Old person rant not related to cars.

"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
11/21/2016 at 18:55 • Filed to: Rant

Amazing mostly BRG picture in exchange for your time.

Chill out. It’s not worth it. Life is what you make of it, but sometimes it’s what other people make of it, and you can’t always do anything about it. But you still have some agency in your life. You can find things that make you happy. You can also find things that make you miserable. Or outraged. Or angry. Or offended.

It amazes me that a generation that has created the “trigger warning” (something I have a philosophical opposition to, but I can’t be bothered to muster more than indifference if someone is in support of it) has more or less made exposing themselves to things that outrage them a central part of their day-to-day lives.*

Stop it. Just stop.

If someone kicks a puppy, that’s terrible, but exposing yourself to it doesn’t un-kick that puppy. The puppy doesn’t get un-kicked if you share it on Facebook. It doesn’t get un-kicked if you watch a video of it on YouTube. It doesn’t get un-kicked if someone voices their support of puppy kicking on Tumblr and angrily reblog it.

Does that mean you shouldn’t volunteer with the ASPCA or rescue a pittbull? No. Everyone should have and develop their own moral compass. Everyone should engage with issues that matter to them. Pro gun or anti gun, pro abortion or anti abortion. A democratic society doesn’t determine issues based on 100% consensus, just a majority. If enough people feel the way you do, then things will go your way. Or they won’t, that happens too.

But living life in an echo chamber of outrage doesn’t make your voice louder or your concerns more likely to be heeded. It just leads to an overwhelming sense of impotence.

This is something I’ve noticed with what I’d consider to be the core “Millennial” demographic after the election. People who have more or less grown up with Obama have suddenly had to confront the reality that sometimes people you don’t like get elected.

I’m fortunate enough to have the pleasure to work with a lot of people from this demographic, and, God, there’s just a palpable sense of misery. Even as someone who has always been very much on the left, this has been just insufferable. I may have to live for the next four years with a president I didn’t want who will doubtlessly make decisions I do not want made, but at least I don’t have to work next to him. I do, however, have to work with a bunch of people who are acting like they’ve simultaneously gotten diagnoses of a terminal illness.

The funny thing is that I’ve noticed that unlike people my own age and older, who are still discussing in serious terms why the election was not a good thing, I’ve noticed that in day-to-day life, younger people have replaced expressing dissatisfaction with just a general all-pervasive glumness.

Cheer up. Chill out. Things didn’t go your way. That’s going to happen a lot.

Get involved, do something about it, work harder next time, but also get on with your life. Find things to be happy about. Stop living life wearing a hair shirt of self-imposed misery and stop structuring your free time around being outraged. If you really think it’s at all appropriate to be Tumbling two feet from your boss, at least reblog something that makes you happy, like pretty pictures of cars or cat memes.

Failing that, make a rambling rant on a car social forum, that also works.

* Obviously I’m generalizing here. You post on Oppo, so you’re chill like a breeze in the arctic circle.

DISCUSSION (38)

shop-teacher > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 18:59

Yep. Life goes on.

S65 > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 19:01

Kinja'd!!!

Hey! I did go to a shelter and adopt a pit bull! She is good doggo

Honeybunchesofgoats > S65
11/21/2016 at 19:03

She’s adorable and I’m going to take retroactive credit for your decision.

fintail > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 19:05

I’ll quote Lorraine’s dad from BTTF: “Comes from upbringing”.

Seems I recall seeing kids in Europe behaving like this 20 or more years ago. The movement just spread. People need to know when to move on and change things rather than mope.

Honeybunchesofgoats > fintail
11/21/2016 at 19:12

I can’t definitely see that. But I also get the sense that an entire generation of people just suddenly realized en made things don’t always go their way, no matter how much they tweeted about it.

My hippie parents had to deal with Nixon getting elected twice, but at least they got to get high and leave the house to watch Hendrix set his guitar on fire.

MUSASHI66 > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 19:36

So much this. What we are witnessing, IMO, is pussyfication of America. If you are offended by this, you just proved my point.

I am getting sick and tired of people whining and bitching and being offended by everything. We are at the point in history where young college student need safe spaces on campus, because they are so upset with words! Well buttercup, if you think this sucks, and the world is hard, you are in for a ride!

jimz > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 19:39

honestly, to be fair, the generation that “created the trigger warning” created it because they were raised by a generation of helicopter parents who shielded them and bailed them out of everything.

If you’re protected from adversity and rescued from failure as a kid, you won’t know how to deal with adversity and recover from failure as an adult.

Honeybunchesofgoats > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 19:41

I wouldn’t have personally phrased it this way, but I do agree that people need to learn to get on with it and just deal with life

It’s an issue that I frequently have trying to convey this to Millennials. I don’t want to tell them that they don’t have a right to be offended, but they need to face it and channel it into something productive rather than expecting to have the privilege of not being confronted by things they don’t like.

Honeybunchesofgoats > jimz
11/21/2016 at 19:44

I definitely agree. I just think it’s ironic that they argue for the right to be shielded from everything and then devote so much of their free time (and work time—I see you using your phone, we’re inches away from each other) to willfully exposing themselves to outrage.

fintail > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 19:54

The oldsters protested and marched a lot too, and of course abandoned those values a couple decades later when money showed up. I think the whiny youngins are now a product of this.

And even the so-called right now wants safe spaces, maybe it’s just societal devolution.

Joe6pack > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 20:15

I’m hoping they will grow out of it. I think they are just bored. At some point, real resposibility will be foisted upon them whether they are ready or not.

MUSASHI66 > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 20:40

I’m pretty blunt when it comes to this

DipodomysDeserti > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 21:22

You realize you’re saying the same thing that middle aged people have been saying about young people since the ‘60s, right? You’re basically doing a 40 year-old impression of a “millennial”.

I’m technically a millenial, but don’t fit the demographic. I sent myself to school, bought my own house at 22, had kids, travelled the world a few times, and still have a few weeks left of my 20s. To people like me, of which there are many, you sound just as out of touch and whiney as the 25 yo kid working at Starbucks living at his parents house.

The most powerful country to ever exist just elected the bad guy out of a shitty ‘90s action movie as President, and sheltered white kids are just now realizing they live in a racist country. It’s going to take them some time to adapt. For those of us who have actually experienced the world, none of this is shocking. The fact we still live in such a country isn’t the fault of the guy getting your bs cofee at Starbucks. You gotta look in the mirror on that one.

Your boy, BJR > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 21:44

Blunt...being an asshole...same thing really.

nermal > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 21:45

TL;DR - Old guy complaining about the damn kids.

The thing is, that never changes. You start as one of the damn kids, and hopefully make it to become and old guy that complains about the new-damn kids. That’s why each generation has their own unique characteristics, which are shaped by the events around them.

Also, you think millenials are bad? They are nothing compared to what’s coming after them.

MUSASHI66 > Your boy, BJR
11/21/2016 at 21:46

Aaaand here is the first example of what I talked about. Congrats.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 21:50

I’m not offended by what you’re saying, but your use of the term pussy as a derogative makes me immediately discount your opinion as that of a twelve year-old. I’ve seen pussies push out life into this world and provide immense pleasure to themselves and others. Anyone that describes a situation they see as weak as a “pussification” isn’t thinking critically about what they’re observing, and reveals some deep seated juvenile biases.

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 21:52

Sure. The point is that you understand exactly what I am talking about, but chose to disregard it based on me using the word that has been used to describe exactly what I am talking about for decades.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 21:53

There’s a difference between blunt and ignorant. Most of us stop calling people “pussies” once we become adults. There is nothing weak about a pussy.

DipodomysDeserti > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/21/2016 at 21:56

The hippy parents who didn’t actually accomplish anything meaningful are the ones complaining about millenials complaining. These middle class whites were also the ones who complained about the “hooligan” blacks protesting in the South who actually put their lives on the line to try an enact some change. Middle class white people will find a way to complain about anything no matter the generation.

Your boy, BJR > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 21:56

I’m not offended, I see your point, but there’s a difference between being blunt, being an asshole, and hiding your assholery behind “bluntness”.

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 21:58

You do know that calling someone a pussy does not imply that I think they are a vagina or vagina-like, right? You do know that just a word to describe someone being weak/coward or similar - but perfectly well, and everyone and their mother knows what it means?

Choosing to be offended by a word just because you don’t like it proves my point 100%

wafflesnfalafel > nermal
11/21/2016 at 22:01

there is something coming after millenials? oh sh!t... :)

But honestly I agree - to say folks (including millenials,) are just angry they didn’t get their way is not accurate. Is some of the current generation being hampered to some degree by their up bringing? Yes, I think so. Are many smart enough to see issues and problems with both candidates - absolutely.

MUSASHI66 > Your boy, BJR
11/21/2016 at 22:02

Ok. Let’s discuss. Why am I an asshole because I think people are becoming overly sensitive and words hurt them?

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 22:03

I don’t think you have any idea what you’re talking about. I think anyone who uses terms like that is just as much a coward as the people they’re describing. I choose to disregard what you say because your world view is juvenile and shows a serious lack of emotional and intellectual development. No one with any sort of critical thinking skills has used the term “pussy” to describe what they see as weakness.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 22:18

Ah, so now you’re going with the, “pussy doesn’t mean what you think it means” argument. I thought you were being blunt? That’s not very blunt of you. Sounds like you have no idea what you’re talking about.

Like I said, I’m not offended by the term, and encourage you to keep using it. Words don’t offend me, they me quickly identify what type of person I am dealing with. If your words reveal you to be juvenile, that’s your fault, not mine. Don’t be so sensitive about my analysis of you. You’re startimg to sound an aweful lot like these millenials you are describing.

You’re right, everyone and their mom (again, hiw old are we here?) knows what pussy means. My nonna would slap the shit out of you if you called someone that in front of her. She’s a first generation American who supported herself and five kids in NY through the ‘60s and ‘70s and probably has more hutzpah in her pinky than you have in your whole body.

Your boy, BJR > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 22:19

That’s not what makes you an asshole. Being an asshole and then blaming “the pussification of America” for people for calling you on it is what makes you the asshole. Words have consequences, always have since the begining of time. If you don’t know the difference between being blunt and being an asshole by now, I’m not gonna be the one to explain it to you. Have a nice night.

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 22:20

OK. You have your views, and I’ll have the pleasure of knowing that my original post is true, because you’re making it obvious. How’s that?

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 22:24

Which part is not blunt? You are choosing to form an opinion about me based on my usage of a word that perfectly describes the people that really are what I said they are. wjen calling a person pussy, you talk about their personality, and you are not comparing them them to a vagina. That doesn’t even make sense - when calling someone a dick or a douche, do you think people really compare them to a penis or an actual douche?

You are choosing to be upset about a word, period. The fact you formed an opinion about me matters to me as much as... don’t have an example of anything that little.

MUSASHI66 > Your boy, BJR
11/21/2016 at 22:25

Sure, typical answer I expected. Bunch of words, no substance, “I’m done talking”.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 22:26

Strong argument there, bro. Really showed me how my queationing of your intellect was off base. The “nuh uh” argument is always a strong one.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/21/2016 at 22:34

You’re digging yourself deeper here, pal. You are now making the argument that you are using words which actually have no meaning. That’s not the route you want to go. Apparently you’re also a little confused as to what the word blunt means.

When someone questions you’re intellect for using base words and imagery, it’s not a good idea to start claiming the words you were using don’t actually have meaning. This is especially true when you make the “I’m just being blunt” claim. You better get some rest there Musashi (you’re no Musashi). I’m going to go have some fun with my favorite pussy (pussy means vagina). Buona notte.

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 22:39

Yeah, because your arguments were infallible? Because your nonna would disapprove of me using a bad word? Your intellect is obviously superior to mine. Because you think I am juvenile for using a word? Grow the fuck up dude. Just because you think something doesn’t make it correct. Just because something bugs you, doesn’t mean it is not true.

With every word you say, you just prove my original point - you are hurt by words. Didn’t your nonna tell you that internet is not a safe space?

MUSASHI66 > DipodomysDeserti
11/21/2016 at 22:41

I wonder where do you live if you don’t know that words might have more than one meaning...

For example - you can be a Dick because your name is Richard, you can point at a dick (penis) and call it by the colloquial name, or you can be a dick as a personality trait, which seems to escape your completely. Maybe look for a mirror?

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/22/2016 at 08:06

Nice, you went with “I know you are, but what am I” argument this time. Definitely more refined than your “nuh uh” argument from your previous comment.

Like I said two times previously, I encourage you to keep referring to people as “pussies”. It let’s people like me immediately identify the type of person you are. I’m not offended by words, and nothing you say can bug me. You lacking intellect doesn’t bother me, trust me. I don’t think you’re juvenile for using the word, I think you’re juvenile based on the underdeveloped world view you hold. You used words to express that. I appreciate you being “blunt” in your expression of your beliefs. Thank you.

DipodomysDeserti > MUSASHI66
11/22/2016 at 08:25

I wonder where do you live if you don’t know that words might have more than one meaning...

Here’s a perfect example of that underdeveloped intellect I was referring to. Thank you again for being so “blunt”.

While you are correct that words can have multiple meanings, the English language has words known as homonyms. They are different words that have the same sound, not the same word with two different meanings. One way to tell if two words are homonyms, rather than the same word, is through capitalization. If one word is capitalized, such as the nickname Dick, it is a proper noun. If a word is lowercase, it is a common noun. So, Dick and dick are not the same word with two different meanings. They are, in fact, two completely different words, both with completely different meanings. By all means, refer to people as “a Dick” in writing, as it will help people like me immediately be able to identify what sort of person we are dealing with. Once again, thank you for being so “blunt”.

I’m not trying to be a dick, I’m trying to help educate you. There is no safe space from learning.

ateamfan42 > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/22/2016 at 11:02

Things didn’t go your way. That’s going to happen a lot.

And how! This isn’t just a fact of life, this pretty much IS LIFE .

Life is full of things not always going the way we want, and part of growing up is learning to cope with that and move on.

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Honeybunchesofgoats
11/27/2016 at 13:19

As someone under 30, I have to tell people my own age...

Why don’t you go drink a nice, tall glass of Suck It The Fuck Up?