freedom of speech Archives

Complain or Compliment – You Decide

“Untold suffering seldom is.” – Franklin P. Jones

I love this quote…because whether we like it or not, we hear it. Complaints. Expressions of unhappiness, dissatisfaction.

We all have them. And we all complain. Take a day or two and pay attention to what you say – odds are a complaint or two (or twenty) leaks out.

I get it. I truly do. Because complaining seems to be part of our makeup. Probably because we as people tend to focus on the bad and not the good, the lack instead of the abundance.

The funny thing is, none of us really likes a complainer. There’s a repulsion we feel towards those that bemoan their fate or the fate of the world constantly….frankly, they can be a big downer.

What we complain about can be outright silly. In my job, I deal with “customers” (or rather viewers) on a daily basis. The things they object to are, in my mind, so un-important in the big scheme of things. Sometimes I want to shake the phone and strongly urge them to let it go – to spend their time volunteering or taking a walk and breathing in the crisp air. I want to remind them that complaining about something that truly doesn’t matter is a waste of their precious energy and life force. Please sir, hang up the phone and we’ll pretend you never called clearly upset that your favorite episode of Family Guy didn’t air.

I don’t mean to belittle people’s need to express their opinions. I am a big ‘freedom of expression’ advocate (as I’m doing right now.) What I’m trying to point out is that expression is not something that should be squandered away on the mundane. Wouldn’t it be better spent in highlighting the positives in life? Isn’t it funny how sometimes when someone offers up a compliment instead of a complaint we are taken aback – even mildly confused by the kindness? I know I’ve had several experiences where I’ve been shocked by someone’s praise – thinking wow, wasn’t that nice of them? It say’s a lot about what we expect…developed over time from the cacophony of common complaints.

Certainly it’s ok and even good to complain once in awhile…to get things off our chest. But complainer on your calling card – not so welcome. – BB

Two Cents Tuesday

Edit, People, Edit

It’s Two Cents Tuesday…

Editing has gotten a bad rap.

As a writer, and someone interested in the written word as a fulfilling means of communication, one may think it strange I believe in the power of editing. The ability to be precise and concise in ones writing is the number one rule in many a wordsmiths handbook….even the prolific Stephen King touts the unspoken golden rule – brevity.

Our society is a full pendulum swing away from editing itself…between Facebook, Twitter and cell phones, we let it all ‘hang out’. We say anything we please – without fear, without care. And yes, there is something bold in that…powerful….but also very short-sighted, and for lack of a better word, stupid.

I do look up to people who speak their mind – who are honest and forthright – who say what they think and feel. It is very brave. When spoken eloquently, the truth or opinion of truth, can change people…much as Martin Luther King Jr. did when he spoke his ‘dream’ to the world.

And then there is someone like Mark Twain, who had his autobiography published (in volumes, no less) 100 years after his death. Twain, one of the most famous authors of our time, had an ability to be both biting and sentimental when he spoke his beliefs. Apparently he left tons of material behind, in a memoir type fashion, that was to be compiled and published a century after his death….some say to protect those he wrote about (as he obviously didn’t want to edit his material) and others say it was a grand PR move. Whatever the reason, Mr. Twain did not mince nor edit his meaty words.

So why do I believe in editing so strongly? Because it is often in our best interest. We do it on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. We edit what we say to our boss (how many times have we’ve bitten our tongue?), what we say to our loved ones, or even strangers. We all know saying what you really feel is not always best at the moment you’re feeling it – although the reverse argument has its validity. It’s more of a “think” before you speak, before you post/tweet/text, philosophy I believe in. And what could it hurt? Does a re-read of an email or report or letter ever cause any harm? No…but the public publishing can. As the expression goes, some things are better left unsaid.

Our forefathers edited the Declaration of Independence before they signed it, didn’t they? The laws of our society are such that although we’ve penned our right to free speech, we should also understand that with that freedom comes responsibility…to each other. Speaking out, demonstrating, blogging are great venues of expression and sharing – but they should be tempered with humility and compassion…for others viewpoints and belief systems. So many people abuse the right of free speech as a means to promote their own personal agendas which creates an unhealthy society, mired in the mentality of “me”.

Our modern social media environment has allowed us to become more global than we ever imagined – and as technology continues to expand and advance, so too will each of our reaches. What you put out in the world – in print or video – will become part of your history, your story to tell. Say what you feel, what you think, what you believe…but always keep one thing in mind…learn to edit.

Edit. It begins with E…and I love E. – BB

(That was probably more like my 31 Cents worth…perhaps I need to take my own advice and edit.)