Madness: Not Fitting Into Today’s Society

Sometimes I wonder if it’s old age, or if the world around me is going crazy. Maybe it’s me going crazy. I guess it depends on whom you ask.

People offended by Wile E Coyote and Road Runner being too violent… Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd, and Chase, the police dog in Paw Patrol, having firearms… Speedy Gonzales supposedly misrepresenting Mexican culture… Pepe Le Pew allegedly harassing a cat… The list goes on. Aunt Jemima’s image removed from syrup bottles and Uncle Ben’s rebranding due to accusations of racial insensitivity. The Canadian National Anthem not being inclusive enough when saying “in all thy sons command“… Even the words “Master bedroom/bathroom” has raised this ire of people.

Now, some people can’t even define what a woman is. According to some, you can “identify” as whatever you want: pronouns, genders, or whatever. There is a movement against “white privilege” despite the significant progress made against racism and the implementation of gender equality.

Some are even trying to convince us that 2 + 2 does not equal 4! Don’t believe me? Google it…

Others find ways to be offended by traditional Christmas carols like “Baby it’s Cold Outside“…

Today, it is frowned upon to be a Christian, to believe in God and the Bible, a book preaching peace and love. It’s even allowed to be mocked on the world stage, such as the Olympics. Would they do the same, say, laughing at Islam? Think about it.

According to some, we don’t have “freedom” in Canada. Why else would they call their rallies “Freedom Convoys“? I wish these people would travel the world or educate themselves about countries that truly lack freedom. They disrespect our veterans and the families of those who sacrificed their lives to prevent us from falling under dictators like Hitler.

“We live in a world where your kid can’t pretend to be an Indian, but a grown man can pretend to be a woman.” ~ Unknown

The worst part is that companies, governments, and other authorities are bending over backwards to avoid backlash from a minority of people who have nothing better to do than find new things to complain about, ignoring the silent majority who understood their real significance and how harmless these things were.

As a society, we seem to have reached a stage where political correctness has surpassed common sense and the greater good. Avoiding offending the loud minority is now more important than doing what’s right for the majority, who won’t be as loud or cause as much disruption.

Too many people have forgotten one key fact of life: Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right…

Not fitting with my values

I swear, this world is going crazy. At least, so much in today’s world is going against my deep, deep roots. They are complete contrary to my core beliefs and values.

Respect: Valuing others’ beliefs, cultures, boundaries, and perspectives, and treating them with dignity and consideration.

Compassion: Showing empathy, kindness, and understanding towards others, especially in times of need or distress.

Fairness and Justice: Striving for equality, impartiality, and fairness in dealings with others and in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

Generosity: Being generous with one’s time, resources, and support towards others, without expecting anything in return.

Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, as well as expressing thanks to others for their contributions.

Humility: Having a modest and unpretentious attitude, and being open to learning from others and acknowledging my limitations.

Integrity: Upholding honesty, sincerity, and moral principles in my actions and decisions.

Acceptance: Embracing and respecting the differences and uniqueness of others, and recognizing the inherent worth and value of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or choices.

Solution?

But what can I do about it? Aside from getting into shouting matches and countless arguments with people I consider illogical and nonsensical? The great Mark Twain once said: “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”

Being a “loner” by nature, someone who loves solitude, peace, hunting, fishing, the outdoors away from big crowds, I revert to what makes me happy.

A couple of years ago, I unsubscribed from any news outlets on social media. I very rarely, if ever, watch the news on TV due to the constant negativity and propaganda spread by self-serving groups and individuals.

This is the main reason why I am distancing myself from the game of hockey, the game that I have loved for over five decades.

You start questioning if it’s you that’s not right. You start wondering if you’re losing your mind. That is until you talk to people and find that most think exactly the way you do. Most feel just as helpless as you do, faced with a bunch of nonsense.

If there is no change soon, I fear for my children, but even more so for my grandchildren, who will have to live through the horrible values and mindsets forcing what many of us feel are ridiculous decisions. Someone, someday, will have a huge mess to clean up… and Baby Boomers and Gen-X won’t be there to fix it for the newer generations.

Or – at the risk of offending someone – perhaps God will send another one of His Sons or Daughters to reset the clocks once again.