As stated in the Rules
You know them as taboo topics. Subjects OFF LIMITS if we have any intention of aspiring to the heights of the non-offending , tolerant, thoughtful, and un-bloodied.
It doesn’t require the mind of Solomon to figure out the wisdom in this accustomed rule. A few heated venom spewing, flame throwing wars disagreements are all that’s necessary to get the gist.
Not an especially surprising revelation, since, if we’re being honest, isn’t it true that very few of us encourage, appreciate, or respond well to unsolicited opinions, blatant know-it-all-isms, or bossy-pants directives? We make the effort to play fair with the expectation that the courtesy will be returned in kind. Sure, we waver now and again when logic and passion collide to cloud our thinking with the needling pain of a bad toothache. But nevertheless, we understand to hold our tongues, barring the occasional lecture served up over the supper table, where our nearest and dearest are obliged held at fork point to listen to our rants if they have any hope of our passing the meatloaf before hell freezes over.
It all happens so innocently
We’re still nursing the morning cup, scrolling through the recent scoops on Facebook: amusing quips, pet photos, drama queen updates — when all at once –we see it — The Bait.
HUH??? What? What the …. How rude! And WRONG. Crap. What a boob.
You scroll away.
But then you’re back. You can’t help it. Just for the sake of curiosity. No harm in skimming through the handful of comments posted by those not so politically correct or courteous as you.
Seriously? Ridiculous.
Scroll away.
Back.
You’ve got to be kidding? No rational person would ever agree with something so idiotic. Ten *Likes*? TEN people LIKE this outlandish baloney? What brand of lunacy would inspire anyone to agree with this load of steaming, reeking poo? There must be someone out there in possession of a working brain. So where are they? Why aren’t they saying something? Why isn’t someone responding to this insane realignment of fact?
The truth is
While we might be occasionally successful in stiffing our opinions, it’s our hardcore convictions that consistently pop the lid off the box. At which point, expressing The Real Deal feels all-consuming essential in the face of blatantly heinous misconceptions.
Because, no exaggeration, when it comes to _______ and _________, I personally know my stuff. Really. No really, I’ve got it covered. This is my topic, my territory. I’ve got this–inside out, upside down, full to overflowing–I KNOW THIS!
And yet, I know better
Right? I know the pointless, rarely won impossible to win, brutal nature of engaging in sticks-and-stones battles in public places STOP! DANGER! Social media ahead.
And So
Scroll back — this is it. One quick and final look.
YES!!!
At last! The White Knight of Wisdom and Courage, one whose convictions are richer and truer than the cowardice of politeness, has swept in to plant the very words I myself am too non-offending cowardly to offer myself. At the very least I will “Like” this sterling comment of honesty and truth. A click of solidarity …
Wait …but doesn’t a “Like” rate nearly the same as saying it myself? What if someone–someone near and dear–notices my Like and is offended? Maybe the best plan of action is to wait. Creep back quietly under cover of night. While Facebook is asleep and no one is looking. A quick, drive-by click.
Truth vs Honestly vs Everything Else
It’s all such a confused and slippery slope. At what point does thoughtfully keeping the yap shut translate as an act of cowardice, rather than stately wisdom. Akin to backing away with hands thrown in the air when every fiber is insisting we lock-and-load. How much of the urge to respond to another persons “stuff” is a byproduct of our own pride and know-it-all-itis, as opposed to true heart and soul convictions? The difficult to restrain human tendency of needing to have the last word–slamming headlong with the inspiration to impart life-saving sacred truth in the face of deranged misconception? Just how important or necessary is it to get our opinions and convictions out there for everyone to see?
Sigh…
I’m still working to rearrange the furniture in my comfort zone. More or less treading lightly, when the better plan might very well be to leap directly into the deep end. Grab hold of those unshakable-top-tier convictions and hold on for a rollicking ride over a bumpy road.
And, how are you doin? What’s your tendency when it comes to speaking-up, lending opinion, spouting your fountain of truth? The spotlight is yours *hands you the microphone…*
Barbara Forte Abate 