I compartmentalize. Cynicism is not incompatible with living a happy life, and being good to other people. In fact, I would argue that given the kind of country we live in, Cynicism might be the happiest, sanest choice- and I know it is for me.
I think wing nuts are assholes, but when I teach them, I manage to put those feelings aside. I've done all sorts of favors for little baby wing nuts. I've been invited to Eagle Scout ceremonies (and gone) even though I hated scouting when it banned gay youngsters. I've written letters for scouts. I've written letters to recommend my students to BYU- though I really dislike the church. But my hate was for the institution not the child. It's all about being able to put your life in boxes. A box for the private life, a box for the public life- a box for this, a box for that. If you don't do that, imo, you turn into one of those nuts who spills everything on to their Facebook page, or who's an asshole at work, because they can't STFU about their politics or their religion, or whatever annoying shit they're in to. I've actually met people in stores who thought I was interested in hearing their political views while I was trapped in line with them. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, rolls their eyes at those kinds of people- no matter what side of the aisle they are from- because they are assholes.
Time, place and manner- it's not just for the courts. We should all pick the time, place and manner for our rants, and our religious baggage, and our TMI confidences. People who don't are just rude boors, and everyone with any sense will avoid them. We've all seen those people- and I'm not tempted to join them. Ergo, compartments. And I'm very happy that way. I've always seen SI as a liberty zone for opinions- because if people are weird, and freak out over something you say, it means fuck all. Now some people here take SI really seriously, and go on weird vendettas, and threaten to sue people, or stalk people, or harass people- but those people are probably crazy in 3d as well, and on SI what can they really do to you? So it's one of the few places in the world where you can state an opinion and not worry too much about it. Cynicism is like that. It's part of your beliefs, but you don't have to let it interfere with living your life. |
