Traditions – are they useful?

This month’s Therapists in Conversation had a play with this topic.  If you fancy watching to see where the conversation went – you can find it here : Therapists in Conversation Episode 36

The conversation meandered around the way the workplace is changing, we touched on growing our own food and whether old songs and children’s books now need to be reworded. 

So – are traditions useful?

Some traditions are now outdated and perhaps no longer appropriate for example:

• Gender-based roles – e.g. teaching and care giving roles vs roles in engineering/technology – I may have been in the minority when I worked in IT but I was thankfully far from the only woman in the building!
• Physical punishment – I’m thinking its probably a good thing that children are no longer disciplined physically!
• Racism – from off hand comments that were deemed ‘amusing’ to excluding ‘non white’ people from areas of the workforce

It’s important to remember that traditions are not set in stone – they can be changed and thankfully they do change as society changes.  And consistently moving towards equality regardless of gender, skin tone, religion, sexuality or any other ‘difference’ to the norm (and by norm – I mean ‘traditionally’ the person in charge deciding on the ‘rules’).

Meanwhile – to wrap up on helpful and/or enjoyable traditions (with a Scottish slant):

• Parties (if you enjoy that sort of thing) – whether it’s for birthdays, engagements, weddings, christenings, house warmings, retirements, the opening of an envelope… 😉
• Hogmanay – a big one originating in Scotland to celebrate New Year with friends and family.
• Burns Night – for some an opportunity for a dinner and a dance and for others just to eat haggis!
• Tartan – I don’t know about you – but I think a kilt looks way smarter than a suit (maybe I just like bright colours!)

What’s one of your favourite traditions? And are there any that you would rather would slip away never to be seen again?

If you or anyone you know might like to join the panel on a Therapists in Conversation recording, please do get in touch – we are recording the next episode on the 31st.