More and more things are becoming politically and/or socially acceptable. We are all able to cast our voices much further than we could in times past. The anonymity of the internet allows us to be more impulsive and less inhibited. Anything is possible. We practically have a mandate to go hog wild.
To that I say, “Sure you can, but must you?”
Just because many of us seem to suffer fewer consequences, does that mean that we’re no longer responsible for our choices? Absolutely not. There may be more temptations for you to resist, but you still are the conductor of the very content of your character.
Just because you can be intimidating, that doesn’t mean you have to be. Just because bullies now seem to be revered, that doesn’t mean you ought to jump on the bandwagon. What is your motivation when you say something anonymously that you would never say publicly? Is that who you want to be?
It may seem like there’s less of need for integrity, common decency, and critical thinking than there once was, but in fact, those things are needed now more than ever. With so many resources and influences out there, you have a legion of options, and very few of those are related to doing the right thing. But in the end, making bad choices will still rot you from the inside, and will likely damage others in the process.
To thine own self be true.
Portable gratitude. Inspiring pictures. Claim your copy of my first collection of favorite posts! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
The View from a Drawbridge 
I’m working on it.
The illo reminds me of something I read a while back–Don’t cut off the branch you are on unless they are trying to hang you with it.
Metafilter.com has a huge pile of links up under “There’s no false valor in autism”, for when you have spare time. Maybe someday someone will get around to us other neurodivergents.
Wow, thank you for that tip! I’m already hip deep into that page and reading articles related to those topics, and no end in sight. I expect to be quite busy learning new autism things today.
Y’welcome. As to the main theme of the post, a while back a relative starts in with that crap about my weight after being repeatedly told (over decades) not to, and ends with “I just have to say this…” and I rumbled, “We all just have to fart too sometimes, but some of us go into the next room.
Ha! Good for you. I wish I were that quick on the uptake. I had one of those, until I rehearsed ahead of time and next time it came up I was able to say, “I appreciate that you worry about me, duly noted. But it’s none of your business, so let’s not talk about it ever again.”
…” …and there was a welcome silence.
Sorry I hit the button too soon…
It kind of went without saying. 😀
Same here. Learning a lot about new findings and connecting dots that I didn’t realize were even a part of the same picture. Thanks Angiportus.
It’s never too late to learn something new!
Wish that was true, but at some point, when the learning stops sticking, I wish I’d learned more before these brain cells atrophied. Now I’m racing to learn as much as I can before it’s too late. Wonder if it’s like money and you can’t take it with you when you die. 🤔
You need a list of prepared comebacks to stop those who feel entitled to verbalize their judgments out loud. Here’s one, “I see you left your social filter at home. I’d lend you mine, but it wouldn’t fit such a petty thought.” I prefer the direct approach and just say, “Rude!” If they don’t get that point, it’s a waste of time and breath to say anything more. 🙂
The “stop sticking” thing is my worst nightmare. And, yeah, let’s face it, even the most pithy retort is probably a waste of time. But it sure feels good.