You don’t prove power
by hitting the defenseless.
Strong people punch up
and don’t hide in fake kindness
to justify their cruelty.
This poem is linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry 492.
Liner Notes for this Groove:
“Sir, I did not
count your glasses of wine, why should you number up my cups of tea?”
― Samuel Johnson,
The Life of Samuel Johnson, Vol 2
There’s no question we are living in some serious rough
times. A lot of us often rely on admittedly goofy things to cope like indulging
in silly interactive memes because holy fuck, people who look like me are
getting caged and shot.
So I found it more than a little distasteful to see someone
who has set themselves up as something of an advisor or a guide of people to purposely
use belittling language to describe others who engage in the sort of thing I
described. There was the tiniest bit of back pedaling when confronted with the
fact their words were insensitive, but ultimately they reaffirmed their
phrasing, hoping its aggressiveness would get through to people.
Yeah, I guess that’s one way to go with it.
But how about this…how about not going out of your way to
shame people for harmless things they do to deal with the daily suckage that
spews at them constantly? How about seeing that any form of lighthearted human
connection, that involves nothing mean-spirited or blood pressuring raising, is
a good thing, even if it isn’t your thing?
I think the world could use more of those moments of brief
connection. Admittedly, there’s a decent chance it won’t be all that deep but
a.) maybe the equivalent of a sugary bon-bon of interaction is all we need or
can handle in a particular moment and b.) very deep and true friendships
have had their start in silliness. All I know is that when I’ve been the
goofball comedy relief a friend has needed, we both came out feeling better for
the experience.
So dear Groovers, do you indulge in goofy little things to
get a smile going on those tough days? Tell me all about it in the comments section
and do be sure to drop a link to your cyberhome if you want to keep the
conversation going there too.
 |
| These little crows have the right idea. Bloom by Magic Love Crow Follow her blog for more whimsically fun art. |
Oh, heck! It’s more than OK not to like things. Because it’s humanly impossible to like everything. We do live in precarious times, and whatever ways we use to cope shouldn’t be of ridicule to others. Sure it can be hard to find humour in more serious issues but the ability to laugh at one’s self (and friends who laugh with you not at you) is always admirable. And if that fails, there’s always Mr Bean, for me. :D
ReplyDeleteHa! That is an excellent point...we don't have the time or ability to like all the things even if we tried.
DeleteLOL, I often have much cause to laugh at myself. :D
Few things are as disgusting as a strong person who abuses those they believe won't (or can't) fight back. I can't see what they gain by doing this. It makes no sense. Unless it's just a mask, and they are make other people feel terrible in order to hide their own misery. Shaming is the armor of cowards.
ReplyDeleteHere is my bit for this week:
https://guerrerowords.blogspot.com/2019/09/of-dying-dandelions-and-wishes.html
It was the whole using shaming language "for their own good" that just sat really poorly with me. I mean maybe that will work for some people. And maybe I'll be crowned Miss Scandinavia too.
DeleteWe definitely need to enjoy the goofy little moments in life..it's a good way to get by.
ReplyDeleteKeep calm and goofball on!
DeleteBlimey dear Rommy you certainly hit the nail firmly and crisply on the head with this piece... And, rather sadly, just how timely and relevant it seems to the times we currently live in... Great writing again and always such a pleasure to read your stuff - it is always so 'on the money' and its topic equally delightfully unpredictable - all you could ever want from poetry!
ReplyDeleteAw! Thank you for the kind words Scottie!
DeleteIt's the goofy moments of life that make the journey easier. We need some laughter as the world can be so painful. What they perceive as power is actually a weakness of character. ugh...
ReplyDeleteYeah... I'm really out of patience with that type of "power". I already lost respect for it ages ago.
DeleteYes, I am for goofiness always. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! Goofiness rules!
DeleteA powerful ride you have written us here, and I am with you 100% all the way through. Thank you for being a light-hearted AND serious truth-teller in the world. I think you are probably a cherished friend to all, even in those briefest of moments. I would certainly count you as one in our brief moments. As for silliness, well, I admit I'm not often good at instigating it, but I'm quick to jump in whole-heartedly when someone else does. My wife is a master at starting it, and I was absolutely lost without her before we met. So yes, the light, silly moments are of weighty, serious importance. And those crows are perfect for my eyes on this subject, as my lovely wife has a whimsical connection with crows. They follow her around like the pied piper!
ReplyDeleteThe artist (Stacey a.k.a. Magic Love Crow) has some seriously cute crow art, as well as some gorgeously moving pieces featuring crows. Definitely check out more of her work.
DeleteBoth the hubs and I can be real goofballs, especially when it comes to nerdy humor. :D
When overwhelmed? I watch "bad" movies. Find myself indulging in the kind of books I'd have read in high school/junior high (or that I did read then); dancing around the living room with the dogs to the soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy...so far none of them have lost lunches while spinning. *crosses fingers* Goofiness helps.
ReplyDeleteMy son and I will often turn to fine cinematic frommage mocked by puppets (Mystery Science Theater 3000) when we are stressed. I remember the two of us looking at each other at one point in the summer and we said to hell with our tasks and took in part of the new series on Netflix with Felicia Day. It was just what we needed.
DeleteAnd OMG, comfort reading...yes. That's something I have been indulging in for a long time ago when Beverly Cleary's Ramona books were what I turned to after a long day.
Well done, Rommy, for not holding back! I agree wholeheartedly and I've a soft spot for goofiness.
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't tell the person *quite* what I actually thought of them, though I did make it clear that I found their methods mind-boggling. :D
DeleteIt’s ‘being goofy’ that makes life interesting and fun..
ReplyDeletePeople who can’t see that or behave badly have simply lost their sense of compassion and are probably even lost themselves.
They are better left to their stupid selves.
I think you've hit on something with that. I'm not sure what caused them to lose compassion like that. It does make me feel bad for them, but still does nothing to make me want to partake in their company more than is necessary (and thank goodness, it's not all that necessary).
DeleteThe goofyness is the best way to do it... I find it hard, sometimes I might lash out before thinking, and in the end that is often more damaging than to just smile and turn left.
ReplyDeleteMy son is fairly similar. So am I too. I can have a fairly acid tongue if I'm not on top of things. That day I left the acid at home though, and was just mystified as to how that person thought their approach was helpful.
DeleteAgreed! Strong people don't hide in fake kindness. You made your point well.
ReplyDeleteI've met very strong people who have told me truths I needed to hear, but none of them were harsh in the name of driving a point home. Funny that.
DeleteYour words touch me deeply and straight to the core, Rommy!❤️ I will never understand why some people choose to belittle others nor will I understand the reasons behind it. I don't believe anybody has the right to decide what or how people should choose to relieve their stress.. if we like goofy memes then so be it, if we love animation then what does it matter to anyone else? The last thing we need is another mean-spirited person in this world. I like listening to 90s songs and especially the cheesy ones.. they help me laugh and dance away my worries and stress .. to keep the tears away on tough days and give me strength though I am ridiculously optimistic .. but once in a blue moon despair gets to me too. So yeah, to hell with those who ridicule. We love what we love, and nothing can take it away from us or shame us into thinking otherwise.❤️
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm a sucker for sappy 80's love songs--like Deadpool level sucker for them. And I've danced around to more than one boy band or two well after my Tiger Beat days were over.
Delete'Strong people punch up
ReplyDeleteand don’t hide in fake kindness
to justify their cruelty.'
Gr-r-r-r … hate it when they do that.
Re: your inquiry on goofy things to get through the madness … I must admit I seem to be developing a bit of a penchant for dropping news/fake news sound bites into my conversation as in: 'Mexico's going to pay for it."
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...nice!
DeleteYour opening poem made me think of the attitude of governments to the people (particularly the less fortunate) which is often cruel and demeaning. This occurs particularly in Australia with the poor, unemployed, or migrants who have escaped war torn countriers and unstable governments.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was hard not to notice the correlation of the rise of everyday cruelty with the rise of an administration where cruelty seems to be part of their mission statement.
DeleteI think we all actually need a good dose of silliness from time to time. If all else fails, I watch comedy on TV, especially the laugh-out-loud kind. We all need a good laugh, too – and frequently.
ReplyDeleteOh hell yes! I love a good comedy too. LOL, and goofy little kid cartoons about friendly ponies as well. It seems to me that some adults ought to spend time watching that one. They may learn a thing or two.
DeleteI didn't read the article (blog?) you were referring to but I can bet your write here is spot on. Sounds like it. I think we should all go by the rule of little Thumper's mother: "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I mean, why bother? Unless one just likes to... heh heh ... stir things up. :) Of course, a response to the yuk stir up is always acceptable! First visit. I'll be back.
ReplyDeleteLOL, you are better off not having read their words. But yeah, I agree that there was more likely a desire to stir things up (and perhaps look "edgy" to a certain demographic) than there was a genuine desire to help anyone.
DeleteThanks for visiting JC!