I hate to get bossed around. I doubt that anyone out there really likes it, but I have always been especially reluctant to be told what to think, feel and do- without actually turning it over in my own mind. I’m not talking about common sense rules: I obey traffic lights, pay my bills, act properly in public, and do all those ‘good citizen’ type things. I’m talking about popular opinions and personal taste. For instance- I don’t care if fifty billion people watch a show- if I don’t like it, I’m out. I don’t care if a book gets a five start rating- if I read it, and it sucks, I’m going to be truthful about it. I don’t care what the neighbors drive, wear, eat, go,or think. I’m not saying I don’t respect them (I am lucky to have great ones) -it’s just that they aren’t going to change my opinion about anything, and I can’t imagine either a) competing with them if they buy a brand new SUV or Mercedes or b) feeling better about myself if they rattle home in some piece of crap. I just cannot see how their actions pertain to me at all!
On a scale of one to ten, this show gets a ZERO!
That being said- I really hate getting pushed around online. Like when people post things to try and strong arm you into making a move you hadn’t planned on. For instance: a long diatribe (usually peppered with specific political leanings) that ends with ‘Repost if you’re a TRUE AMERICAN!’ I hate to tell these people, but they don’t have the monopoly on being ‘true’ Americans. In fact- I can completely disagree with every word of said diatribe and still be a ‘true’ American. Their opinion of me does not define who I am, nor is it their place to spell out the ‘rules’ of what it means to be an American to anyone! I am thankful I am not as presumptuous as they are, and sooo grateful that I don’t hate any particular groups of people, including them. I can’t imagine yelling ‘Get Out of My Country’ like so many do when they are disagreed with. It’s not YOURS to begin with!! Who doesn’t ‘get’ that?
I also hate being told to repost anything in general (and it’s not just because I’m not sure how to do it…har har) It’s more about people threatening me Tony Soprano style. Evidently, because I don’t repost certain things I: Don’t really love my mother/father/brother/sister/daughter/son or pet. I also don’t want cheaper gas, lower prices or equal rights. I don’t like/hate my President, do like/hate my President, don’t want better schools, cleaner air, or freedom. I’m against butterflies, puppies and newborns, and I’m responsible for both the death of the ecosystem and that cult show about Nerdy Zombies. And to top it all off- I probably don’t even like you!
So?!
Which brings me to the really crazy stuff. Sometimes people post a Facebook Friend Litmus Test. It starts out by saying, I like you, and like having you on my facebook friend list BUT-surprise!!- I’m giving a pop quiz today to see how many people are paying attention to me- and if you don’t repost this, you’re Audi. Now- there are some questions I could ask, but never would ask- and this is one of them. Because the truth is: I don’t want to know! I don’t want to find out you hate me, or think my posts suck, or wish I wasn’t on your list. I trust you to do the right thing and hide me, or block me or drop me when nobody’s looking. It’s the nice way to be, and I’m pretty sure it makes you a ‘true’ American!
