Soap Boxing

I'm sure I'll ruffle a few feathers here but things need to be said.

I understand that we live in a diverse society full of individuals that are unique. Does this mean we need to acknowledge everybody individually? I don't think so. Perhaps it's because I'm part of the white, male between the ages of 30 and 50 demographic that I don't feel the need for my own social identity. It's established and nobody questions it. Come to think of it, nobody even notices it. If I were in a minority group I might feel differently but I can only speculate.

Discrimination sucks. I like to think I'm a pretty accepting person but I don't understand why we need to put everybody on a pedestal to celebrate what makes them unique. Part of the reason we strive for uniqueness is so we can be individuals. The moment we jump on a bandwagon or join a group we abandon that individuality in favor of being recognized as a group.

The whole Bert and Ernie thing is stupid. Yeah, they're both clearly gay but I think we enforce stereotypes by demanding that they get married. Why can't two gay men share an apartment? Is it impossible for two gay men to be friends without being in love? That's almost as bad as saying "All black people know each other."

It seems like everybody is trying to get into a group so they not only have a stronger voice but so they have like minded people to validate their perceived individuality which then nullifies said individuality.

Don't get me wrong. There are people who need a strong voice because of discrimination. They achieve it by unifying with people in the same social situation. It's the other end of the spectrum that really burns my ass. They know who they are. They know they're not special so they fabricate a "social condition" to get that little bit of recognition they feel they deserve.

There used to be many folks out there with peanut and other food allergies. They requires special meals and consideration because of their condition. At some point, EVERYBODY started developing food allergies. I guess being a vegetarian/vegan wasn't enough for them so they found other ways to create a "what about me?" situation. One can only wonder what will happen when these needs are met. I'm sure they'll find another way to tell the world that they're special and need to be accommodated.

We need to spend less time looking for similarities and get back to focusing on our own individuality. Like what you like and do as you please. If other people aren't on board that's okay. You've found what makes you, you. Aligning yourself with other people that are just like you dilutes your identity.

You can be a vegan, Democrat, environmentalist, hybrid driving, Apple customer if you're really into those things. Becoming those things to distance yourself from omnivorous, Republican, industrialist, SUV driving, WalMart customers doesn't do anything except make you prejudiced against those people. Do you want to be a social bigot?

It's time to coexist without being codependent. You have a voice but you also have ears. Share what makes you an individual and accept how other people are.

I'm well aware that there is quite a bit of hypocrisy going on here. I'm criticizing those who criticize. Is it possible to spark change without pointing fingers? Not really. What a wonderful world we live in.