Divisiveness/Division ~My morning coffee stream of thought~

Metallica is on the google-speaker-smarty pants-thingy, and the brain is on spin-cycle. So, it is time to purge. This thing sounds awesome, by the way. I highly recommend, of course, I don’t doubt that I am the last to get one and is already obsolete to the rest of you (insert chuckle here)

They’ve always said it, “Never talk Religion or Politics”. It’s an unwritten rule in bars, clubs, and various social gatherings. Whoever “they” are, they are brilliant.

I’m curious, (being that I am 49 years old), do the upcoming generations continue this pearl of wisdom? I ask because I see no evidence of it.

I’m not talking about the kind of divisive acts such as buddies (or strangers) talking shit on each-others favorite sports teams, cliques, or various examples of personal status or identities. No, I am talking about the disgusting displays of human behavior that is, perhaps inadvertently, spawning a new-normal.

This new-normal will decidedly be a direct antagonist in the fall of our status as a leading nation, humane people, or terrifyingly coined term… Sheeple. Side Note: As I wrote that term, there was no red line beneath it to let me know it was misspelled or not a word. I guess it must exist; an appropriate happy accident to discover, since it is largely the foundation of this observance.

The division that I have witnessed in recent years is disheartening, to say the least. Society always finds a way to find, create, and nurture their drama’s, don’t we?

All of that said, allow me to note… There will always be division, be it…hate, racism, violence, evil, emphatics, aesthetics, and any other number of topics of disagreement. HOWEVER, let us get to the pedestal promoting modern or recent division. Technology/Media

We are not products of the times of Walter Cronkite anymore. I use his name as an example of news-anchoring, I know nothing of his personal beliefs, politics, or stances on such; because he reported news, he didn’t give opinions.

Opinions, debate, discussion, challenges, and scrutiny are all important to educate and innovate in all subjects of life, however, these news-platforms are no longer reporting “news” they are pushing an agenda. This is not news, these are opinion-pieces; unfortunately, the sheeple (I mean people) are absorbing it as NEWS. You can painfully see the stark contrast.

In my experience, the news media(s) that I watch will have a “News Minute” or a “Catch-up” where they will report actual news for 60 seconds out of the hour. The rest is divisive rhetoric and a preaching-to-the-choir, so to speak, of one-side slamming the other. Both sides “claiming” to not be divisive, while being divisive about it. It's kind of like posting “I hate (a social media site)” on said site. How laughable is that?

When it comes to politics, which let's face it, for the last several years has literally become a “sport”. A sport of a few teams talking trash on one another. I’m cool with that if it’s Pittsburgh Steelers playing the Cleveland Browns; it is NOT okay when it involves our humanity, livelihood, and general “golden rule” sensibilities.

Broadcast media and social media are the proponents of hate and division in this country and perhaps globally. How evident is it? Glad you asked… You’ve heard the term “Computer-Balls” before, right? If not, it’s when you witness an argument via-tech media. Such as, watching a person say the most hateful things to another person behind the safety of their monitors or screens; knowing fully well that they would never say it to someone's face. That is ugly, concerning, and cowardly enough; the problem that I have with this, is that it is spilling into real-life human interaction. People actually feel entitled to scream in your face in a close enough proximity for their spit to land on your lip, then when they have to take-their-medicine… victimize themselves over it.

This is no way to live, and this is no way to conduct ourselves in a supposed civilized community or nation. I could easily go on and on, but in the spirit of keeping this a quick, decisive, informative, and objective one-size-fits-all quick read. I’ll close with this…

It’s hard to be the “first” to forgive and/or turn the other cheek, but it is the ONLY way to get back on track.

Let people be themselves and have their own individuality. Let there be disagreement. Let us live and let live. Debate with purpose, know something about the subject that you disagree with; how the fuck are you supposed to say that something/someone is “wrong” if you aren’t in their shoes? For the love of Zeus’ butthole… remember, you are not obligated to be friends with people you don’t like. You are not obligated to live in a state or community not suited to your individual needs. You are not obligated to follow a political party rhetoric or a religious house. By the way, it isn't illegal to be a dickhead, thankfully you have the freedom (so far, in most communities) to choose whether to let them live in your head/personal space or not. You also will need to endure the treatment that you practice. If you call people names, wish them harm, or worse… You can bet your bottom-dollar that karma will sling that shit right back at you; probably in the form of a knuckle-sandwich when you are screaming in their face close enough for them to taste what you had for lunch.

All it takes is manners. The “Golden Rule” and a little tolerance will alleviate a lot of stress. Pushing a belief or agenda unsolicited … is a dick-move. Say your opinion, speak out, protest peacefully, BE HEARD, but don’t presume that you have the right to force your beliefs on the pain-of-hate onto anyone. FREE WILL folks... it's a thing. I don't have to procure your insecurities with my lack of comfort.

One last thing… cut-off the computer-balls and always ask yourself, “Does this person’s opinion on social-media have ANY effect on my life, livelihood, or individuality?

You know the meme: If they aren’t feeding me, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ me, or paying my bills, their opinion doesn’t matter. So… clean-up your own yard, be the person you claim to be, and BE the change you claim to desire. We are TOO DIVERSE of a people/community for ANY sort of one-size-fits-all way or philosophy. All we have is a FOUNDATION. The foundation from which we can all coexist and thrive is provided by the American Constitution and Bill of Rights. Be sure to thank a soldier when you have an opportunity.

May the force be with you, Earthlings.