Annoyed

  I had an individual leave a comment on one of my postings declaring that I was an angry person. I was amused by that as the person commenting isn't the person I was talking too. That happens all the time and I expect it always will. If there is a flaw to social media it is that you are, in reality, standing upon a soap box. You can't expect to have an interpersonal relationship on a public platform. The result is you will receive positive and negative comments. I have noticed the negative comments are far more frequent, in every case, not just mine.  I do not claim to have "my page" where others are not allowed to leave their comments. I smile when I hear that, that was my post and you shouldn't be on it! Look, if you don't want any comments, don't post anything. It's really quite a simple concept.

 I understand this person feels I'm angry because I wasn't in agreement with them. Hear that often these days. There is even a campaign whose stated cause is; stop the hate. Well, I don't hate anyone. There are a few I just don't like very much, I avoid them altogether, others I disagree with on many topics, but will discuss whatever with them until the name calling starts. There are still others that I just find annoying. Those folks just buzz around like flies, an annoyance. But even a fly can be amusing if you really watch them. And yes, there are times when I am annoyed and post sarcastic remarks. Sarcasm doesn't work well on social media. You really do need to include the "rest of the story." Yeah, I miss Paul Harvey. The truth is I miss a lot of stuff from the past, the price of getting old I suppose. I miss the days when most things were just taken at face value. Today people tend to want to analyze, justify and be empowered. In years past, we just did our "thing" and didn't require permission from anyone else. Take it or leave, your choice.

 I first noticed a bit of a shift when that tv show survivor began. It was a big hit. What is the premise of the show? To lie, cheat, steal and deceive the other "contestants" to win the big prize. What does that say about us. Personally I only watched a few episodes before I quit watching altogether. Reality tv? Yes, I guess it is reality, although back in my day we didn't openly admit to acting in that way. We certainly didn't give out prizes for it! At the very least a pretense of civility and fair play was presented. I do remember when cheating, lying and stealing were considered bad things, not attributes. Did it anger me? No, I found it annoying. Following that MMA, the octagon became popular. A blood sport. Contestants fighting in a cage, like trapped animals, while the crowd cheers them on. Reminded me of the Romans. As of 2023 twenty people have died in sanctioned mixed martial art matches. None in the largest organization however (UFC), just broken bones, dislocations, concussions, contusions and the like. A real civilized sport.

 I am an opinionated person. I'm well aware of that and have never been accused of being a wall flower. I speak my mind. I am also firm in my beliefs. If I said it, I meant it. Sure there are times I wish I hadn't, but that is the cost I pay. I will not just "go along" with the crowd. You can not create traditions by surrendering. Progress doesn't require the abandonment of the past! I'd suggest that progress is built upon the past. Don't we all agree? History is there to learn from it. Simply deciding the lesson is wrong because we don't like it isn't progress. You can't defeat discrimination by discriminating! It sure is annoying when others try to do that. 

 Some time back, on social media, I was called a troll. Haven't heard that in a while I'm guessing some other insult is being used, whatever the popular thing at the moment happens to be. My response was yes, I'm a troll, the truth troll. I will tell my truth, which in my opinion should be yours as well, whether it is the popular thing or not. I am not on social media to win friends or influence enemies. There are those on social media I have never known and others I have known all my life. I treat everyone equally. I have noticed that, for the most part, those that weren't my "friends" all those years ago, still aren't. Funny how that is. Must be something at the core, some force acting within us that makes us aware. Another observation of mine is, "emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides." 

 The best guide is what is within yourself. Guess that is why we hear so much about influencers these days. The ones warning you about that are the ones wanting to influence you. Many haven't figured that out yet. I was warned about that as a child. Don't hang around with that guy, he's a bad influence. Or, just because everyone else was doing it doesn't mean you should. I was also taught another lesson. I couldn't put any words to that lesson until I heard this line in a John Wayne western: "a man ought to do what he thinks best." That sums it up nicely. If it makes you angry that doesn't mean I am. I'm just annoyed.