Checkmate.
I hate offending people.
It’s just not something that I strive to do. It makes my life harder. Because then I have to deal and interact with people that I have, in some, way hurt.
But, there is no freedom without freedom of press and media. Without the freedom to really say what’s on your mind, then freedom of religion, to that shirt that you love but no one else does, to reading “banned” books, to keep kosher (or not), and the freedom to hate Sarah Palin are all kind of moot points. Empty threats with nothing to back them up.
Most bloggers have a bag, box, or notebook full of things they want to say but won’t. That collection is usually labeled “HOW I KEEP MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM KILLING ME.” I have one. I just don’t know what I should put in it yet.
Should I keep details of mine and Alex’s relationship secret?
Can I talk about my insecurities?
Names of friends, family, roommates, and pets? Yes/no/maybe/only initials?
Should I talk about my sorority? What parts do I leave out? Rituals? Yes. Drama? Maybe? Hurtful things? No?
Can I swear?
Do I talk about my roommate(s)? What if I have something nice to say?
Should I leave school woes in the classroom?
Do I talk about other projects? School, personal, sorority-related?
So the real question is: what do I check at the door? Where is my line? Technically, I have the right to say anything I wish to say, especially if I only tell my side of the story. I don’t think I’m capable of really slandering anyone. I don’t want to be malicious. That is certainly not my intent. As long as I stick to my experiences, I can say pretty much anything. Everything.
I find myself apologizing a lot. I’m always so sorry. Should I be? Or am I just saying what’s on my mind?
All of these unanswered questions, so little time and so many people to offend.
B said,
September 18, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
In my opinion, telling a story (be it family, school, relationship-wise, etc.) is a way to express life from an individual point of view. It is merely a representation of YOUR thoughts and your life. What right have people to say you’re wrong in what you believe/think? Or that it wasn’t right of you to say something?
Even slanderous marks can be seen as opinion, as YOU have seen the world. Everybody has a point of view. I say, scream it as loud as you can.
It is what makes life interesting. And entertaining. I mean, what would become of this world if somebody like Perez thought about censoring HIS thoughts?
DON’T APOLOGIZE. :)
Katie said,
September 19, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
I think people are much too sensitive these days. I say, WRITE WHAT YOU WANT; SPEAK WHAT YOU WANT. Do it. = )
I cuss way too much and that offends everyone. but I say, Fuck it.