Here Are 4 Ways We’re Accidentally Teaching Kids That Consent Doesn't Matter

[Shankapotomus]

19. How would this non-greeting philosophy play out in RL?

Would it be okay for a diplomat to refuse a handshake or greeting of their counterpart from another country?

I mean, if it really does make sense in the child's world, it would have to make sense in the adult world. But I don't see this working without basic cordiality between people eventually breaking down.

I can understand hugs and kisses but a handshake or even a greeting is too much? I know in other cultures a greeting between new acquaintances is not always necessary and still be inoffensive but I don't see how not at least giving someone the acknowledgement of existence would not be considered by anyone as a little insulting here.

I mean, are we a social species or not? If we are I would think that would entail retaining at least one symbolic gesture of civility and acknowledgment toward each other. It doesn't have to be a lot or particularly demanding. But given that there is such a negative connotation to being ignored, no matter who you are, shouldn't there be something?

If every verbal greeting is to be treated as a possible precursor to abuse, we might as well pack it in as a civilization right now.

How about we still greet each other but if someone we've greeted behaves in any way weird or intrusive after that, then we can be suspicious and withdraw contact?

It sounds like this article was written from the perspective of someone who may have been abused, who still is dealing with the trauma of it and who is looking back on the experience in hindsight and thinking "If only I never said 'hello' to uncle joe this would have never happened."