So, once again, I find myself under fire! This time, it’s Cancel Culture. Some people have taken offense to a dance video I posted and feel the need to cancel me because of a video which, they know nothing about, and really, has nothing to do with them. They don’t know where it was shot, when it was shot or the story behind it. Artistic expression is always going to be controversial. And social media just brings a whole new level of outrage to everything. I mean, if you see a random facebook post by the mechanic who services your car, and you find out that she holds different political views to you, are you never going to take your car back to be serviced by her just because she has a different view point to you? Quite frankly, we’d never get anything done if we expected everyone with whom we interact with in this world to hold exactly the same views and have the same opinions that we hold ourselves.
Cancel culture is childish. I’m not going to support you, because you did, said or thought something I don’t like or don’t agree with. And you know what, I’m not justifying myself, my thoughts, actions or opinions to anyone. Just because you have an opinion, I don’t have to agree with that opinion. And I’m certainly not going to lower myself to your level.
And really, who do people think I am? Madonna? Kate Middleton? No, I’m a tiny wee cog in a very big world, who is simply trying to make people happy by giving them low cost dance and yoga classes. I teach for Koha, to try to make things accessible for all. I keep my therapies reasonably priced, again, to try to make healing accessible for as many people as possible. I do romi romi, again, for koha. I am but one tiny individual trying to live by her beliefs and trying to be the change she wants to see in the world. These people who are busy cancelling me don’t know me, have never been to see me, and have been busy writing hurtful comments instead of asking or conversing with me about what they believe they’ve seen to become so offended about.
And here’s another thing. No matter how nicely you try to present something nasty, it’s still nasty. You may be trying to tell yourself you’re still a creature of love and light and you’re putting it positively, but when you write something with the intent to be hurtful or cruel, there is no way you can sugar coat it. Quite frankly, there is no way to make a turd smell like roses. So don’t bother trying. In fact, if you’re so offended, turn it off, don’t watch it.
I remember how offended I was by a dating show where the contestants chose who to date by looking at the other contestant’s genitals. Not by their personality. Not by their faces. But by looking at their genitals and nothing else. What have we sunk to in society when we chose a mate based on how their genitals look? However, is it worth being so offended by this? Isn’t it better to simply turn the TV off and go and do something else? It’s the same for these outraged keyboards warriors, maybe it’s time for them to volunteer for a charity group or go and plant some vegetables in the garden.
I know I am never going please everybody. That’s ok. That’s just how life works. And just in case I decide to run for public office one day, and actually become a Very Important Person, guess what, here are some things to get you REALLY offended about me, just so it’s out in the open:
· People assume I’m vegetarian or vegan because I do yoga. I’m not and have never claimed to be. I really enjoy steak, pies, bacon and meat lovers pizza is my favourite.
· I’m a small farmer. Our sheep had four lovely lambs this Spring, and I’m really looking forward to lamb chops!
· I’m a keen hunter. Yes, you read that right. I like nothing more than going out and knocking off a few rabbits, possums or ducks. They taste good too (except the possums, the dogs get those).
· I went to the rodeo the other weekend. And it was awesome!
· And finally, if you’re not offended yet, you will be soon! I think that should I ever stand for office, there are a few nude photos of me out there. And think you can black mail me with them, good luck! I’m proud of those photos.
I really don’t think anyone has a completely clean slate. I don’t think anyone is perfect. It’s hard being on the end of such unpleasantness when all I’m trying to do is be a little ray of light in a very dark world. I started to question myself and my mission, so I went searching for answers the other night. And I found what resonated for me, so I quote to you from “Mission Possible” by Tim Tebow:
“If you find yourself off track because you made the wrong decision or stumbled along the way, don’t focus on pursing perfection. There will never be a day in which we make perfect choices, have the perfect thoughts, and make all the right moves. I’m so glad imperfections don’t disqualify us from finishing the race……in your pursuit of a mission possible life, the questions will come. Don’t treat them as a stop sign….feel the questions, but just don’t allow doubt to supersede action. Don’t let the questions render you immobile.”
And I won’t be rendered immobile by the doubters, the haters and the cancel culture brigade. I my friends, am going to dance!
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