Editor 
‘Tell it like it is’ is a collection of (often) angry op-ed letters from various sources, some real and some highly questionable. But they amused us, so we posted them.
I’m getting really sick of seeing physical or verbal altercations downtown lately. I’m triggered by any kind of aggression, which of course people should already know because most of us are pacifists – right?
Crazy people will yell, Audi drivers will try to run you over at crosswalks on advance turns at intersections, people will stand much too close to you – deal with it. It’s part of being in a big city, let alone the best one in the world: Toronto! It’s the price to pay for living here, and I’m tired of people coming in from other places and defending themselves like where they came from. Don’t they know watching people yell or scuffle is DEEPLY traumatizing?
I know that sounds racist, or sexist, and maybe it is, but that’s not as bad as exposing the public to the severe trauma of watching people in states of conflict. I mean, Mom yelled at Dad once when I was five, and even after nine years of therapy I’m still scarred by it. I’ll get over it eventually, because Therapy Fixes Everything – maybe these overreacting toxic males should try it?
I’m tired of the needless aggression of guys who can’t just deal with the crazies or the personal space invaders. Every big Western city functions EXACTLY like this – do you think New Yorkers don’t suck it up and take it? I was bullied in high school, so were most of us, but in our civilized society we realize that the bullies are usually the real victims.
Haven’t these overly defensive males – and it’s always males, females are NEVER violent – ever heard of mental health issues or substance addiction? Can’t they just be the bigger men and deal with the abuse? Most of these men were likely abusers at some point anyhow, as it’s not like men aren’t inherently violent, especially those who grew up on contact sports or violent video games.
I’m so glad that most of us have our conflicts digitally now like proper adults, instead of shouting or brawling in the streets. It’s so much better that my young son can argue with people whenever he likes on socials, instead of just ‘throwing hands’ behind the gymnasium after school. I’d much rather he get The Poison out in a civilized manner by lashing out at people online. So much better that way – I’d hate for him to get into martial arts, or worse yet some horrible death metal band like Five Finger Death Punch.
On a side note, metal shouldn’t even be a thing anymore. How passe! We’ve evolved into more minimalist expression with music that literally anyone can play, and it’s so much better for everyone now. But enough about awful metallic noise, it’s all about the new wave of super-feminist pop now – accessible to all, much slower and easier to digest.
Passive aggressive is the only aggressive worth a damn, and it levels the playing field so we can all be on equal terms. This is Canada, where we apologize all the time, so it’s not like we don’t cover our bases. It’s ok to mess up, as long as you say sorry. So lighten up boys! The next time someone punches in you in the back of the head on transit, or nearly cripples you while trying to save a few seconds on their drivetime commute, just be compassionate, and think of how stressed that person may be, and how bad their day is.
If you leave the house with a defensive mentality, then you bring the conflict upon yourself. Let your guard down for once, and if someone violates your boundaries, get used to it – all you men do it to us ALL. THE. TIME.
Yours in love and light,
- Nancy Northcott.
PS. That Nero guy on your website is awful, please cancel him PRONTO. No male should ever be allowed to talk that much. He sounds like he needs a cuddle, perhaps some hot cocoa and an Imagine Dragons record.
Byeee!
