I keep writing because it allows me to clear the dross from my head.
Nobody reads these but me, so I do not worry about what I say for any
reason other than I try to remember privacy concerns for others. I do
admit that at times I would like someone to read these and maybe be
able to hold a conversation about my thoughts. However, lately maybe
I think that I would rather not have others read these after all. In a
previous post from January of this year, I mentioned that I have opinions,
but I stopped sharing them on other platforms because apparently my
opinions were either wrong, or I was just not allowed to have or express
them.
(Insert image of a man who has been gagged or censored, except the
only images that I can find are of women because this only happens
to women.)
(And if you are already pissed off because I insinuated that it cannot
happen to a man as well, your attitude is showing.)
(People really do need to realize that another X [person or race or sex or
nationality] can be a victim as well without taking away your victim status)
In my prior post, I mentioned some of the responses I received regarding
me expressing my opinion. I heard “Oh, come on!” and “You can’t seriously
believe that crap!” and “Maybe you should just back down a little.” As I said,
I am not allowed to have my own opinion.
Two recent events.
A recent comment I made in response to a friend’s post gave me pause
to consider that I wanted to say more on the subject. It was a poll post,
where people could select a specific answer, then add their comments
as well. I did. I then wrote my own post based on the comment I had
added and expounding further about how I felt a certain group had
been treated. Or, more accurately, mistreated. I (mistakenly) expressed
my thoughts about this and how I felt regarding this mistreatment and
offered some additional ideas about how I thought people could work
through making changes to prevent this from continuing to happen.
One friend, or former friend now maybe, commented on the first half of
my comments, but had apparently not completely read my words as
their feelings mirrored what I had stated later. Her words matched what
I had felt and posted, but stopped short of reading what I said after the
initial part. Another person also answered my comment on the original
thread, but, too, had failed to read to the end. They did, however, have
their own opinion on my words. Theirs must have been more valid.
I absolutely loathe to delete my posts. I feel that words are important.
The words a person uses should be considered. I understand that learning
a new truth about something which you have had thoughts or feelings
about may make you edit your words, but I also do not think that people
should just post mean things just to hurt others. Stick to the truth.
Acknowledge when you are stating an opinion. Opinions should matter too.
Apparently, mine do not. After re-reading my post and understanding where
the comments were coming from, I came to the realization that my own
opinion does not matter and I removed my post and the original comment
on the other thread. Nobody has missed them.
The second event was similar, but had the same effect. Over a period of
time I noted that when I was talking with people they would simply just
shut down to whatever I was discussing. I literally just watched as they
stopped listening, stopped considering what I was thinking, and discounted
any further discussion. When it happens repeatedly, you get the message.
My opinion only matters when I agree with them or if the topic at hand is
inconsequential. How I feel does not signify.
But that is just my opinion.
