Moon Trance - Lindsey Stirling (Original Song)

Speaking One's MInd: It's Really the Right Thing to Do

The other day a friend asked if anyone had ever spoken their mind? She received a number of answers which for the most part were all negative; from "What's the sense? to Would anyone care?". A couple of hours later another friend spoke of how she had been speaking her mind and was rather ashamed about it for she said, "It's just not me". These two conversations were so similar that I began thinking quite seriously about the ramifications concerning "speaking one's mind". Certainly there are many outcomes of doing this. From injurious and degrading of individuals to supporting and uplifting thought, individuals, and ideals the ramifications are numerous. First of all can one speak one's mind without being confrontational or demeaning others? Of course! Yet, in many cases anger is the overriding emotion which controls the encounter. For instance, let's look at the Paula Deen controversy: if I were to say "I believe Paula Deen is a racist and a hypocrite"; quite a number of people would be upset at me and react in many ways. I can almost bet there would be a few who might talk to others or to me that "I need to shut the fuck up." Yep, can hear it now. Speaking one's mind can literally end friendships and damage relations over something as trivial as this. However, what would happen if instead of using words which are confrontational do? Here is my real thought on the Paula Deen issue; (yep speaking my mind now) "You know I have never been a big fan of Paula Deen. I've watched a few of her shows, but I just don't care for her. Now, maybe she said something 30 years ago, maybe she said something yesterday. The thing of it is this, admit it! Do your little apology and then move on. Is the World going to end do to her being sued about it? NO. Is she going to suffer from it? Yes, but hey, don't we all suffer from things we've said? Move on and learn from your fall and be real. Stop hiding and whimpering. Heck, if it had been me, I would have been ticked off. So, in other words, Paula Deen can come back from this and most likely make even more money ($17 million) than before. I foresee some books, maybe a movie...but it isn't the end of the world. There are more important issues going on which trivializes her problem which was brought on by her own fault." Yes, I know there are some who still won't like my thought; but the wonderful thing is, you might not like what I think, but I will pay attention to what you think as well. Hey! It's okay to disagree! After all, it sure would be a boring world if we all had the same opinions. Okay, so I know I'm far from perfect, I've done and said lots of things and regretted it after words; but it's part of the journey of life to learn from our mistakes or in some cases stubbornness. Moving on to number two, which is all I am going to think on is just how much more meaningful it is to speak one's mind in an encouraging way. Since I've talked about Paula Deen, I might just as well continue. "Paula has become an icon in the cooking world. She is a true account of how one can achieve the American Dream through hard work, faith, and confidence in one's self. Unfortunately, Ms Deen became caught up in a lawsuit deeming her to be a racist and an instigator of racial hate. Hopefully, this class action will be over with quickly and the ramifications it has created will be overcome due to her abilities as an icon, leadership, and friendly mannerisms. Plus, others should learn from her, as well as herself, that one should always be mindful and respectful to all people regardless of race, religion, gender,or handicaps". Yep, speaking one's mind can be difficult or it can be helpful. Just two things, never in anger and never in order to degrade others. So do speak your mind, after all, how will we ever know what you really think if you don't? That's what too many people who want to control you would like and speak up for yourself, for in the long run, who else will do this if you don't. Thanks for reading and helping me learn in my journey through life.

In Homage of Fuck

There is one word in the English speaking world which is considered extremely offensive. It is also one of the most commonly used words. It is a flexible word being used as a noun, verb, adjective, and adverb. Many of us have used it in each one of those abilities and more precisely as an expletive. You see this word surrounds us in every aspect of life. Plus, it is a word which is evolving and moving from offensive and obscene to normal usage. Yes, it is an amazing word. Fuck is heard in movies, songs, schools, workplaces, military, etc. Anybody who tries to deny this is just not living in reality. Heck, I've heard it in church which is the one place you would think it wouldn't be heard, but I did. However, there are two places where it cannot be heard: television programs and over the air on radio stations. Yep, its too darn offensive. Yet, it is used everyday by millions of individuals. One of the funniest moments that I have ever heard it used is in the film; The King's Speech". Lionel has asked the future King George VI if he knows the F-word. This is what happens next: "George VI: : F... f... fornication? Lionel Logue: Oh, Bertie. King George VI: Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse! Lionel Logue: Yes... King George VI: Balls, balls... Lionel Logue: ...you see, not a hesitation! King George VI: ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits." (The King's Speech) To me this is hilarious! Why? Simple, the King is being just like all the rest of us normal everyday people and when he gets mad he uses the word many of us use and it is a natural rant which is conveyed. However, for those who have seen this film realizes the reason for Lionel having asked the king this is due to George's stammer. However, when George is angry he doesn't stutter. A simple lesson in using "obscenity" as a means of discovery. A discovery which shows George that he doesn't always stammer. An important object lesson for a man who must speak in front of the people he rules. Yet, this particular scene would be censored if shone on television and the impact of the words would be lost on everyone, from George VI and Lionel to even the audience. Yes, the F-word is a fascinating word. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary it has multiple listings and definitions. As a verb it was first used in 1503 most likely derived from the Dutch fokken meaning the breeding of cattle. Now the noun usage may have been in 1680; however, there are even earlier variants of this word in French, German, Latin,and Greek among the many words. As a matter of fact one of the first usages recognized in literature is from 1475 in a peom, Flen flyys. There are many other poems and pieces of literature where one can discover the word and even Shakespeare used it in two of his plays. Ahh, what a magnificent history this word has and yet it has been dealt the stigma of being obscene. Yes, there are those who force this delightful four letter into oblivion and pretend that it doesn't exist....guess what censors? The harder you force your views on people; the more this incongruous word evolves and expands within the language of the people. I could continue on and on further about fuck, but I don't have enough time tonight to do so. So, I pay this short and sweet homage to the word which taught a king that he could speak and to the people who use it daily. Continue your love and usage and let's see just what this little word will evolve into....I bet it will become so commonplace that individuals will come up with a new word to use in order to shock and offend others. Work Cited Merriam Webster Dictionary. merriamwebsterdictionary.com. 2013. The King's Speech. Tom Hooper, dir. Colon Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush, actors. 2010.