Just Stop

I was reading the editorials section of the newspaper again. I know, I know, this does nothing except get me angry, but I can come up with more ideas when I’m pissed off so I read it every day. Anyway, while reading yet another bigoted, close-minded article (not even a letter but an actual article printed by the newspaper), I got to thinking that there are some things that are just big red warning signs that you should stop talking. For example…

1. I’m not racist/sexist/homophobic, but…

Just stop. If you have to start a sentence with that preface, it’s a sign that you probably are racist/sexist/homophobic. I’m not saying you can’t have your opinions—go ahead, even if it’s unpopular—but frigging own them. Don’t say you can have them because you’re not anti-whatever.

2. I don’t hate this group, so they can’t be mad if I want to deny them rights/benefits/funding/whatever.

Just stop. You may consider what you’re doing noble—and hell, maybe it is, I certainly can’t judge—but to this opposing group, it is an act of hatred. Stand by your actions and beliefs, but don’t expect everyone to extoll you for them, especially the people on the opposite side of the fight.

3. Everyone needs to know why I’m right and they’re wrong.

Just stop. Maybe they’re wrong about, and you should certainly stand up for your beliefs. But there’s no need to give a speech to everyone around justifying your actions. The only person you’re making to feel better is yourself.

4. It’s not fair I get attacked because my beliefs are “unpopular”.

Just stop. No, it’s not right for someone to attack you for your beliefs, but if the belief was “popular” and you were attacked, it would be just as wrong. Having a popular opinion doesn’t mean it’s okay to get hate directed towards you either.

5. My opinions and beliefs are being criticized. That’s not fair!

Just stop. No one gets a golden ticket freeing them from criticism. If you publicly announce something, you can bet people will respond. Some will be trolls and attackers. They don’t deserve consideration because they are jerks no matter who they’re criticizing. But just as you’re allowed to express your beliefs, people are allowed to express their counter-beliefs. If they find flaws in your reasoning, you can either respond or ignore them, but it’s a jerkass move to complain that it’s unfair.

More Complicated Than You Think

There has been sooooo much talk recently about the debt ceiling, and how we’re going to default, and how the world is going to descend into a post-apocalyptic hell similar to the books I write. Which might actually hurt the market for dystopian. Hm.

What’s my opinion on all this? I have no freaking idea what to do. I’m not an economist, a finance wizard, or a politician who pretends that I am these things. What I know about the situation is what I’ve gleaned from the newspaper and Comedy Central.

It’s not that I don’t care about what’s going on. I do. I just don’t know how to solve it, and I’m sure no one person can. But still, the media (social and otherwise) will be filled with people claiming that it’s just this easy, all they have to do is raise the debt ceiling/raise taxes/lower taxes/cut spending/call China and tell them the check is in the mail but you know how slow delivery is just be patient would we lie to you? Just as writing isn’t merely putting words on paper, fixing this isn’t merely waving our hand and magically fixing the economy.

Not that I begrudge anyone from expressing their opinion. The free exchange of ideas is important! We should talk about it, throw around solutions, and just listen to what others have to say. I just hope everyone keeps in mind that there are factors of which we are unaware and our brilliant ideas might not actually work the way we think.

In conclusion, if you don’t have a possible answer like me, that’s okay. If you do, that’s fine too. Just remember to listen first, ask questions second, and be kind third. Finally, when all else fails, here’s a picture of kittens:

Works every time.

Sunday Is Fast Becoming “Rant Day”

And maybe that’s not such a bad thing. I know this blog is supposed to be about writing and language, but my opinions tend to jump out. Besides, I’d like to encourage arguing—as in debate, not fighting. I’ve written about how important effective, rational arguments are for a reason. If you’re going to say something, you should make sure there aren’t more holes in your rationale than in a sieve.

School. All of us have opinions on it, either as students, former students, or parents. There isn’t a lot of arguing about what a school should do for a student (i.e. teach them how to function as adults), so why do there seem to be so many problems with school systems? We have struggles with unions, debates over class sizes, and knock-down drag-out fights about budget. Why?

In a nutshell, it’s because reality encroaches on the idealistic version of school in our minds. We’d like small class sizes, fairly compensated and extremely competent teachers, and enough money for both of these. But the fact of the matter is that schools get a lot funding based on property taxes (at least where I live) and the wealthier communities will have more money to attract more/better educators, not to mention fund a variety of classes.

Property taxes aren’t their only source of funds, but they are enough to make a huge difference. And that is only one part of the harsh reality of education! There’s the turning away from creative classes, the focus on passing state tests, the ill-preparedness most graduates face when they apply for their first credit card.

Any others? Sadly, I don’t think it’s too difficult to come up with them.

I know this was a long post, so I hope you just scrolled to the bottom to get this important message. Contest. Go now.