QUARANTINE LIFE : DISCOURSE

Whether the subject is popcorn, music, art, TV, faith, education, politics, or current events, I read about, write, comment on, or share what interests or inspires me. If others happen to see, like, or agree, that’s just fine— but that’s never expected, demanded, or required. 

Social media and blog sites have equipped us all with handy mechanisms to ignore, skip, block, un-see, erase, delete, like, and love a multitude of things that we find silly, irrelevant, toxic, offensive, inappropriate, repetitive, exhausting, or dull. It’s the web police, who try to impose limits, shame, and their preferences on what others share who crack me up. Do they not know the wonders of scrolling by, or MUTE?

What IS this endeavor to shut others up one day, and cheer for physical and mental health, respectful debate, and civility the next? 

Discourse on any subject will “wrap up” when interested parties are good and ready; when understanding, resolution, consensus, clarity, truces, satisfaction, or healing occur, and not one minute sooner. There's always going to be a current event that will resurrect, or prompt the need to revisit an old conversation.

We don’t all care about the same things. If people are talking too much about what you think is irrelevant, or aren’t talking enough about what you think is more important, then YOU can, or should start the new conversation! YOU shine a light on what you think has been forgotten, ignored, or overshadowed. (Just be prepared for someone to tire of, or try to censor you, too.)

If you need to vent, dialog, brainstorm, ask questions, journal, investigate, make sense out of stuff, or examine why you’re curious, intrigued, affected, or triggered by anything— be it personal or current events— help yourself. Talk it out, write it out. It’s cathartic and therapeutic. Don’t be silenced by unsympathetic bullies. Say what you need to say. 

It’s no secret that the consequences of sharing could be backlash, criticism, or ridicule. Wisdom, tact, and discernment are always helpful when sharing. Everyone is not adept at listening or empathy, but you remaining silent because they're not? Naaaaah. 

Keeping things bottled up in an effort to avoid offending someone who’s never walked in your shoes; who doesn’t share your story, passion, or views, or is controlling, or narrow minded? Naaaaah to that, too. 

Eventually, people get to find out exactly how strong their constitutions, affirmations, and convictions are. They find out what THEY’D actually do, say, or feel in situations where they’ve laughed at, minimized, or dismissed the actions, reactions, thoughts, or opinions of someone else. 

Working more on that empathy muscle and less on that arrogance one, is wise. 

Perhaps it would be helpful to ask why a topic bothers you so much; why you’re so eager to silence others, or move on from what’s being discussed— be it Covid-19 and her posse of variants, masks, Ukraine, voting rights, January 6th, the former guy, or even an unfortunate confrontation between an actor and a comedian.

Whatever “they’re still talking about”, in spite of whether it’s nothing, nonsense, frustrating, or exhausting to you, is of interest to “THEM”. 

It’s usually the one who has nothing to add to the conversation, or whose actions, beliefs, vulnerabilities, or thoughts will be exposed by the conversation, who wants to dictate when it ends.

Weary over the duration of public discourse? Close your tablet. Turn off the TV. Power down. You are perfectly welcome to dismount your high horse and tune out. 

Fun thing about these apps on Beyoncé’s internet--you can delete them altogether, and in doing so, not burden your life with what everyone else won't stop talking about.