My subject is: Do you think bloggers should share their political and/or religious views on line and why or why not?
It was submitted by: Carol of Never Ever Give Up Hope.
Funny you should ask, Carol, as I've written a few posts about politics lately. In the volatile climate of this current election cycle, it's kind of hard to ignore, like the elephant in the room.
But my posts tend to be more about the system itself and the need for change than about my personal candidate choice. I'm not saying I hide my beliefs, you can guess which candidate I favor, but I don't write whole posts trying to persuade others. Now I'm also going to have to admit that I've been quite vocal about candidate behaviors. I think it directly results in a shift in the culture of our society, so it's relevant to many things, including the world in which I want my children to live.
I wrote a post called The American Revolution, Circa 2016, in which I talk about the phenomenon of Trump and of Sanders. I wrote Down the Drain, a humorous post written for April Fools Day, and I wrote about the need for change in Change is a Chocolate Cake. Just a heads-up, before this cycle is over, I think I've got one more in me just begging to come out.
There is a consolation prize though, if you're willing to keep reading my opinions, I'll keep sharing recipes. Deal?
When it comes to religion, I do the same as with politics. I talk about my religion, not frequently and not proselytizing. I believe everyone needs to make their own determination as to what gives them peace. In Blasphemy, I wrote not about specific religions, but about people who use their religion as an excuse for prejudice. And I've also been very clear about the whole "saying Happy Holidays is a conspiracy to take the Christ out of Christmas" controversy.
Now all that said, no matter where I've drawn my own line in terms of these subjects, my simple answer to your question is this: I believe people should write about anything they want. We should all speak our truth. If we read blogs that we find offensive, click that big "X" in the corner and don't come back. If we read a blog, are in a FB group or in any way involved online with those whose views we do not agree with we have a choice; discuss . . . or leave. I always choose to try to have a rational conversation as my first choice. I will not walk away from a connection just because the point of view is contrary to mine. But the discussion has to be civil or we need to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Now this is what I WILL walk away from. Here are the things I think should not be said online. First, anything that will embarrass the writers' kids (or family in general). I followed two bloggers on twitter who were having a weird sexually graphic conversation with each other. I couldn't help but think that whatever you say online lives forever. It's possible their young kids could someday Google their moms and see this kind of a conversation. Or maybe their neighbors, their husbands' business associates or even their kids' teachers are seeing it now. I defend their right to say what they want, but I unfollowed them because I also defend my right not to have to read it.
The other thing I think should not be revealed online is others' issues. I grapple with this one because in a family, a neighborhood, a school district, our lives are intertwined. So the actions of others, their issues, can profoundly affect us. What is ours and what is their right to privacy? Personally, I've worked out a strategy for deciding what I can and can't share by erring on the side of caution. After all, although I may have a need to get it out, I can't allow it to be at the expense of my relationships. So if I think I'm straddling the line, the first thing I do is ask. Next, I write the piece and ask the person affected if they want to read it. Finally, I let the draft sit for at least a week just to be sure this is something I want to say publicly. I have one such piece that has been sitting in my drafts for 3 years. I don't know if I'll ever post it.
So my bottom line is this: speak your truth. Be respectful, but speak your truth.
Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts. Sit back, grab a cup and check them all out. See you there:
Not That Sarah Michelle
The Bergham Chronicles
Dinosaur Superhero Mommy
My Brain on Kids
Spatulas on Parade
The Lieber Family Blog
Never Ever Give Up Hope
Confessions of a part time working mom
The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Molly Ritterbeck
Juicebox Confession
Southern Belle Charm
Climaxed
When I Grow Up
Not That Sarah Michelle
The Bergham Chronicles
Dinosaur Superhero Mommy
My Brain on Kids
Spatulas on Parade
The Lieber Family Blog
Never Ever Give Up Hope
Confessions of a part time working mom
The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Molly Ritterbeck
Juicebox Confession
Southern Belle Charm
Climaxed
When I Grow Up
Semi Homemade Baked Beans
©www.BakingInATornado.com Printable Recipe
Ingredients:
3 large cans (1# 12oz) baked beans
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped onion
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 package (3oz) cooked chopped real bacon
1 TBSP dried mustard
3 tsp cumin
OPT: additional chopped onion and chopped bacon for garnish
Directions:
*Move top oven rack low enough to accommodate an extra large bowl. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
*Stir all the ingredients in a 4 quart oven safe bowl.
*Cover tightly with extra heavy tin foil.
*Bake for one hour. Remove from oven, reduce heat to 250 degrees, stir the beans recover and cook another hour.
*Bake another hour, stir, recover and cook another hour.
*Bake another hour, stir, do not cover and bake one more hour.
*Remove from oven, stir and serve.
*OPT: Garnish with cooked bacon bits and/or finely chopped onion.
*NOTE: These beans freeze well.
I"m having a lot of family issues right now that part of me wants to write about, but the other part knows that would do more harm than good. I actually have written a few things to be submitted anonymously elsewhere. I should also write up some more drafts just to help myself process. And then never publish them!
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing, I write just to get it out. I have a post that's been in my drafts for over 3 years now.
DeleteWhat you are saying, Karen, is to use common sense. Some have it - some don't. I agree with you on both counts - politics and religion. As I have said a few times in the past couple months, I am going through a crisis that I would love to shout about -- but have to bite my tongue. I believe the reason for this is that we want our on-line friends to know what is happening and we covet the support but it is too raw, too personal and could offend some others.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Carol, that you're going through such a difficult time. I hope you know that you can talk freely and privately in our FB group if you want to. Your friends are here for you.
DeleteI tend to shy away from writing political views and respect those who can write effectively without ranting or being so judgmental that it makes me cringe. I like to spread happiness and lately all the political stuff I have seen does not promote happiness. :-) The recipe looks amazing and happy to add it to my recipes rotation . Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm a bit naive, I keep hoping we can discuss subjects like politics without being angry or judgmental, but it does seem to be getting really hard to do this particular political cycle.
DeleteI'm just so frustrated. I avoid saying much. I do it because I hate drama, and I find that speaking out rarely does much good. I'm getting to the point where I can hardly hold back. I'm going to erupt, and it won't be pretty. Love your post. We see eye to eye often.
ReplyDeleteAs for these beans, I wish I had a huge bowl right now. Adding the ingredients to my shopping list for this afternoon.
The reason I started blogging is so I didn't get to the point where you are now. Let it out. Say your truth. Let the chips fall where they may.
DeleteWell said! Our truths may be different, but there is never any cause to be mean and cause someone pain.
ReplyDeleteI know we see eye to eye on this one, Minette.
DeleteI do a lot of tongue biting - and that's how it should be. Anything online lives forever. Unlike us. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly. I do my share of tongue biting too.
DeleteI think as bloggers we have a lot on our minds, and part of being bloggers is to use the writing as a means of reflection and processing. Of course we can always choose not to hit the publish button. I've got to admit though, something I can't help myself. I have to "let it out" in order to feel better. As long as I'm willing to deal with the consequences, all is fair in love and blog?!
ReplyDeleteI agree that as long as we're willing to deal with the consequences we are free to write what we want. I draw the line though when someone else has to deal with the consequences of what I write.
DeleteThe biggest joy of living in our free countries is the freedom to speak our minds. I absolutely agree with this. Having said that, I do draw the line at having to read everything others say. My own brother has such rabid political views that I do not read them. My Mom always said, "You have a mind, but be kind. Be kind." I think I'll stick with that.
ReplyDeleteWise woman, that mom of yours.
DeleteI've wrestled with this issue many times, especially involving my estrangement from my parents. On the one hand, the issues I've been thru and struggled with, the demons I've slayed or the ones still lurking might give strength, comfort or hope to someone going thru something similar. On the other hand, there are always two sides, my parents have a right to their privacy and maybe it's just too painful, too fresh a wound to slice open in such a public way. I love what you've said here! And my son loves beans!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the want to write it, and the respect you show by not doing so. I write them because I have to. I don't post them, but sometimes I show one privately to someone I know is going through something similar. It's really the best I can do.
DeleteI steer clear of politics but feel more inclined to discuss my own personal faith but not to push it on anyone.
ReplyDeleteLOVE those beans, bring them over to my burger post. LOL
Yes, we should be coordinating food posts!
DeleteI agree 100%. I also will not talk about sex at all anywhere online.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified my boys will see something that would either embarrass them or cause them to lose respect for me. No way I want to take that chance.
Delete