The Almost Hippy

Being offended does not equal hate speech.

I find a lot of s**t said is offensive. I think a lot of people need to learn how to fu***ng communicate lol (for reals though 🙄) But despite how much I disagree with something someone says, I will always support their right to say it.

The thing that I actually find MOST offensive is this idea that another person needs to filter what information/opinions I am exposed to. As if I am completely incapable of discerning for myself what I do or don’t believe. Who I enjoy listening to. What I am interested in pursuing further. This arrogance that people are too stupid or too emotional to handle any information.

It scares me that free speech, TRUE free speech may become something my kids only hear about and never truly experience.

I learn the most from conversations with people who disagree with me. I have conversations where I realise we both want the same outcome but have completely opposite views on how is best to get there. We both recognise we are just humans navigating this world based on our lived experiences and the information available to us. Neither wrong nor bad, just different.

With rampant cancel culture as the ultimate silencer, I fear my kids may never know what actual free discussion looks like when people fear saying the wrong thing so say nothing.

Not getting offended by every single thing & giving others the same freedom to speak that I expect for myself - has been the most impactful & freeing thing I have learned the past 2 years.

I still get mad 😡 (so mad haha) reading stuff. I still think WTAF is this rubbish - frequently. I still hear or read things and think - damnnnnnn, this mo********er need jeezus. I still find things offensive, mutter to myself that I think someone is wrong or an idiot lol.

But I ALWAYS remind myself that they’re free to say what they like, and I’m free to roll my eyes and scroll on. Or try to converse in the comments (never works haha)

I am confident that many will look back over the past few years especially & realise we have lost our way with how we communicate with each other. Good news is, it’s always within our own power to change ✌️

I shared this in my stories a few days ago and feel like it needs a permanent home on the grid.

Repost