If I listen to “that” music, but I pray every night and express my gratitude for my blessings, what would you say?

If I listen to “that” music, but I always hold the door open for the person behind me, what would you say?

If I listen to “that” music, but I never think twice about complimenting a total stranger, what would you say?

If I say “those” words, but I speak love and kindness to myself, friends, and family, what would you say?

If I say “those” words, but I speak love, laughter & knowledge to the customers that support my living, what would you say?

If I have “ruined” my body with ink, but I love myself, nourish myself, and love how that ink makes me feel, what would you say?

If I read “those” books, but also read poetry filled with the words you say are okay, what would you say?

If I use “those” weapons, but believe in your right not to use those weapons, what would you say?

If I like “that” kind of art, but have 5 classic pieces of art hanging in my home, what would you say?

We are making people feel unworthy of love, kindness and respect because of the music that they listen to, the words that enhance their feelings and talking points and what they choose to support. If you know me, I have very strong opinions. And you either let them effect you or you don’t. Cause who am I?

I take things personally, I can’t help it. And I try not to blame others for taking things personally either. However, I feel like there’s a difference between taking something personally and shaming someone for not thinking the same way.

I’ve recently “lost” two people, 1 close, 1 sort of distant already, for the things I choose to share. I felt shamed for not doing, believing, or living the same way they do. I’ve been called names for the things I share. Sharing the truth apparently equals being insensitive in this day and age. Sharing information that might not be mainstream equals anti science, anti research and ignorant and anti everything they think you should be promoting and believing. We are living in a time where opinions aren’t allowed. Truth isn’t allowed. What could be “help me understand you” is now “forget you, we aren’t friends anymore.” We can also just choose to not look or engage in what you don’t like about that person’s beliefs. It’s pretty known between my sister and I that we don’t really agree on anything, so we don’t talk about those things. For the most part, that’s pretty simple.

And maybe those people who dislike what I post feel like I’m somehow shaming them. Maybe I’ve gotten carried away in sharing my disbelief in common sense the last two years.

I also wanted to comment briefly about music. My generation and Gen Z are getting a lot of heat and hate by the music that’s being put out right now. I completely understand that there are parents that don’t want certain words in their children’s ears. Along with the sometimes graphic music videos that come along with them. That’s on parent’s though, isn’t it? Not the artist putting out this music. Whatever these artists are expressing visually and lyrically is only made for a group of people who will appreciate it for what it is. Now, can I say I love the song called W.A.P – look it up if you don’t know what I’m referring to – no, I don’t love it, and so I don’t listen to that artist.

Is it unfortunate that a song with “that” message is #1 on the music charts and the raunchy performance to that song was televised? I can’t say I think it’s unfortunate. I can say if you don’t want your kids watching that or if you don’t want to see it, then change the channel. Listen to a different station. You can be disappointed that this is the society we live in, but you can’t be surprised anymore. If you’ve followed the rabbit hole of how some of these people live, what they do to become that famous, wealthy and powerful, then you can’t be surprised that things are the way they are. THAT is unfortunate.

We live in a world where Mr. Potato head is more of a priority during a “pandemic.” So I think a lot of us can agree that nothing is quite right lately.

So back to the music. As someone who has listened to all the artists known for their “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, and each 3 minute song containing every “bad word” under the sun…I just have to weigh in. I can’t give my mom enough credit for being willing to listen to the music I listen to. Going with me to stand outside a concert venue for 3+ hours so I can have my soul touched at a concert for an hour. She has always been willing to listen to and understand why I like the music I like. She may not totally understand the music itself, but I have literally been listening to music about drugs, sex, and all the bitches since I was in 8th grade yet, I’ve never done drugs, never been drunk, and I’ve never even been stopped by a cop 😅. This is not to praise myself, or shame anyone else, but music is not always a “gateway” to a bad lifestyle. Maybe it can be, maybe it has been, maybe I’m a rarity. But think to yourselves – think of ALL of the music that has been put out over the last 40+ years. This generation is not the only one who has put out & tell me recent artists haven’t been influenced by past ones…it’s not just us.

We all judge, it’s “natural” and just something that happens. It’s what you choose to do with that judgement that represents your character.

So, what will you say?

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My favorite artist, MGK & I. I won’t go into my school experience, but I found his music when I was in high school. And I’ll just say that somehow his music made me feel better about myself, made me feel understood, made me HAPPY. And it continues to do so to this day.

The first thing some might notice is the weed printed on his scarf. But look at me, do you think my mom gave a fuck about that? Look how happy I am! I wasn’t there to be influenced by his personal choice to smoke weed or drink. I was there and I listen to him because he (along with other people) are SO much more than those parts of themselves.