Safe Communities Let People Know They Can Run Their Mouths Consequence Free

Throughout the last 13 years of my life I’ve simultaneously existed within two worlds.

These worlds coexist in the same time and space. Often separated by nothing more than occupation and recreation choices. That being said there are very different rulesets out there depending on which groups you are part of.

In some communities you will get slapped in the face for talking flagrantly. 

In other communities the thought of actual violence is so egregious that people feel inspired to speak more bravely.

For a long time when I spoke a little flagrantly people would let me know they could tell I wasn’t punched in the face enough in high school.

After arguing with regular people on Facebook again I think I know what they meant.

The truth, honest as it may be, can be a very hurtful thing

Now if someone asks you directly for your truth, and your truth hurts them, they did in fact ask for it.

Most of the time the people I’m thinking of throw around their opinion unsolicited. As if people care what they say. I do it too, only some people do care what I say, I got DMs to prove it. 

When you bring up your opinions, publicly, you are putting energy into the world. If your criticism is negative, it should offer some form of constructive value. Otherwise you are, as the kids say, talking shit.

Lately I’ve been watching people get involved and throw their opinion, laced with all kinds of insults, around. Words that they would never say in real life, but because Facebook makes them feel comfortable, they speak freely. 

Freedom of speech is valid. They are entitled to say what they want. However when they get into fighting words territory, they always seem to believe they are above reproach, as though somehow social media grants them a real barrier. 

Naw, if you say some vile shit to me, it’s the same no matter what platform you say it on.

Often these folk are correct believing no one will lay a hand on them

One time Flacko was pointing out how being white gave me privileges such as cops being chiller with me.

This led to me behaving in a bolder way. When you get away with things you probably shouldn’t, because no one ever checks your behaviour, you start moving more emboldened than you should. 

Now most of the people I have in mind live safe and decent lives. They talk their shit on the internet and in public lie to each other pretending they like each other. Then back to the shit talk once the internet is in play.

No one punches anyone in the face and everything remains as normal.

They live in a safer community. This is a blessing. It also means that the safety means they know there won’t really be consequences. Chances are homie would call the cops and press charges if he did get punched. It ain’t like the glory days of people running around fighting I hear about from older men. 

I’m not advocating for punching, but the threat of violence is a powerful deterrent.

If you talk shit and get punched, you may be less inclined to talk shit next time knowing some people may punch you.

Now safety is a good thing but people saying what they want is problematic

Now I’m all for people being allowed to fight for what they believe in.

Whether this being the annihilation of a bike path or to protest for Palestine (a much more relevant issue). People can choose to use whatever words they want. What they need to remember is that if they choose to attack other individuals in their community, that comes with consequences.

There is at least one person that when I see him IRL again will get a scathing set of obscenities sent his way. Mostly because I know his old ass isn’t capable of throwing a punch if his life depended on it, so physical violence won’t be the path. That being said, you shouldn’t talk shit if you aren’t willing to take that punch.

I promise when a real threat of violence comes your way, over your words, you will think twice. I foolishly spoke a little too flagrantly and it cost me some business opportunities and had someone remind me they knew where I lived. Speaking publicly in a Facebook group is akin to standing in a park yelling.

Some people may know where you live. 

If you choose to disrespect someone, just remember that’s a real person you are disrespecting.

They may spend the next 10 months on a petty campaign to invalidate your opinion.

Live Long and Prosper Everyone