emotions.
The sight of a magnolia or camellia blossom makes me homesick, as does a picture of Spanish moss. My memories of home -- Louisiana -- are, at least superficially, pleasant. I don't initially remember the hot, sticky weather or the mosquitoes incessant plague. Nor do I immediately think of the red bugs (called chiggers up here) and the resultant itching.
I used to love mimosa trees when I was a child. My brothers and I climbed the trees which were much easier than pecan trees. Their limbs were usually low and the bark was smooth. But, my mother hated the trees. The pollen made her sneeze and the fluffy pink flowers turned brown and littered the yard creating extra yard work.
Some of my grandchildren love to play with the cats and dogs. But, one day, one brought a friend and he began to sneeze. Turns out he's allergic to cats.
Same stimulus with different responses.
Some people are terrified of storms and quake at the sight of lightning or sound of thunder. A storm alert throws them into a tizzy. Others find them stimulating and love to watch the power unleashed.
There is nothing necessarily good or bad in an innate object.
A hammer can be a tool or a weapon, as can a knife, gun, needle. Almost everything can be used for good or for evil.
Too often people want to outlaw or restrict innate objects instead of addressing the root of the problem.
With many additional demands on my time and energy this past six months, I've neglected my gardens. The weeds are almost more prolific than the plants I want. One cool summer morning I dedicated time to eradicating those weeds. I worked and worked and the result was weed-free garden beds with the desired plants showing off above the nice brown mulch. But, neglect has once again shown it is destructive. Weeds came back more quickly than I've been able to pull them. My son used the weedeater to cut some of the weeds off at ground level, but the roots remained and they returned almost more abundantly.
To solve a problem, we must address the root of the problem, not just the visible portion of it.
•••
Editor's note: Annette Beard is the managing editor of The Times of Northeast Benton County, chosen the best small weekly newspaper in Arkansas for five of the past six years.
Editorial on 08/23/2017