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January 2008 
Paper Tigers (and Anchors of Optimism)
Posted on Nov 5th, 2007
by 
Lucente
Lucente
The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Paper tigers … This image was on the front page of my morning newspaper recently — and seeing it prompted me to consider my own adventures with paper tigers. So, I started writing this post … And decided today was the day to post it.
The imagery of a paper tiger: fierce in appearance — but in reality, it is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. It is merely paper; it cannot bring harm and has no true power … Except for the mental pause of seeing something that in real-life is quite threatening (and of course, the mental pause which prompts blog posts!).
More ... (Including tips for considering your own paper tigers and determining your personal anchors of optimism!)
Paper tigers … This image was on the front page of my morning newspaper recently — and seeing it prompted me to consider my own adventures with paper tigers. So, I started writing this post … And decided today was the day to post it.
The imagery of a paper tiger: fierce in appearance — but in reality, it is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. It is merely paper; it cannot bring harm and has no true power … Except for the mental pause of seeing something that in real-life is quite threatening (and of course, the mental pause which prompts blog posts!).
More ... (Including tips for considering your own paper tigers and determining your personal anchors of optimism!)
Access: Public
Yesterday my 13 year-old was stressed because of the “drama” which swirls around her junior high. Kids calling names. Gossiping. Focussing on the mini-dramas they create, instead of on their studies. She stays out of it most of the time, but yesterday someone was gossiping about one of her friends, and she intervened to speak up for him. The gossiping girls called her a bitch behind her back, but loud enough for her to hear. It's hard to have scrupples in junior high. It's hard standing up for what is right, when you fear being austrosized. I told her about “witinessing” and to view a lot of these antics for what they are. Your paper tiger post dovetails perfectly with our discussion. I will share it with her.
Oh, my … I remember age 13. Never want to relive it! ;-) I agree with you, it is difficult to have scrupples in junior high and it is difficult to do what your dear daughter did, as well. What a strong and spirited young women to stand up for her friend.
I remember not knowing what to say in response to cruel and gossiping girls … So, I often said nothing. Which, I learned later, appeared to be self-confidence. And maybe it was.
However, I certainly didn't realize it at the time. ;-)
Perhaps this is how your daughter is actually viewed: confident and loyal. And the “haters” are simply jealous of her courage. Afterall, we do know that people ridicule folks they don't understand or those who have “it” — the often nondescript and ever-changing “it” …
Either way, it is difficult to experience one's first lesson in The Crawdad Syndrome.
Lucente, What a beautiful and heart-felt response. I was going to show her your post, and now I have your comments to show her to. I'll let you know what she says.
Lucente,
This was such a great post! I have been dealing with a few of these for a long time. I am mostly a VERY optimistic person, but there are times when my paper tigers get the best of me. Thank you for this…it really put things into perspective!
Margaret: I am glad to know I am not alone. Being optimistic most of the time myself, there are times when I realize my own optimism negates proper self-care. [Um, as in sometimes my optimism leads me along the river in Egypt (deNile) and then along comes a pack o' (paper) tigers! And then I feel like I am drowning.]
However, as you shared, perspective is a good thing and is a life preserver in deep waters! It allows me to float until I get to the real issues (and push those proverbial paper tigers down under the water!).