I just saw a meme that said “never change who you are because other people have a problem with it.”
I’d like to amend that: Unless you’re an asshole. Stop being an asshole.
Stop Being an Asshole
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Category Archives: Philosophy/Politics
False Expertise, Ignorance, and Arrogance
My friend posted the following on facebook the other day, and I think that it’s something that everyone should be aware of:
Thing I wish everyone magically understood from birth #9082904832: Every task has a potential depth of expertise, regardless of how simple it might seem. This means that: 1) someone who repeatedly does the task for any length of time will have gained at least some of that expertise, 2) they usually become increasingly efficient and skilled at carrying out that task over time, 3) they deserve to be compensated for their expertise, and 4) anyone who has not done that task for a length of time not only lacks expertise, but also lacks awareness of what they don’t know.
NYC Pride Parade
On Sunday I went to the Pride parade in NYC, what has become a yearly tradition for me. It runs right down 5th avenue, so you can imagine what it does to traffic. Then again, that’s what parades do.
I went with a bunch of friends, and we always set up in the same spot, right in front of Madison Square Park (no, it’s not by the stadium. Madison Square Garden used to be by the park, but they moved a few times. It’s now above Penn Station). We got there early so that we could be in the front row. As usual, it’s worth it.
Memories are an anchor. Possibilities are a wild wind, taking you to new and fantastic places.
But if you let the wind alone guide you, you’re bound to run aground.
Use the damn rudder.
An Honor to be in Their Heart
What was once yours belongs to everyone. You bled on your canvas, or keyboard, or guitar. You took your guts and spread them for the world to see. You shared your soul.
It doesn’t belong to you anymore.
Yes, you’re still the creator, but the child belongs to the world. It’s yours, but not. Everyone that sees, or reads, or listens, will interpret it through their own eyes and experiences. Your vision is not theirs.
Don’t despair. It’s meant to be that way.
Let go of your creation. Let it thrive or shrivel. Let it be misunderstood, or let people find things within that you never saw. You brought it to life. Let it live.
It’s an honor to be in their heart.
My Friend the Rapist
Warning: This post deals with some heavy stuff about rape. It might be hard to read for some of you.
A few months ago, I found out that one of my best friends from my teenage years is a serial rapist. He will never be charged with these crimes. He will never go to jail. How many people he violated, I don’t know, but I know at least a few. But it’s not just his crime, it’s mine. It’s ours.
Power costs freedom. Knowledge costs time. Wisdom costs joy. Ramen costs $1.19 at Shoprite.
