Things Not Said

last modified: Sunday, November 18, 2007 (1:29:32 PM CST)

Lately I have been struggling with the fine line that is freedom of speech. Yes, I am allowed to say anything I like short of yelling fire in a crowded theatre or threatening someone's life(two things I, uh, rarely do). However, I have begun to ponder the notion of deciding if it needs to be said or not. I think I have come to a decision on that matter. I believe, more often than not, things need to be addressed. Words carry weight, especially when they are thought out well.

Recently, I have been hit with the notion that people should simply let things go and not address the stupidity that seems to be rampant on the internet. The internet gives the user license to say whatever they like without fear of reprisal. I have always spoken my mind. This is not some internet alter-ego of mine. This is who I am. I can be found every year at Anime Expo if you would like to talk to me face to face. I can be your best friend, and the most loyal person you will ever know. I will also call you out on your shit in a heartbeat if I feel it needs to be done. Why? Because nothing gets resolved by ignoring it. Think of the greatest threats to humanity. Racism. Sexism. Poverty. Ignorance. These things will not get better by ignoring them.

Now you are saying, "There is a huge difference between telling a person on the internet to shut up, and condemning racism." In scale, yes. In principle, no. How are people going to learn that their behavior is not satisfactory to the mass of humanity if they are simply ignored? If people had stood up earlier and voiced their opinions before the Holocaust, maybe this catastrophe would not have happened. Maybe. The sad thing is, we will never know. I am currently reading a book by Bill Cosby and Alvin F. Poussaint entitled Come on People! The book addresses very real problems not only in the Black community, but every community. One of the problems is that people are too afraid to speak up out of fear condemnation. They would rather look good to others and be quiet, than speak out and be hated for it.

I guess my problem is that I have nothing left to fear but fear itself. That is the honest truth. I have reached the point where I do not fear what people think about me as long as I am honest to myself. Sounds pompous, I know. I am not enlightened, nor am I riddled with life experience. However, I am always asking questions. And in the end, I think that is what matters. So, feel free to rip me to shreds for stating what I think. As long I am true to myself, I have nothing to fear. And nothing to apologize for.