Derivative Drivel

I’m a social media whore…at least I think I am.  I have accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress and…well, I guess that’s it.  I never dabbled with snapchat, mainly because I find it a waste of time (i.e, I can’t be bothered to put on makeup every time I have something to say).

One thing I’ve noticed is that EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION.  The second thing is that, if you DON’T have an opinion, someone will provide you with one.

For example: Do you recall a recent ad campaign by a popular clothing store which advertised an adorable little kid wearing a cute little t-shirt with the words “Cutest Monkey in the Zoo”, or something to that effect? People got all bent out of shape over that one because it was perceived to be racist and insensitive, especially since the adorable little kid happened to be Black.

Um…WHAT???

It never occurred to me to make a connection between “Black” and “Monkey”.  Honestly.  And honestly, I also believe that the person who SHOULD be accused of racism is the person who DOES make that connection.

Normal people do not jump to disparaging conclusions regarding every little thing they hear and see.  I call my kids monkeys all the time…because they have the attention span and grooming habits of your basic gibbon.  It never occurred to me to refrain from using the term “monkey”, lest someone think i’m comparing my kid to a Black person, because I NEVER COMPARED A BLACK PERSON TO A MONKEY (at least not simply by virtue of their skin color).

Now, I know that historically, Blacks were often called “monkeys”.  Why? Dunno. Regardless, the terms was intended to be derogatory and insulting.  Some people just have a way of turning any word into something negative [insert eye roll here].  But this is 2018 and I would LIKE to think that as a society, we’ve come far enough that we can overcome that particular type of racist drivel.

Clearly,  I am mistaken in my thinking because the fallout of that ad campaign reinforced that the drivel is still alive and kicking.

And the bandwagon-riders hopped right on and yelled “Giddyap”.

There’s an old saying that “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”.  I suppose I could give credit where it’s due, but I’m too lazy to look it up…if you’re that curious, google it.

Anyhoo…I find that statement to be wholeheartedly true.  Assuming someone cares enough to inquire as to your stance on any particular matter, you BETTER have an answer, or you’ll be deemed an idiot.  In this day and age, ignorance and apathy with regard to current events is considered a sin.

But if you still don’t care enough to have an opinion? Don’t worry…someone will be along shortly, with an extra that you can borrow.