Cory Richards

Cory Richards Instagram – READ CAPTION // I’ve had a few people suggest that some of my chapters should come with “trigger warnings” To put it bluntly: No. As much as this post ironically seems to accomplish that goal, it’s not that. Like everything, the whole idea of trigger warnings exists on a long spectrum. Of course we should let people know if we’re about to abruptly show them atrocities, death, or extreme violence. So yeah, they have a place. But are they actually helpful to the degree that they’re thrown around these days? Research suggests there is no reduction in anxiety, fear, or negative emotions when trigger warnings are offered. I understand the argument of giving people a choice of whether or not they want to engage in hard content, but we actually need triggers. They are full of information on the pieces of us that need attention. Providing safe spaces (healthy) is not the same as attempting to avoid difficult emotions (unhealthy). Being chased by a bear is not the same as being reminded of getting chased by a bear. Yes, the fight or flight response is the same, but the real life implications aren’t and it’s our individual responsibility to resolve those stress responses. Triggers help build the capacity to hold emotions and build ‘antifragility’ (Nassim Taleb). It’s arguable that trigger warnings are antithetical (even anti therapeutic) on the road to overcoming trauma as they build a framework in which trauma remains to hold power. Rather than being mindfully confronted, emotions are avoided which does nothing long term for growth. In story and in life, growth tends to happen at crisis points. Something needs to trigger us in order to generate curiosity about our pain or fear, address it, and let it go. A society of eggshells ends up in pieces. So no…No trigger warnings for The Color Of Everything. Pre-order now at link in bio. | Posted on 05/Apr/2024 23:13:27