Censored
Leasing Sign: Cape Town, South Africa
A few weeks ago I was hanging out with a friend – who I hope does not follow my blog :-). As we were talking, the subject of Facebook came up. We began ranting out our qualms with the social media tool. And then my friend shared with me that s/he loves watching the “train wrecks” that occur on FB; that people fall hopelessly in love or have some sort of extreme high – which they share publicly – and inevitably experience an equally drastic fall. This stuck with me and I began thinking about censorship, particularly my own, after this conversation.
I thought about as much as I think people tend to share a little too much on FB, I enjoy seeing and reading about (humble and good-willed) success stories in personal and professional lives. I love seeing people fall helplessly in love over and over again. I love seeing pics from events I’ve missed for one reason or another, and my friends’ smiling faces as they enjoy life. And along with that, I enjoy the gentle and subtle reminders that these people are real just like me; experience the ups AND the downs of life just like me; are imperfect just like me; make mistakes just like me; and are determined to make the best of life in spite of – just like me. With that said, I am less inclined to relate to those who portray the “perfect life” at all times – if even on FB – than I am in relating to those who share the good and bad days.
But going back to my friend’s comment, I thought how many are or may be – like her/him – waiting for the inevitable train wreck??? How many are waiting to say I told you so? Or I knew it all along? Or secretly rejoicing in another’s defeat? How many are waiting for the fall …
And just as these thoughts had taken up too much residence in my mind, I read the post of a fellow blogger who I adore. In it, she revealed some very personal details about her life and struggles with self-esteem. Her post – the extreme openness, honesty and vulnerability – reminded me that there will always be someone waiting for the fall, but that shouldn’t hinder my staring. I will not be censored.
That’s all.