Tag Archives: different

13 June 2011: Dear Me

I and Me
In My Head
My House

Today

Dear Me,

Thank you for your thoughts asking for permission to be yourself, even when this involves being seen to be ‘different’.  I am happy, me, for you to go ahead with this.  Specifically, I’ll just go over a few of the points you raised:

  1. While the camera buffs around you are arguing the pros and cons of Canon versus Nikon, it’s quite O.K. for you to keep your Pentax and enjoy using it.
  2. It doesn’t matter how many other people use Windows or Mac, if you want to run Linux Mint, that’s fine.  In fact, I’m typing this reply to you using that right now.
    This free software lark appeals strongly to that Caledonian streak, old boy.
  3. On a wider issue now, you’re bothered because lots of people are going on about how men and women are equal, yet you want to go on thinking of them as different.  This is a tough one, but being an observant sort of chap, I’ve looked around a bit and, yes, you’re right.  There are, indeed, certain inescapable differences.  As long as we don’t regard either group simply as inferior beings with respect to the other, it’s fine to acknowledge that they are in fact, different.  I grant you, this will sometimes affect inclinations and aptitudes, but let’s not stereotype either gender because of this.
  4. Following on from the last point, politeness is not patronising chauvinism.  If you want to hold the door open for a lady or a gent, that’s fine.
  5. You don’t have to pretend to like what passes for ‘music’ just because you’re told that a particular ‘song’ is statistically popular.  And no, me, it’s not insane to want melody in a song.
  6. It’s quite in order for you to dress other than from the latest fashion catalogues.  If you like something in a catalogue, fine.  Otherwise, look elsewhere.  I know you’re not too vain (or too rich) to browse the charity shops if that way you find what you like to wear.  Other people don’t have to wear your clothes, or pay for them.
  7. Lastly, me, there’s the question you raise about what your friends are always thinking.  Well, if they think the worse of you because of your views regarding the items listed above, they’re not worth having as ‘friends’.  You don’t have to buy your friends by moulding your opinions to suit theirs, even though I’m sure you’ll agree on lots of things.  Mutual respect is a foundation for mutual love, and a motive for mutual kindness.

Please get in touch at any time you like just by thinking.  I’ll be glad to advise if I can.  I’d also like to remind you  that all the above points should also be applied the other way round, that is ,in your views of others, who deserve the freedom you ask for yourself.  So go ahead – wish you every success.

With lots of love,

Me.


This post was prompted by the theme ‘permission’ at the Writing Workshop.
NOW LOOK HERE!
http://www.sleepisfortheweak.org.uk/writing-workshop/

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