Why do we try so hard to spare people's feelings? As children, we said WHATEVER came to mind, WHENEVER it came to mind. No thought was given to who's feelings would be hurt, who would be offended or even who heard us. Children are open and honest so if you want the truth, ask a child.
Sadly, as children grow up, they are continually hushed by "authority figures." After being scorned for years, we learn to be quiet and to be less than honest. Basically, we learn to be politically correct.
Like every other child, I too was hushed when I tried to give an open, honest opinion. Doesn't everyone deserve to hear the truth? Well, I must have missed the parental lesson in political correctness because I believe some things just have to be said. More important, somebody has to say it so why not me?
Many topics fit into this category. A perfect example of this is the death of the world's king of pop. Michael Jackson. During his career, he was one of the most adored people in the world. When they saw him, men screamed like schoolgirls and women fainted like someone had drugged them. The world loved Michael Jackson and he could do no wrong. Well, that's what they said in public. When his appearance began to change, so did his fan base. All of a sudden, African Americans felt rejected because of the perceived rejection of his race.
Then came the charges of child molestation. He was demonized by the same ones who claimed to love and admire him. What happened to the seemingly eternal love and faith from his fans? Jackson was hounded so badly by repeated charges of child molestation, he fled the country that had helped him rise to the top. Well, as my grandfather once said, always know who's holding your ladder, because you want to make sure they don't yank it from under you once you climb to the top. Now, that's words we can ALL live by.
The love-hate relationship between Michael Jackson and the public continued for years. That is, until his death on June 25, 2009! I happened to be vacationing in California that week and his death just seemed to suck the oxygen out of the California air. The moment he died, he miraculously went from one of America's most wanted to a saint. Now he was receiving awards and dedications from award shows and media channels that hadn't played his music or spoken positively about him in years. To me, this is a blatant example of hypocrisy at it's finest! I realize this blog might not change any one's opinion or habit, but someone had to say it.
Good Point. Why can't people just speak up and say what they really feel? But then again, if everyone would speak their true thoughts, people would be even more of a hazard to the environment than they are today.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I believe that no one wants to hear the truth. Everyone wants to maintain a so-called "professional etiquette".
In the case of Michael Jackson, his death was tragic. It is a tragedy whenever any living being pasts away. I think the reason people responded positively after his death was because of guilt. Anyone can say how much they hate this or that person, but in the end we are all living beings, that will too, past away no matter how perfect or imperfect we are. Let's put away our petty differences people!
I think this is absoloutely true! Everyone is so worried about how someone will percieve them. We all watch ehat we say, when we say it, how we say it, and where we say it. Just for the sake of how people will talk about us when we leave the area. It is quite rediculous, I think. Everyone is always worried about how they say something in front of people. I think if you want someone to know something you go right ahead and tell them. What will it hurt? They may respect you now that they know the truth!
ReplyDeleteThats for Micheal Jackson I think it is ashame that everyone had this hate for him then all of a sudden had this guilt for him. If you didn't like him while he was alive what changes it when he is dead. He is the same person. I personally loved Micheal Jackson all my life. He was a great guy. If you were in his shoes with all the fame and papparazzi down your neck you don't know how you would end up. It's the same thing with Brittany Spears.
I definitely do agree with the whole say what you want to say thing but, I think I should point out that when parents hush their children its not for political correctness, but just for politeness. And honestly if I always said what was on my mind I probably would have been socked in the face a few times. I think being "politically correct" is kind of stupid. I feel as if people are confusing political correctness with politeness. Political correctness avoids acknowledging that we are all different. Not necessarily one better than the other but different. Sorry if I offend anyone but it is understood that a black family will probably be very different from a white family, each family having similarities to the families of their race. Heck even a Catholic family will be different from a Jewish family and that has nothing to do with race. There is no better or worse. It just has to do with their culture. I think political correctness causes us to ignore these differences even though they are blatantly there. But I certainly don’t feel there is anything wrong with these differences. Without them life would be kind of broing.
ReplyDeleteP.S: Micheal Jackson will always be the King of Pop to me. If only I could dance like him though!