Monsters_Inc
Banned
To Whom It May Concern:
There are all kinds of individuals go that make up our society. Individual differences are to be acknowledged and respected. Indeed, to selectively criticise the lifestyle/practises of a minority group would equate to narrow-mindedness prejudice.
People may differ by physical attributes, religious beliefs, spoken languages, cultural practises, and/or interests & hobbies. These differences do not amount to disparity. There should be no implication of one sub-group within the community being superior or inferior to another. One of the fundamental individual differences are our interests, and the hobbies that stem from our interests. Our interests are one of the most stable personality traits. That is, they are likely to remain unchanged throughout life. Eg. if you can't stand fishing now, it's unlikely 20 years from now you become an avid fisher. Indeed, the stability of this trait forms the basis of aptitude testing, the outcome of which can be a great help in finding the profession(s) for which we are likely to be suited.
This variety of people that make up the community, leads to individuals having all kinds of hobbies. But how 'strange' or 'bizarre' a person's hobby is, is highly subjective. Who are we to criticise another's hobby, when the ones we have are probably just as peculiar to others. Some hobbies can only be enjoyed at certain times or in certain places. Golf, for instance, most will agree it would be irresponsible to start practising in one's own backyard in close proximity to neighbouring houses.
One of my hobbies are flashlights/torches. I hope most people can grasp the limited enjoyment to be had if I were to engage in my hobby during daylight hours. Also, the majority of you should be familiar with the size of the typical urban backyard. You wouldn't wish to say, fly a model airplane from within your garden. While it is possible, it would be more enjoyable to go to a public park and share in the use of the wide-open space available. Likewise, my backyard is insufficient to fully appreciate the 'throw' of a projected light from the powerful handheld torches in my collection.
I am asking for a broadminded, non-judgemental attitude towards my chosen hobby. Not acceptance, or understanding. You may consider my hobby to be a joke, that's fine with me. However, I am as much a member of the community as you are. As such, I feel it is not unreasonable to share the use of public spaces in my local neighbourhood.
I am disappointed that we as a society distance ourselves from others today, to the point where we no longer take the time to get to know even our close neighbours. As a consequence, during the early hours of Friday, 7th of February, some residents of Kings Park had been so 'alarmed' as to necessitate calling the police when a fellow neighbour engages in his hobby making use the open space available at Faulkland Reserve.
While there, we were NOT engaging in any unlawful or anti-social activities. We had taken due care not to deliberately shine the lights at nearby homes, and did not create excessive noise or attract unwarranted attention to ourselves. We were not unduly disturbing the peace. We were not committing any crime, nor had any intention of committing any crime(s) against person(s) or their property. Our presence in the reserve was NOT unlawful.
Two squad cars and their accompanying officers were sent from Quakers Hill station to investigate the calls of these "concerned" residents. The officers, including Constable Hearps (the only officer's name I can now recall), were more understanding of our plight. They had acted within the bounds of their duty to the community, and I can appreciate the position they were in. They were friendly and courteous. We were dealt with justly and I would like to praise the officers for that. After the obligatory search found we were not in possession of illegal materials and were NOT engaged in any unlawful behaviour, we were left to continue our enjoyment of the park.
To my fellow neighbours, the residents of Kings Park:
Why can't YOU afford me the same freedom I offer you – the freedom to engage in whatever hobbies of your choosing in public or private grounds? If I choose to engage in a hobby that does not interfere with your life, your property or restrict your freedom, it should be my business and not become subject to police attention. My hobby does not interfere with any rights or privileges you enjoy, and does not inhibit your quality of life.
One day, perhaps during an extended blackout, you may be thankful my hobby has a practical use. If this ever occurs in the near future, I would be more than happy to lend you a light.
Regards,
Dr C. Beng T
Dr S. James A
There are all kinds of individuals go that make up our society. Individual differences are to be acknowledged and respected. Indeed, to selectively criticise the lifestyle/practises of a minority group would equate to narrow-mindedness prejudice.
People may differ by physical attributes, religious beliefs, spoken languages, cultural practises, and/or interests & hobbies. These differences do not amount to disparity. There should be no implication of one sub-group within the community being superior or inferior to another. One of the fundamental individual differences are our interests, and the hobbies that stem from our interests. Our interests are one of the most stable personality traits. That is, they are likely to remain unchanged throughout life. Eg. if you can't stand fishing now, it's unlikely 20 years from now you become an avid fisher. Indeed, the stability of this trait forms the basis of aptitude testing, the outcome of which can be a great help in finding the profession(s) for which we are likely to be suited.
This variety of people that make up the community, leads to individuals having all kinds of hobbies. But how 'strange' or 'bizarre' a person's hobby is, is highly subjective. Who are we to criticise another's hobby, when the ones we have are probably just as peculiar to others. Some hobbies can only be enjoyed at certain times or in certain places. Golf, for instance, most will agree it would be irresponsible to start practising in one's own backyard in close proximity to neighbouring houses.
One of my hobbies are flashlights/torches. I hope most people can grasp the limited enjoyment to be had if I were to engage in my hobby during daylight hours. Also, the majority of you should be familiar with the size of the typical urban backyard. You wouldn't wish to say, fly a model airplane from within your garden. While it is possible, it would be more enjoyable to go to a public park and share in the use of the wide-open space available. Likewise, my backyard is insufficient to fully appreciate the 'throw' of a projected light from the powerful handheld torches in my collection.
I am asking for a broadminded, non-judgemental attitude towards my chosen hobby. Not acceptance, or understanding. You may consider my hobby to be a joke, that's fine with me. However, I am as much a member of the community as you are. As such, I feel it is not unreasonable to share the use of public spaces in my local neighbourhood.
I am disappointed that we as a society distance ourselves from others today, to the point where we no longer take the time to get to know even our close neighbours. As a consequence, during the early hours of Friday, 7th of February, some residents of Kings Park had been so 'alarmed' as to necessitate calling the police when a fellow neighbour engages in his hobby making use the open space available at Faulkland Reserve.
While there, we were NOT engaging in any unlawful or anti-social activities. We had taken due care not to deliberately shine the lights at nearby homes, and did not create excessive noise or attract unwarranted attention to ourselves. We were not unduly disturbing the peace. We were not committing any crime, nor had any intention of committing any crime(s) against person(s) or their property. Our presence in the reserve was NOT unlawful.
Two squad cars and their accompanying officers were sent from Quakers Hill station to investigate the calls of these "concerned" residents. The officers, including Constable Hearps (the only officer's name I can now recall), were more understanding of our plight. They had acted within the bounds of their duty to the community, and I can appreciate the position they were in. They were friendly and courteous. We were dealt with justly and I would like to praise the officers for that. After the obligatory search found we were not in possession of illegal materials and were NOT engaged in any unlawful behaviour, we were left to continue our enjoyment of the park.
To my fellow neighbours, the residents of Kings Park:
Why can't YOU afford me the same freedom I offer you – the freedom to engage in whatever hobbies of your choosing in public or private grounds? If I choose to engage in a hobby that does not interfere with your life, your property or restrict your freedom, it should be my business and not become subject to police attention. My hobby does not interfere with any rights or privileges you enjoy, and does not inhibit your quality of life.
One day, perhaps during an extended blackout, you may be thankful my hobby has a practical use. If this ever occurs in the near future, I would be more than happy to lend you a light.
Regards,
Dr C. Beng T
Dr S. James A
