This is in response to a Readers’ Forum letter (“Letter: My family celebrated Biden’s victory — and our neighbors threatened us,” Nov. 23). The author mentioned that while she and her family were out in front of their home celebrating Joe Biden’s presidential win, several people were rude to them. The family was cheering and “banged on pots and pans, and celebrated into the night,” as the children paraded up and down the street holding Biden/Harris signs. One passerby spat at them and another lifted his shirt, exposing a gun.
Both of these reactions were wildly inappropriate. But while nobody likes a sore loser, there is also much to be said for a gracious winner. When one wins an election or contest of any kind, it is always wise to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. While you are thrilled by your success, those who lost may feel bitter disappointment. Rubbing your victory in their faces is inconsiderate — and in this election year, possibly dangerous. Learning to be gracious in victory as well as defeat is an important life skill that we can all benefit from.
Geanie Roake
South Jordan