A Gross Violation of MMR18

We aren’t what we think we are.

We’ve built highways and IPads, sent a few folks to the moon, increased life spans through great leaps in medical treatment (we can’t quite figure out how to pay for it yet) but we know and can do a lot more than we did 100 years ago.

Then we routinely act a fool. Drive by shootings, gang wars, killing people over tennis shoes. Bullying girls until they hang themselves. Blowing up each other in crowed markets. Politicians unable to compromise on anything, hollering out during each other’s speeches, using veiled threats of inciting violence. (And I am talking both sides of the aisle).

Then we have people running around married yet sleeping with everybody and anybody. Racial slurs from actors etc.

None of this is new – We’ve been behaving badly since the beginning of recorded history.

It is just more widely reported because we have all of this new technology and 24/7 news outlets just waiting for somebody to pass gas in the wrong place so they can convene a panel of experts on it and discuss it.

Then when we get on TV (and I include myself in that WE – try to limit it – I hate it). We say things like how could Tiger? What was Mel Gibson thinking? What is the psychological basis for a woman so wonderful as Sandra to put up with . . . . . We express outrage and disbelief at people who cheat on their spouses, use defaming language. We get all deep and psychological about it.

Next, the ‘offender du jour’ does the mandatory contrition tour and then off to rehab they go – as if being a philanderer or using racially charged language is something more than falling victim to the rational of right now (MMR32). An emotional moment writ large and oh so very common place.

Hang with me, people, I do have a point here.

The post from Denise last night got me to thinking about this. She spoke of a gang of hoodlums terrorizing people JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN. No particular motive other than to be powerful and cause fear.

Deep down, people, we are still humans. We can pretend all we like about our advanced state, our achievements and intellectual prowess – don’t get me wrong I enjoy the fruits of all of that logic and ability – but we shouldn’t let that confuse us.

We act on how we feel more than we ever want to claim. Terrorism in the name of whatever cause is fueled by fervor, fear, revenge and the need to be powerful. Gangs that terrorize people just because they can are riding that high of power it gives them.

We get on the internet and spew venom like it’s a pass time. Great advanced technology used to expand the reach of ancient time-tested idiocy.

Technonasty temper tantrums.

Let’s call it what it is, people. We can dress up our anger, jealousy and fear in a uniform, in rehab, in technology or whatever. But let’s not believe those lies we tell other people (MMR18). Let’s look at our lesser moments for what they are. Then maybe we can do something about it.

Denise, I know that this doesn’t help you and those law abiding citizens who have been placed in a state of fear by these hoodlums. I can’t imagine the fear and I hope that those who can do something about it do so – and quickly.

I am just saying. Let’s not act upon what we feel and make rational excuses for it later. It is something you must practice. In the end it is an exercise in self restraint. But it is something we have to pay attention to and work on. We need to get out ahead of how we feel before how we feel – as opposed to what we know – starts telling us what to do.

Listen, I know how it goes. How I have felt has almost taken me out of the race a few times. I am a work in progress but the thing is I am working on not just what I know but the ins and outs and the ups and downs of how I feel. That’s what usually trips me up.

I also know that I am the host of an often goofy reality show that talks about some rather ridiculous things. But I always hope to redeem the madness by sharing something that will help EMOTIONALLY EDUCATE – not just the people I see but those in TV LAND. It is like sneaking vegetables into pasta. I must entertain – I hope to shed a little light. (Trust me people, I have no illusions of grandeur.)

Anyway my rant is over. I wanted to express how I felt about Denise’s predicament in a manner that might, at least, start people thinking.

Hopefully a productive use of my ire.