Recently, I’ve received a condescending note that insulted my intelligence. While I foresee the Boomers saying, “your generation is offended by everything,” I ask for you to hear me out.
A person can charge me as guilty for being lazy, unorganized, or stab at my appearance, but I draw the line when remarks are negatively made about my personality and wit. Throughout my life, I’ve received several compliments about my outgoing sense of being and mildly dark sense of humor. My roommate calls me the politician because I wave and talk to everyone disregarding color, race, and social status. Meanwhile, friends rely on me for catchy wedding hashtags, professional speeches, and the casual Hallmark card messaging. While that all may sound a bit pompous, I’m framing my defense for an absurd accusation against my intelligence. Ask my exes. Do me wrong, and I’ll think of a very clever way to seek revenge. Something in the Bible about “an eye for an eye.” Being a promoter of female empowerment means I’m commonly found on high alert for gaslighters and degrading comments. The insult you wedged between a compliment? I heard that. The stone-cold silence after a tough question? You’re not busy. You’ve just been proven wrong. In a virtual world, it’s very easy to pump the breaks when the pedal goes faster than you’d like. Sometimes, you gotta take that curve at 65mph and start on the outer edge. You can’t ignore everything "hard" that life throws at you. Eventually, all those diversions come slamming into your rear end to cause more than just a little fender bender.
Words Hurt.
The reader may ask, “So, what’s the point? Someone hurt your feelings. Boohoo.” Besides using my blog as an avenue of healing, the intent is to highlight the fact that words can hurt you. Remember the classic line, “Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” False. In fact, words tend to hurt more than the actual behavior. Living in a small community, rumors are constantly flying. It’s neat to hear through another’s mouth what you did the other night or who you are dating. Sure, missed him paying the bill. Please, state the facts. If someone has not individually harmed you, leave the bad mouthing to the victim. I have a theory, “We don’t have beef until you are in my locker.” Inconsequently, the fire in my belly was not lit from rumors or small-town living making the statement increasingly more hurtful. To judge from afar means you are either jealous or highly incompetent. I’d vote for both.
To the Boomers
Now, I will be cautious as I make a vast statement about one generation. I can relate to being generalized by certain demographics (Caucasian, South Dakota Female among the few). With that said, I am not accusing all humans within the age range of 57 to 75. However, those of you who fit the bill, listen up. “My” generation, the entitled millennial (cusp of Gen Z), does not get offended by everything contrary to your shareable Facebook posts. AOC defending America, admittedly far-fetched at times, is a woman using her voice. Neutral gendered bathrooms are to make all feel welcome in an establishment. We share toilet space in our households, why not in public too? Plus it cuts down on lines; men are argumentatively lucky with their quick release time. (moving on) A loud voice is not always an accusatory voice. Granted, I’m a loud person who likes to debate small topics but usually when I raise my voice on purpose, it’s for someone to grab more White Claw. Speaking your truth should not be a demoralizing trait. It does not mean you are entitled (in my opinion), rather it means you are brave. You are courageous to have beliefs different from the status quo. Until recently, many people have had to hide their truths like sexuality or abusive homes due to the fear of rejection from society. To all who feel neglected, welcome. There is a community and people for you. I read a graphic on LinkedIn the other day, “A bottle of water can be .50 cents at a supermarket. $2 at the gym. $3 at the movies and $6 on a plane. Same water. Only thing that changed its value was the place. So the next time you feel your worth is nothing, maybe you’re at the wrong place.” That said, know your worth then add tax.
Unlike most of my blogs, this topic is a bit more harsh. It’s a tad more defying than “follow your arrow.” Truthfully, it was just a way to get my emotions out on paper so I don’t bust at the seams. Do not take anything personal, as my thoughts are my own stemming from a recent, heated conversation. At the end of the day, be kind (or at least try to be) and be you.
Now that you’ve made it to the end of this article, are you bothered that I didn’t make one examination of the Trump trial? Hook, line and sinker. And somebody said I wasn’t witty.
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