I’m a very particular person. In an extra sort of way. Those who know me well are probably thinking, “tell me something I don’t already know.” And actually…really anyone who's read Rants and Raves probably picked up on that notion from the jump.
My switch has two settings- on and off. It’s really no fault of my own, I swear. It’s just that my dimmer is away on sabbatical or something like 92% of the time. Hot or cold with little patience for lukewarm. And that’s for good OR bad. Literally. Applicable to pretty much everything, with anything music related measured on the grandest scale. My party peculiarities are extensive- dancefloor construction (spongy material is my anti-christ) ), extreme sound sensitivity, lights (ummm, strobes….eeeekk) to fog and beyond. I see things my own way. As do you- and you, and you. Clearly.
I have mad respect for anyone and everyone who puts their heart and soul- and perhaps tries to earn their living through dance music; whether it be promoters, artists, club owners, managers, bookers, nightlife workers- etc etc. It’s a high risk endeavor that can entail little or no reward in a myriad of ways- emotionally, artistically, financially or all of the above.
So…exactly what is the point I’m getting at? My laundry list of likes and dislikes isn’t relevant to anyone else but me. And I know where the door is- and can choose to enter or exit anytime I please. I mean…just because a party exists doesn’t mean you have to go. I promise, if a speaker stack falls at a party- it will absolutely get heard. And talked about- so you’re not missing anything.
Expressing your perspectives, should you be fortunate to have an ability to do so- can scratch an itch not reachable any other way. What I do find quite troubling though, is the manner of how opinions are sometimes expressed. Particularly those squarely pointed accusingly at a specific person or place. Calling out by name, name-calling and labeling- publicly putting your grievances on blast in the town square via an incessant foghorn. When in actuality the only sound registered by the other party- might be your fingers typing furiously in the distance. Leaving nothing more than an everlasting mark by way of a whole lot of impressions. I’m of course referring to social media.
I'm a firm believer of- to each their own. That is, so long as you're not hurting anyone. Social media throws caution to wind blowing from every direction. Because it enables us to belch and bellow out our opinions 360°, 365 days of the year for all the world to hear.
See something, say something- right?! Okay, yes…but how are you going about it? Things are not always what they seem upon assumption. And making change is hardly as simple as tapping a like button. And these types of actions can easily result in a stampede of little lasting substance. Digital is no replacement for dialogue. Tell me otherwise- I’m all ears. There’s more to talking and hearing than winning the debate. Agreeing to disagree is of equal value. If nothing else, it’ll further inform your opinions. I mean, I’d love to take a crack at a conversation with a Nazi. And I’m not kidding.
Each scenario is different. Only you know the route. But perhaps consider whether the path chosen has a real chance of affecting change. Perhaps it does and perhaps it doesn’t. Different measures and means certainly require different actions.
Of course, that assumes a conversation is possible. No matter how remote the possibility, we typically don’t get what we don’t ask for. So did you even try? Are you acting as an agent of change or just provocatively broadcasting your perspective? Passive aggressive actions typically don’t get anywhere fast.
Shame, shame, shame…blame, blame, blame is a never ending cycle. Regardless of your good intentions, ethos and values, did pointing out by proper noun perhaps perpetuate and take part in the larger problem? Society that lives in fear of making a “misstep” can often lead to no steps taken- drastically curtailing cultural change.
I’m in no way asking anyone to change their behavior or suggesting to keep their opinions mum. Ummm, that’s a challenge I’m doomed to fail. You do you and I’ll do me and the world will keep turning regardless. Perhaps ponder when itching for that post button, whether pausing and redirecting your efforts towards dialogue could be more productive in achieving positive progress.
Because…this world is littered with opinions. And just because everyone has assholes doesn’t mean you have to act like one.
Couldn't have said it better.