Transparency, where has it gone?

I was uncertain about what to discuss this month as many topics feel taboo.

I recently watched a video where someone was accusing an electric car owner of idling and polluting the environment.  She even was threatening to call the “authorities “ if he did not turn it off.  By the way, the owner did inform her that it was an electric car, but she was not buying it.  Now if my dad was around, I know what he would think about such things, and back then, he could have named it.

But not today. Today, I feel, people are more and more righteous and everybody has a cause and a reason justifying their actions.  We have moved empathy to a whole new level.

There was a time where if a grown man going around town dressed as a cat or dog would get judged. Now, the attitude leans more towards “live and let live” or “whatever floats your boat”.

If I’m being honest and transparent, I do not think I would pick such a person as a mechanic, lawyer, financial advisor or school principal. While writing this, I can already hear people say “this does not mean he/she is incompetent or not good at what they do!” Sure, that might be right. But If anything, I would like to retain one right: the right to say I don’t like something.

When I see someone being cool with absolutely everything going on, I think to myself that they must running for office.  We are products of our environment and I feel we have to start exposing our next generation to certain risks. We need  to build resilience.

I recently heard a new expression, I think it was “lawnmower parents”.  These parents do not hover over their kids like helicopter parents do.  Instead, they clear the path and remove all possible obstacles from the way.  Now how is that going to help prepare the kids for life, long term? We have what seems to be semi competent parents homeschooling to protect their children from the evils of the outside world, in an attempt to try to control everything their children see and hear. But just as we had our secretive moments growing up, children will always find ways to experience the world, guided by older peers or curious friends.

I am still not sure where I am going with this.  Essentially, I think that if someone is acting as a bonehead, we should be able to tell them “Quit being a bonehead.”

Being from an era where neighbors could discipline each other’s children to one where doing just that will land you in court is tough. Maybe the pendulum has swung too far. (I dare not say right or left) Maybe  it is time for balance and being transparent and brave enough to say that’s enough, freedom of expression has two sides! Does it not?