I Be Thinkin'

 

Thoughts on Authenticity

 

I've been thinking. Dangerous, I know, but none-the-less, I’ve been thinking. I think a lot about a lot of things…all the time. I don’t profess or pretend to be the only one to do this; however, my thoughts never seem to rest. Aside from the everyday mundane thoughts, I think about family, friends, writing ideas, and more importantly, my voice being silenced for political expediency.

In a posted poem titled “What It Takes,” I tried to illustrate the courage it takes to speak out today, for fear of being silenced or worse. Sad to say, it’s become all too real. Six (6) Dr. Seuss books have now been banned, but Mein Kampf by Adolph Hilter, has not. YouTube is full of videos where you can find all manner of things, including a child, reading The GayBCs by M.L. Webb*. Still, it cancels videos for anything informative on political opinions, documented speeches, or news feeds it doesn’t like. BUT Cardi B’s music video “WAP” can still be viewed (for this post, I will not give the acronym for W.A.P., please do your own research). It is alleged that Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon conspired together to bring down or cancel accounts of all manner of entrepreneurs and opinion speakers, but for some reason, those who spout ‘death to America’ remain. Granted, private companies can do what they want, but at the expense of free expression, which they espouse…it begs the question of overreach.

So, I’ve been thinking about this. 

All things being equal, I may not like what is being spoken, printed, or played in the media or on social platforms; however, I will defend the individual right to say, print, or play anything. As long as it isn’t used to intentionally cause malicious hurt or pain, it is their right. Our laws give us this right; if we find it distasteful, it’s easy enough to change the channel or not participate. I applaud those who have been given various platforms to speak or share their creative ideas. I also condemn those who target and prevent others their right to do the same.

So, I’ve been thinking about my blog. 

I’ve been thinking of how to move forward in this day and age of censorship, the new McCarthyism in the Age of Authoritarianism under the Totalitarian or Oligarchy form of government we find ourselves, or so it seems. The ideology of Socialism is frightening, and the ideology of Capitalism, on which our form of democratic government is based, seems doomed. What a mouthful! If I can’t speak freely, or if I can’t speak my opinions, or if I can’t take a step outside my comfort level – or the comfort level of my readers, then what’s the point? I can diverge into a softer blog niche of wellness, beauty, recipes, or fashion, but why. To do something different; to be my authentic self and have a place to express ideas and opinions, is what I want this blog to represent. 

So, I’ve been thinking, what to do. 

My words are mine. Not as eloquent as some, but still, they’re mine. I have received praise for some blog posts, of which I am eternally grateful, and I understand too that not all posts will be received well. And that’s ok. Since starting this blog journey, I’ve seen a surge in Facebook friends expressing their own socially cognizant thoughts or post long articles on Facebook when they haven’t otherwise. Coincidentally, I’ve even seen some friends post stories or opinions on something that I have just posted on my blog. Some will put forth more prominent poets, laureates, or even prose of their own, and that’s great! But, I don’t mind. I see these as a testament that I might be onto something. To see this, has me questioning if I might be inspiring others to speak out, or stand up, for something important to them. I have done the same in using my blog platform, and I think…yes, I will continue. 

If this is what I think it is, I will continue to inspire. I will continue to provoke thought. I will continue to try and entertain with my kind of wit and so-called wisdom. I will continue to ask for ‘Likes’ and/or ‘Comments,’ and I hope I’ve spurned others to be unafraid to do so and to Subscribe. I will continue to be as authentic as I can without apology. As a member of the human race, I will courageously stand for something; my convictions. I won’t fall for just anything. If that gets me censored…well, I don’t really think so. When it gets down to it, I’m not that important. I do have a voice, though and standing up for my right to use it – is.

That’s what I’ve been thinking.     

~DaMarie

Photo Courtesy of Kyle J. Glenn

 

 * Disclaimer: This in no way is an attempt to disparage the LGBTQ community.