the hit list trigger unhappy

Warning: this post might just trigger something.

Every so often, I come across a blog with a warning like that. It’s kinda like a parental advisory sticker for blogs except it’s not an alert about the f word. A “trigger warning” is a caution that something you’re about to read or see might elicit a strong emotional response.

In some cases, it makes sense to lead with a warning. For example, if you are writing something graphic about sexual assault, that content could indeed be traumatic for a victim with PTSD.

But sometimes I look around on the internet and I see a lot of people getting upset about a lot of little things. Things that probably aren’t meant to be offensive but apparently someone found umbrage with it anyways.

Sometimes I wonder if people are looking for a reason to be outraged.

Have we gotten so sensitive that we now need to write on eggshells out of the fear that someone is going to freak out? Must we cushion all of our words in bubble wrap so that no one could possibly be offended?

In my opinion, this creates a sort of censorship that stifles creative self expression. Plus, it doesn’t matter how careful you are – if someone wants to be indignant, they’ll find something to rage about.  Some people are itching for a fight, period.

I’m as politically correct as it gets and most of the stuff I write about is fairly tame (posts on tarot, business, and menopause are not very X-rated) but even I’ve been accused of “triggering” some people. (I got called an “ableist” once which is really interesting because anyone who knows my story knows that this is the last word anyone would ever associate with me.)

I’m also a highly sensitive person which means that certain things do upset me. For example, any posts on animal abuse that show up on my Facebook feed tend to make me really sad. Believe me, I do get it – we all have our issues and any one of us can get rattled by a word, a picture, a story.

So what’s the solution? Do bloggers need to police their words so carefully that they squeeze their personalities out? Must all of our work come with a trigger warning (because anything is subject to offend someone it seems)?

And for readers – do we avert our eyes every time we see a word we don’t like? Should we attack every blog that offends us and demand that they change to suit our sensitivities?

Let’s be sensitive but also be sensible. Trying to make the blogging world conform to a “safe” space where every word is carefully chosen and nothing offensive ever happens is a mighty tall order and ain’t gonna happen. (Grammar people, feel free to be offended by my use of the word ain’t.)

Instead, let’s just write and do our best to be mindful.

And let’s read… and think….or choose to not read. Thicken our skins a bit and fight our good fights in a way that makes sense and gets real results rather than just ranting off on some random person on the internet.

Blog and let blog.

squirrely

This squirrel is a cuteness trigger and may lead to lots of “awwwwww……”

Other stuff:

This blog post on trigger warnings in colleges is really interesting: The Coddling of the American Mind.

Red wine milkshakes are a thing.

Big clues for the upcoming season of Game of Thrones.  (Not big enough in my opinion.)

Loving this post from Anna Louise May: “Love and Light” New Age Crap.

Good advice from Donyae Coles at Spiral Nature Magazine: Reading tarot professionally at parties and events.

I am fan of Tess Holliday and I love her selfie tutorial!

The drinking water in Flint, Michigan has been poisoned.

Goodness from Fiona Benjamin: Are you ready to be a professional tarot reader?

Holiday gift giving between adults is a needless, consumerist chore.  Yet I still do it.

Must read: An unbelievable story of rape.

Are you dealing with an intolerant uncle this holiday?  Read this guide on how to deal with ’em. (I’ve got some intolerant relatives so this is a good one!)

Live in New York in a micro-apartment!  No thanks.

Pace and Kyeli Smith just opened the door to Peaceful Productivity.  Get in!

A great post from Lisa Walker England: What if the world doesn’t really need our art?

He called her a slut and got fired.

This post on masks explains the psychology behind internet trolls.

Is FOMO ruining your dating life?

We should all read Debra Smouse’s post on how to create a wonderful and satisfying holiday. GREAT advice!

Alton Brown makes fun of single use kitchen gadgets.  (I won’t let him go through my kitchen drawers! Ha!)

Loving this rap video on corporate jargon!  Hilarious!

The heart said yes, the horoscope said no.

My favorite post of the week: Boy George gives a makeup tutorial. I adore Boy George!

I am addicted to planners. This is the one I’m lusting after: Filofax 2016 Saffiano A5 PU-Leather Organizer Agenda Gold Limited Edition With DiLoro Jot Pad Refill 022507

This is one of the best gloss palettes I have ever used: Maybelline New York Lip Gloss Palette

Top o’ my list: The Complete Book of Home Organization: 336 Tips and Projects

Saw this in a bookstore and thought it was interesting: Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words

Inversions aren’t easy: The Complete Guide to Yoga Inversions: Learn How to Invert, Float, and Fly with Inversions and Arm Balances

This book is so charming: The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures

Just got this in the mail and it’s the bomb: Tarot Fundamentals (Note: in one section, they say that blogging offers little in return for their creators and most blogs are left fallow for long periods of time.  Um, I beg to differ.)

 

What I’m Grateful For:

Freedom of expression
A fat cat on my lap
Green Christmas
All my holiday shopping – done
Friends who “get” me
Truth

Soundtrack for 12/19/15: “Long Live the Chief” by Jidenna – I have such a massive crush on him!

Blessings,

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2015

pictures from stock photography and personal collection

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