Self reflection, outrage culture

     Seven years ago, around the time of the 2016 elections I wrote this: 

     "Why is the world so divisive and polarized? It's OK to just not have an opinion on something, or to be luke warm. Or better yet, you can support or oppose something without being 1000%. If you don't like something, don't buy it or don't do it. That's fine. You offended by something? that's fine, but you don't need the world to know. The world has no feelings towards you or your wants, cares or desires. You don't like other people being offended? That's fine, but you whining about it makes you the same as them. It feeds the demon. Being the exact opposite doesn't make you stand out, it makes you look the exact same."

      Years later, I've grown and learned some better language. It's called outrage culture, outrage is addicting and spreads like corruption. The problem is most of the issues taken up by people are very dear to them and they are very sincere, but you do not have the right to tell others they must follow your creed, dogma, religion. Human rights are non-negotiable.

     There is something wrong with cancel culture and doxing when the issue you're bringing up is years past and the person has grown, apologized, made amends or carried out their punishment. But protecting abusers, manipulators and predators is also unacceptable. Allowing children to be exposed to sexual predators, explicit material and so on is unacceptable. But it's not the drag shows I'd be worried about, it's the child beauty pageants, human trafficking, literal predators in your families and churches. The people who watch a child actor grow up on screen and have literal count down timers for when they're 'finally 18'.

    A lot of people who yell about offense or about snowflakes are just mad that others are using their game. You taught the next generations how to be the loudest in the room. In decades past it was Elvis, the Beatles, rock n roll, metal, dungeons and dragons, Pokemon, Harry Potter, South Park.  This society at one time was manic over children's games being satanic. They tried to ban books, music, television, then went on to co-op counter culture and act like they're the rebels screaming about free speech. the conservative base's belief that they're the rebels, the punks, the outcasts, the fact they co-opted counter culture is just such a bizarre idea. You are the empire, the tyrants and fascists, you fall for the propaganda hook line and sinker. 

     Taking stock of a random lifted trucks' stickers and flags is so jarring: the punisher, thin blue line American flags, gadson flags, Star Wars' rebel alliance emblem, blacked out American flags(symbolizing 'take no prisoners', a war crime by the way). A bizarro world picture appears, a self image of a cowboy mercenary Evangelist priest who's crusading against the liberal baby eating satanist gay minority elite. If you're pro gun, anti gun laws, who do you think is going to take your guns? It's the police, the ones behind that thin blue line. Who is the empire in star wars? Conservative fascists. The punisher would literally hate you. Trump, and those like him, are literally the Elitists that's eroding your quality of life and rights, and you thank them for it?

     The Liberals aren't much better either, don't get me wrong. We have a genuine issue and they take a knee. Not push legislation, not doing anything meaningful. They raise taxes, keep the wars going, cut spending to some of the dumbest things. They are elites just the same, and are content to let the other side be the bad guy but not stop them from doing harm. 

    If you don't agree with something, don't do it. Don't get gay married if you don't like gay marriage, don't have an abortion if you don't agree with it, don't smoke pot, buy guns.... Above all, keep your Gods and holy books out of legislation. Other citizens have different faiths, some have none at all. Millennia old myths have no place in the laws of men, you follow your doctrine if you believe but don't make me. Just follow the law -and- your doctrine. Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion. 

   Finally, it's really hard to be neutral and in many cases it's wrong. No one thinks they're the villain, they truly believe they're the good guys. It is kind of ironic that we've spent decades, millions of lives, and trillions of dollars fighting a war against tyrannical conservative religious zealots.