Sound Spectrum & 4th of July

Sound Spectrum & 4th of July

[LOUD image] v [megaphone on ear image] ?

In our black/white world when it comes to the 4th of July, two camps have entrenched—those who can absorb and like loud sound (“loudsters”), and those who cannot (“quieters)”—especially the highly sensitive who are the spectrum opposites of big base-thumping, car-revving, and gear-head loudsters. Each are inclined to bellow a right/wrong toward each camp leaving us in an endless, destructive loop. “Loudsters” say, “get over it, you’re too sensitive” to the “quieters” who retort, “why can’t you understand, you neanderthal!” I’m learning that we’re a sound spectrum, not the angry-filled “either/or”. We’re a mix of those who like more degrees of loud or more degrees of quiet. For me, loud sounds in general are painful, going well beyond annoyance. Yet, I now apologize to the “loudsters”…

Lord knows we all need a reason for release and joy in our pressure-cooker world. The “loudsters” are entitled to their time. Problem is, 4th of July isn’t just one day (hard enough for me). It’s a season. The highly sensitive such as PTSD veterans who go stir-crazy re-living life-threatening flashback moments, many elderly dealing with the fright and deep challenges of chronic-illness aging, those born highly sensitive (me) high-wired animals etc. more than cringe. The “quieters” (especially the highly sensitive), whatever their ilk, feel pain.

I hope all voices can be honored—we all exist.

I’m learning to lessen the shouting enough to seek that which helps all. A state law or at least an ordinance allowing July 3rd and 4th as firecracker/works time may be reasonable to most voices. Problem is, that would ding profiteers (whatever sensitivity). Meanwhile, I’d encourage city hall to do an effective advertising campaign to inform the more sensitized of Noise Reduction Rating #32 ear plugs (not the drug-store kind)and/or sound-muffs that effectively dull the blasts. For me, I’ve discovered sound reducing audio headsets, where background sounds are reduced and I can play music that soothes me. If anything, the R.O.P.D. would be happier to receive less nuisance calls. And consider an anti-anxiety plan and/or drug for your furry friends.

Sue E. Fabian