Philosophy

When you’re with friends and sometimes family you usually can speak you’re mind without fear of the P.C. police but what happens when the person you’re with says something that’s racist, sexist or just plain wrong?  If we verbally reprimand this person it’s not like their feelings are truly going away or even that these words were truly meant to be literal. Our “good intentions” could result in a huge argument in which neither one of us truly win.  Our friend may say we are “too sensitive” or feel angry that they have to watch every word they say around us.

What we could do instead is try to understand where the person is coming from that says these remarks and empathize with their emotions not the way their saying it. We can state how we feel in general about what this individual is saying and offer a different way of looking at the subject.  Once we state our position it might be best to move on to a different topic and see if it comes up again. Sometime later we may realize that we were too sensitive to those remarks because they were made in humor or were meant to express something quite different then we initially heard. We also might realize that this is actually how our friend feels and we might have to consider ending this friendship.  I’ve personally had to end a friendship with a certain individual because they continued to express hateful remarks which were outside the bounds of decency.  In conclusion it’s best not to past judgment on an individual because of some out of cuff remark but also be free to express our point of view as well with the tact that can truly make a difference.

There is a presumption that when income goes up that attitude follows which is reinforced in popular culture. We see those with means “looking down” on those without in almost every popular movie or book. Yet in the real world this isn’t always the case, attitude is something that is much deeper. I’ve seen individuals living off the welfare system for years get “an attitude”. Where they expect others to continue to give them benefits that include a brand new pair of the hottest sneakers and newest cell phone without even an effort to get a job. I’ve witnessed those just barely in the middle class driving their parents to near bankruptcy because they have to have the “hottest fashion item” while they look down at those in school who don’t have them.  I’ve seen star athletes and beauty queens baste in their glory while they ridicule those lack their looks and talent.

There are many wealthy individuals who might at times enjoy the luxurious their income gives them but don’t flaunt it and would rather give charity in private. These individuals are the first at their work place in blue jeans  and the last to leave in sweat.  They enjoy their income not only for what it gives them but what it enables them to give.  It is time that our culture expands from the simplistic approach that attitude comes from income and look instead look at us all as individuals.

It appears that those that work or truly enjoy the “arts” tend to be more liberal then those who enjoy such activities as sports and business.  I believe this is because arts touches the heart and emotion while business can be cut and dry.  If a good businessman has a teddy bear that isn’t selling and taking up space they’ll throw it out and replace it with  a bag of cement that sells better while those in the arts might emotionally cling to that Teddy even if they lose money.  Therefore the way to attract those in the “arts” to the conservative point is to touch their emotionally strings. Numbers and figures don’t hit them as well as stories of life struggles, cute babies and a powerful music score.  Here are a few suggestions (below) on how we can change the narrative.

(1) Offer true live stories that have been changed because of the conservative message (rags to riches).

(2) Speak about issues in a way that touches the heartstrings like freedom, opportunity, and justice.

(3) Pick words that are more emotionally when speaking about an issue (see above).

(4) Don’t be afraid to let your emotions seep through your discussion. This is where a tear or two can truly touch someone.

(5)  Compare your struggles as an underdog against the big, powerful government.

#KATY PERRY, #WAR, #FREEDOM, #RESPECT

The War between figurative speech and literal speech appears to be continuous. Those who believe the words that you spoken must be taken at face value are against those who use words to express a “deeper meaning” then what appears in front of you. It is important that words have meaning otherwise people won’t take you seriously, laws wouldn’t be able to be enforced and rights couldn’t be protected but it’s also important to let the artistic expression seep through.  Sometimes figurative expressions can help others understand a concept that they wouldn’t be able to absorb if it was direct. We can capture a whole new audience by appealing to what appears to be gratuitous scenes but truly has a deeper meaning.  I believe no film has done a better job of demonstrating this then the “The Black Swan”.  How do we then draw the line so individuals like “Katy Perry” can perform their art without causing unnecessary pain and anger to others. Here are a few ways (below) that might be helpful.

(1) Artist supply a synopsis of what there “art” is trying to accomplish to the public.

(2) Those that see “Art” understand in advance that the offense they may feel might have a deeper meaning.

(3) Those artist that appear to “offend” show actual public support to those they are offending instead of attack them.

(4) Allow those that are offended an opportunity to voice their concerns in a public forum with those that offend them and even debate the subject.

(5) Insure that all voices have a place to be heard and a place for a respectful discussion/debate.

We all like to have fun and joke around but when is that line crossed for you where fun turns to evil? It could be joking around with a friend that turns malicious and cruel.  Or deciding to have one more drink when you know you were supposed to drive home.  Here are some factors I use (below) to determine whether my fun path has turned to a dark path.

(1) Have my actions or words caused more harm then good?

(2) Are my actions putting another individual in unnecessary risk?

(3) Could my actions cause long term harm to another?

(4) Is there a different way to express my thoughts without causing the pain my initial remarks might bring?

(5) Could my actions or words stop progress from reaching the greater goals I hope to achieve?

(6) Will my actions or words degrade my family name, race, religion or culture that I belong to you for years to come?

(7) Would an apology truly allow me to be forgiven for the words or action that I’m about to commit?