I just wanted to share this rant I had with a friend from a big snowy city. They have a big heart but they have the same attitude most people have regarding the snow/ice storms that we have been dealing with. They scoff and mock how we handle inches when they deal with feet of snow all winter long. I tried to explain why our experience is just as bad in relevant terms. Maybe I’m wrong and they are right but I don’t know. I like to think I would feel more compassion for all of you if I were still from a big city that deals with lots more snow than we do on a regular basis.
Here’s how it started
My friend posted this message to friend from the north east.
Sending all kinds of good thoughts to my east coast friends. Hang in there! We’ve all been there multiple times this winter!
My reply was
Doriano Paisano Carta:
No good thoughts for your southern friends? I know you scoff at the amounts of snow and ice but I assure you it’s as bad as anything you guys get when you consider how ill-equipped we are when it comes to snow plows, rock salt and personnel. The Carolinas are suffering big time too now. Over 230,000 without power in GA alone.
My friend’s reply
I would never make light of your lack of snow removal trucks but D you can’t compare your weather with the number of storms Chicago and the east coast have had all winter. 12″ here. 9″ there. 12″ again. 8″ again. -30, -40, -20. It’s been non-stop for two months.
My response
Doriano Paisano Carta:
I beg to differ. It’s all relative. I grew up in NJ/NY area so I know how bad it gets and it has been just as bad here in relative terms. The attitude from northerners or people from cold cities is that we don’t deserve any sympathy because of the amount of snowfall which shouldn’t be measured in inches or feet. It’s about compassion for your fellow Man. There is serious suffering here…sick people snowed in..can’t get meds or to the ER. Good folks with 4×4 and chains are helping strangers get what they need. I guess you guys have to experience it yourself to understand.
Summary:
I guess it doesn’t really matter. It’s all about perspectives and experiences. I just found it interesting how much snobbery exists even among the best of friends when it comes to something as mundane as weather (well, until there’s a storm then all bets are off).