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jchrisobrienThe weekend is over.
I'm rounding the third lap in my workday. I'm nursing a small fatigue headache, and a full belly of Nepali lentils. This weekend brought around a big change of pace for me. I went to a kick ass LANparty, and had long talks and more video game goodness the next day.
Responsibility is one of the key words in my character. I think it's the biggest failing America has as a country, and as a culture. People are quick to cry about freedom, but when it comes to use their freedom responsibly, they fail to do so. I was horribly irresponsible when I was growing up, I didn't want to deal with things, I wanted my problems to magically go away, I wanted rights and freedoms just because. I learned a lot of hard lessons, and in the end I resolved to be accountable for what I do and say.
Anything I say, I have to own up to. Once it leaves my lips, I can try to pass it off as anger or foolishness or intoxication. But in any case, I said it. I accept the consequences of what I say, in this or any public forum. And our words become public as soon as they are uttered, as soon as they find an audience.
Someone can give you advice everyday, for weeks on end. It can be the same advice from different people. But if you aren't ready to listen to it, the words are just empty sounds. It's only when you are ready to listen, or in a certain frame of mind, that the words can take root in you, and have an affect.
We all have the right to voice our opinions, be in in a journal, a mailing list, a conversation over dinner. We all need to be responsible for what we say. And once our words are spoken, we have no control over what is said. Other can and will interpret it based on their own experiences and internal logic. When someone speaks, you the listener get to make a decision. You can either agree with what is said, you can disagree and challenge the speaker, or you can stop listening to the speaker and removed yourself from the equation. You can't make them not speak their mind however.
It's easy for people to say someone is too sensitive, that they just need to ignore things. Take all the reponsibility on yourself as the listener, and none as the speaker. But that's bullshit. If you are sensitive, if things bother you, than they do. Figure out what botheres you directly, and adress it. It's a tough process, but it can be done. If something really bothers you, call people on it. If they persist, then spend time away from them.
And the speaker must realize that what they say can be offensive, and may provoke a reaction. Whether they choose their words more carfully or barrel on ahead is their choice, but their action will have reactions.
I know I for one will be more prone to speaking up about things that bother me. To point out when people are speaking without thinking. To not bottling up anger and turn it against myself.
I think I'll be able to enjoy some of my other hobbies more too.
I'm rounding the third lap in my workday. I'm nursing a small fatigue headache, and a full belly of Nepali lentils. This weekend brought around a big change of pace for me. I went to a kick ass LANparty, and had long talks and more video game goodness the next day.
Responsibility is one of the key words in my character. I think it's the biggest failing America has as a country, and as a culture. People are quick to cry about freedom, but when it comes to use their freedom responsibly, they fail to do so. I was horribly irresponsible when I was growing up, I didn't want to deal with things, I wanted my problems to magically go away, I wanted rights and freedoms just because. I learned a lot of hard lessons, and in the end I resolved to be accountable for what I do and say.
Anything I say, I have to own up to. Once it leaves my lips, I can try to pass it off as anger or foolishness or intoxication. But in any case, I said it. I accept the consequences of what I say, in this or any public forum. And our words become public as soon as they are uttered, as soon as they find an audience.
Someone can give you advice everyday, for weeks on end. It can be the same advice from different people. But if you aren't ready to listen to it, the words are just empty sounds. It's only when you are ready to listen, or in a certain frame of mind, that the words can take root in you, and have an affect.
We all have the right to voice our opinions, be in in a journal, a mailing list, a conversation over dinner. We all need to be responsible for what we say. And once our words are spoken, we have no control over what is said. Other can and will interpret it based on their own experiences and internal logic. When someone speaks, you the listener get to make a decision. You can either agree with what is said, you can disagree and challenge the speaker, or you can stop listening to the speaker and removed yourself from the equation. You can't make them not speak their mind however.
It's easy for people to say someone is too sensitive, that they just need to ignore things. Take all the reponsibility on yourself as the listener, and none as the speaker. But that's bullshit. If you are sensitive, if things bother you, than they do. Figure out what botheres you directly, and adress it. It's a tough process, but it can be done. If something really bothers you, call people on it. If they persist, then spend time away from them.
And the speaker must realize that what they say can be offensive, and may provoke a reaction. Whether they choose their words more carfully or barrel on ahead is their choice, but their action will have reactions.
I know I for one will be more prone to speaking up about things that bother me. To point out when people are speaking without thinking. To not bottling up anger and turn it against myself.
I think I'll be able to enjoy some of my other hobbies more too.
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Jerk!
Date: 2002-05-20 11:59 am (UTC)I'm taking you off my friends list!
WHAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNN!!
*swishes in a dress*
Re: Jerk!
Date: 2002-05-20 12:04 pm (UTC)(traditional gothic sign of angst)