A Sad Exhibition of Close-mindedness

I've a friend that is a unique non-conformist. She's got piercings and tattoos and a borderline punk rock appearance. She's also kind, compassionate and a hard worker. However, more often than should be allowed, she's been persecuted merely for her appearance.  

I'll present an example. I'm with said friend on a Saturday in a public place. At some point one of my guy friends shows up and proceeds to envelop me in conversation. At this time, a middle age woman approaches my female friend, and our story's protagonist, and confesses that she's a beautiful young lady but, and I quote, "as a fellow woman, I am disappointed and repulsed by your appearance". I wish I had not been distracted at that very moment and had the chance to register what I had just heard, if I had I'd verbally jumped all over that woman. In this situation the woman was gone by the time I could collect myself and my poor friend was left shaken, spirit broken. 

After this incident, she and I talked at length about the insensitivities of some humans. I've always been taken aback by how an individual thinks that he or she has the right to verbally insult someone if he or she disagrees with them. Their mindset is "I'm offended by you so I'm going to insult you" that is hypocrisy at its worst. This woman disliked my friend's piercings, tattoos and choice of attire so she verbal attacked her. She called her repulsive right after telling her she's a beautiful young woman! She was abrasive and brash and abused her freedom of speech. This awful woman obviously thinks much to highly of her own opinion. She should look beyond her own nose and see that the world is full of individuals and many of them look nothing like her and they all have their own opinions as well. 

The point of this essay is not a resolution; after all there is no resolution. In human nature, lines will always be crossed and rules always broken. This is just an observation on the narrow minded nature of some sections of society and the harm it can do when merciless, malicious behavior is displayed. I encourage honesty, however, malice isn't an instrument of truth, it's an instrument of war. 

To listen or not to listen

Effective intros are too often relied upon an exaggerated story or a flat out fabrication, you won't get that here. I am an insignificant spot on a vast landscape. I am essentially nothing special, simply a physical specimen of genetic makeup. This is my blog of thoughts and opinions, stories and theories-nothing more, nothing less. 

Truth has always been the goal for me. I dislike dishonesty and deception. I'd much rather be hurt by truth than deceived by lies. I've prided myself in being honest and fair. I've no interest in making things out to be more than they are. I'm certainly not the smartest or the wittiest or the most cultural individual out there and I'm not going to make any false claims. There is a gulf between those who look at themselves and everything around them objectively and those who can't look beyond themselves and, figuratively, see the forest for the trees. 

I recognize that many eyes may gaze my way and think not twice about what he or she has read. I'm not aiming to captivate everybody, the reward is in reaching somebody. If I can inspire just one person and find a common ground to which we stand united, than words can have meaning regardless how obscure and insignificant it may seem on the surface. 

I hope those who choose to listen find value and those who choose not to, I hope they find enjoyment elsewhere.