The Invisible Microphone

I fully admit I am critical: of others, strangers, friends, family and myself.  I too often put that invisible microphone to their face and ask “Did you really mean that?”

What gives us the right to be so overly judgmental of people?  Is it the blaring broadcast of media?  It is handed to us shiny exquisite devices so we are never out of touch with media’s judgment:  So we too must judge, right?

Click the comments section of any online news article today and you will find hundreds of people judging others for their comments. Many of the harshest comments are made back and forth between people who do not even know each other: Strangers judging strangers in a heated online battle ground.  It is a cruel view of the world.

I sat on the steps the other morning judging myself, contemplating this blog.  I had asked tough questions of my friend, I wondered was I too critical, was I too blunt?   Isn’t always best to wait until someone ask for your advice/judgment?  Have I become an abuser of the invisible microphone?

In my professional life, I have attend classes on Critical Thinking, that is how NOT to be so critical.  I do this very well in my professional life; I have work hard to apply it to my private life.  One of the biggest lessons learned is to listen:  Just listen.  You don’t always have to put that microphone to their mouth, you don’t have to comment, criticize, or judge, just listen.

There is so much criticism and hate in the world today; it’s no wonder we are caught in the trap of the invisible microphone.  Think before you speak, think before you pass judgment and criticize.  

 Put away your microphone for just a day and feel the freedom and relieve of being a kinder, gentler person.

Peace.

Weight and Stereotypes

We are a society obsessed with weight and appearances. Sadly we stereotype others by their weight. One of the most common is that overweight people are lazy and unintelligent. I do have to concede right from the start there are health reasons for maintaining a certain weight, however judging ones intelligence and motivation is where the line needs to be drawn.

I have been steadily losing weight to the point now where those around me are keenly aware of the change in my appearance.  The comments and questions are annoying:  How much have I lost?  What size do I wear now?  What plan am I on?   You look great now. (Because I was so ugly before????)   I have not answered the questions nor commented.  I have simply diverted their attention to another subject matter, that’s the beauty (quirk) of my personally, they don’t know what hit them and they moved on easily forgetting they didn’t get an answer.

Stereotyping is dangerous.  If you categorize someone according to small set of standards and you don’t take the time to get to know the real person because they don’t meet your standards you may miss knowing a person of great importance. This could be the next person to cure Cancer,  solve World Hunger or develop a clean water system for all the world, or just help you with you little personal problem.  Why let your stereotypes of ANYTHING lessen your chances to enrich your life or the life of another?

Back to weight loss questions:  So I lost weight, am I smarter now?  I don’t think so. Give me a math problem I am sure to fail. I lost weight, am I less lazy? If looking at my domestic skills is an indication, you would have to conclude that I have become lazier. (Weight loss = messy house)  

What plan am I on? This question probably irritates me the most.  I refuse to give into the almighty Commercial Diet Giants. The advertisements are everywhere with their celebrity endorsements. It’s what they don’t tell you that bother me.  So what program do I follow?  The read program:  I read everything I can about the right foods and then I eat, yes I eat.

What size clothing do I wear?  The size that fits of course, now that is a very silly question.

Look past your stereotypes and see the person within or you may be missing out on something wonderful.