First … I find myself wondering lots of times about the decisions people make when they absolutely know that there are other eyes upon them, watching and seeing their true character shine through. There have been several instances in the past that have caused me to reflect on certain behaviors that folks exhibit, but the most recent example, and perhaps the most perplexing to me, is the inappropriate language that otherwise mature adults tend to exhibit while on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. I’ll admit, I enjoy visiting Facebook and having electronic conversations with friends and family that I don’t often get to see. Lately, I have begun to enjoy Twitter even more since it is much more abbreviated and it allows me to keep up with more serious topics such as news, weather, and commentary. What really steams me when I visit these social networks, though, is the amount of profane and inappropriate language that people intentionally place into print! Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t live in an ivory tower; as a 20-year professional educator who also happens to coach, there’s not much “slang” that I have not already heard in my life either in the hallways or in locker rooms. Nor is it my intent to throw stones when my own house is made of glass; I am not perfect by any stretch and my language has been known to be “colorful” in heated moments. I am not proud of that; as a life-long red-headed firebrand, I have struggled with my temper my entire life and am never proud when my temper goes over the edge, when a word comes out of my mouth that I have said in anger or that I know is inappropriate, or when my words or deeds cause pain or heartache to another person. Those types of situations are not what I am talking about in this instance; what really pushes my button is when adults who are not in a heat-of-the-moment situation have the time to think about it, have the time to choose their words, and still make the choice to TYPE profane and inappropriate comments on their social networking sites knowing full well that they will appear on the wall or the feed of everyone they are friends with. What’s worse, children view these pages, and people seem to take great delight in saying things just to show off in front of others. Guess what? That language doesn’t make you appear tough, nor does it make anyone think you are cute. It simply reaffirms that you are, in fact, a crude and selfish boor who lacks the good sense or the good judgment to be able to convey your thoughts in a professional and civilized manner without resorting to the crutch of profanity to get your point across. Inappropriate language is never acceptable, but it is totally offensive and deplorable when it is done intentionally, by adults that you would assume should know better.
… and 10
1. For whatever reason, the flu shot didn’t work this year!
2. You shouldn’t have to fire up a WeedEater in February, even in Texas!
3. For the life of me, I don’t understand the purpose of toenails. What exact purpose do they serve besides having to clip them and being ingrown?
4. Had a sip of Fresca the other day … first time in 20 years. I immediately remembered why it has been that long – NASTY!
5. Presidential election year --- and these are our choices?
6. A reminder to my wife and son – less than 5 years remain until it is time for the custom-made boots I requested for my 50th birthday.
7. Why would anyone put a slice of pineapple on a hamburger?
8. Valentine’s Day = stupid holiday designed for females to get more stuff and for males to get in more trouble for not getting females more stuff.
9. My pair of eagles were back last week – this time, both were perched in the top of the dead oak in the pasture below the house. Huge, regal birds, they are.
10. Ten years after my great-grandmother’s passing, which, I assumed, meant the end of her wonderful Oatmeal Cake forever, a great friend arrives at school with a piece of Oatmeal Cake! With recipe now in hand, baking on tap for the weekend …
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