Personal Space in Public Places

First, I’d like to apologize for spelling mistakes I’ve written in the past. I’ve mentioned that one of my pet peeve is people do not use your, you’re, there, their, they’re, and other words with similar spellings and sounds correctly. My sister came across a mistake that I’ve been doing often and I’ll do my best in making them correct from now on. I use “pass” and “past” incorrectly in many instances. The word “pass” to be exact. I should be using “past” instead. Now that I’ve done that, it’s time to roll onto the subject… *barrel roll*

Today’s post is going to be a little too much information (TMI) to some people, read are your own risk (though I really don’t think it’s TMI). I feel I should put it as a disclaimer -_-.

I noticed behaviours of people within the bathroom where I work. Then I started noticing it a lot more in public restrooms outside of work as well. It’s something everyone has, yet doesn’t realize too much of it. Personal space. Some people are comfortable within close proximity of other people while some are not. In the restroom however, it’s a whole different story (as to my observation). Stalls are created for personal spaces and the divider between urinals are also for people’s personal space. These however are enough. If you’re a guy (or a girl), next time you use a public restroom, watch the positioning of people (if there are people of course). If there’s 3, 4, or 5 urinals or stalls, how are the people spacing themselves from others while using them? There is in most cases one empty between two being used. That one empty urinal or stall between the two people is the personal space required for a private time to pee or poop (that’s as graphic as it is). What is your comfortable level in public places?

I tend to think I’m quite open about my personal spaces and I don’t mind people using the urinal or stall nex to mine. I was wrong about myself in certain situation. It really does depends and I think it goes across the board for everyone. So, no matter what you think you are, whether you’re open to things or not, there is only so much you can afford people to enter your personal space. Some other common name for it is “personal bubble.” I’d like to think it’s the force around you that makes you feel invincible… of course until someone enters that force of yours, then you’re invincible no more.

Parenting: A One Sided Fight

Parenting is not easy. It is not  easy for the child(ren) and it is not easy for the parent(s). No matter how I look at it, parenting is a one sided fight. It is neither won by the child(ren) or the parent(s), but won by what I am calling the “unknown factor.” Trying to keep this short will be difficult, but time is not on my side and I will have to go to sleep at some point.

I want to put it out there that I am in no way, shape, or form a doctor or trained person for this subject. I am just a person who has seen lots of children parent bickering. I am just someone who observes and try to help those that needs someone to talk with. I am just a human being who believes there is a way to better communications between children and parents, but it takes both parties to get this working. If one tries hard and the other doesn’t try at all, I am positive it is never going to solve an issue.

Child(ren)

I was once in your position. Well, not entirely true, but I understand your position. I was once a tough child for my mom. When I first lived with my mom after many years of not being together, I once resented my mom. I did not hate her, for she was my mom, but I dislike the things she did, the rules she set and most of all the nagging and telling me to do things. After growing up some, I came to find that I was not the only one in this situation, and as I found others who felt the same way about their parents, I understood the phrase my mom once said to me, “I am not as strict as you think I am.” I quickly realized I had a great mom and she was actually the least strict out of all the people that I knew. Time passed as I continued to befriend the people who had strict parent(s). I tried to understand where they were coming from, to hear their complaints and to hear their hearts plea for fairness.

If you are reading this and you are young, feel unfair that your parent(s) are strict and harsh on you, know that my heart goes out to you. I have flaws, and I will say that my words may not be all true, but I will give my advice to all you young ones out there. There is more to read after the parents section, and you might want to read a little on that too, if you’re not wanting to read the parents sections.

The “unknown force” is a tough opponent. It is like the bully at school, the friend who pricks your heart little at a time, the boss who you fight against in any game, the Bowser to your Mario, the nightmare to your dreams… and you get the point. It’s not your parent(s) fault that they treat you the way they do. I can say with all confidence that they do not know every answer. First time parents are perhaps the hardest to explain, but strict parent(s) are just… well, strict. To be honest, some parent(s) have tunnel vision, what they see and believe is what they know is best and right for their child(ren) and therefore they’re going to stick to it no matter what, because they believe it is. Whoever on Earth that came up with with that philosophy just got a million bucks if he/she got to sell that idea.

Children of my generation (or younger), do not let your dark hopes bring you down. Believe in yourself, for I believe in you. I know that even my mom believes in you. Here is what I will share with you, and it might not be the best solution for your case, but ultimately, one rule stays the same: BE SMART ABOUT IT.

Generation of computer users, do your research, have proof, back yourself up with facts. Not only from the internet, but from sources on the internet that can be considered legal and taken serious by even your parents. Facts are important, but you don’t want to do it without knowing what you’re looking for. Be the last (or your best choice, never) to be angry. Take the higher road. This is the toughest thing to do. This will not only show character but also put a slap in your parent(s) face without you doing anything. It’s the hardest thing to do, NOTHING. Parents, if you are reading this, I am defending your kid here because he/she needs some help standing up to you, but you have to understand that your child(ren) are human beings too, just like you. How do you like to get yelled at by someone for some the same reasons you yelled/spanked/banned/punished/grounded your child(ren) for. Kids, I’m not saying be mean to your mom or dad, I’m just saying control yourself, and when they start yelling, maybe the softest voice would be the one that wins. It’s hard, but do your best, I encourage you to do it, not once, not twice, but for as long as it takes your parent(s) to realize how childish they are and how much more mature you’re proving yourself to be. Of course don’t just make that an excuse to fight them, only do it if you believe you are being yelled at for some petty reasons, or some reasons that you should not be yelled at.

Stay smart, stay calm, stay polite and say sorry. I know you say sorry a lot, but it’s always never enough, so say it and mean it. After saying it, then proof you mean it, either by doing what you should do, or showing that you can continue to do what you should do. I know chores are not fair, or even standing up to do something such as picking up the remote control, but the higher road can be say of you… you are building character. Or better yet, think of it as a girl or guy that you like asking you for a favor. I do not think that is a better way to go, but if it helps you laugh a little while doing something, it’s better than naught.

Parent(s)

Give your child a break every once in a while. Seriously, do you really know all the answer to life? Have you counted the times you asked your child(ren) to do things for you and the times you say “Thank you” to them? When was the last time you actually hug them, mean it, and then yelled at them the same day for doing something stupid? When was the last time you actually let your child(ren) explain a reason why and you actually put it to heart and accept it even if it’s “I forgot.”

If you could have a chat with my mom (or my sis), you will find out that I forget a lot of things. I forget things that doesn’t seem important to me. I’m a child, I am young, there fore many things are not that important. I will do them when they are, not when they are to you. I don’t understand parent(s) who ask their kids to do every little things. I understand parent(s) do the big things in the house, pay bills, work for money, put food on the table, but so did my mom, and the last time I remember, my mom did not yelled at or punished me because I forgot to take out the trash, she just reminded me. Washing plates was what I had to do for chores, and I did them quite a lot, but there are days where I either just got busy and forgot (yes, I really do forget) or I just didn’t feel like it and would wash it the next day. My mom would either leave it for me to wash the next day (and mind you, I had to wash with hand, not washing machine like most American homes have) or she would just wash it, because she wants her sink to be clean. My mom would remind me I forgot to clean it and told me she’s cleaned it.

I don’t believe parent(s) are lazy, because my mom isn’t. But if there are parent(s) out there who are so lazy that their kids are their maid, then it is a sad world. Unless of course it’s a both sided job where parents do things for their kids as well, little simple things. Then there is no one to blame, but of course me I suppose, if there is someone that needs to be blamed. Give your kids a break some times. Let them say “I forgot” every once in a while.

One thing I know about parent(s) though, and this does include my mom, is that parent(s) will most of the time be stubborn. Here’s what I mean by that: They are set to how they will raise their kids and how their kids should be. They are as stiff as an oak tree, while the kids are as of the bamboo tree. When the wind blows in whatever direction, the oak tree stays there unmoved but the bamboo tree will bend to the winds. Neither one is right or wrong, this is just an allegory. Parents, you have to understand your kids. What’s the point of being a parent and living in your own utopia? You are to teach your kids how to adapt and live life to the fullest with your knowledge and wisdom. You are suppose to help them conquer the fear of the world, not to shelter them from it.

Talk with your child, discuss with them, listen to them. These are important for a child. If you disagree with them, that’s fine, at least you did all these. But here’s the catch… disagree with love. My mom would listen to my plea and discuss with me why she said no. Yes, she did that and that made me a much better person to explain why I said things.

Overall

Communication is key. Yes young ones, the parents can be stubborn and won’t listen to a word you say. Well, if they’re sitting there, say it anyway. Parents, if you think your child is saying something stupid, let them say it anyway. If you truly think it’s idiotic, record it and play the recording back to them, or say the words that they say back to them. If they hear it from the outside, then maybe they know it is, but give them a chance to explain themselves.

Love. I have seen bickering and yelling, but I have also seen love and experienced it. Forgiveness isn’t forgiveness until love covers it. If you forgive someone, bring it up again, then it wasn’t forgiven in the first place. Where’s the love in that. Parents are suppose to love their flesh and blood. If I’m wrong, then I’ve been writing to the wrong crowd. You should not have read all of this, because you were never open minded in the first place, whether you’re the child or the parent. If you’re not open to new ideas to help yourself, because you’re right in what you do, then continue doing what you do. I am not one to stop you, but if your child or parent hates you because of it, here’s my forewarning: “I TOLD YOU SO!”

I once hated my mom and dad for various reasons. Now, I just wish I understood them more and knew where they were coming from. So, I’m sharing my little knowledge and wisdom in hopes that you will learn each other better. Horrible days should never be used outwardly toward your family. Sucky days should not be unleashed on your loved ones. Share with them your sucky days, ask for help or a shoulder to lean on during horrible days. Blaming something  is worse than saying “I forgot.” I truly believe that, because we ourselves are to blame for our actions.

A wise man once said, “No one makes you angry, you made yourself angry.” If you did not get that wisdom, here’s what it meant. Stop blaming others for your actions. You choose how to react. If someone throws a pie at your face, you have some options: 1) Laugh about it. 2) Be mad and yell or beat the other person up. 3) Do nothing about it. 4) Walk away from the situation. 5) Ask the other person why. 6) Start a food fight. Of course there’s more options, but if you are truly honest with yourself, the things you do are all from your own choices. They determine the outcome. The quote is one that parents hate to hear when they’re a little upset because a child did something wrong or stupid. I always bring that up with my mom and she hates those words, but when you think about it, down into the core, it’s true. Your reaction to situation proofs of your character, virtue, integrity, and output on life in general. So don’t be a sourpuss and ruin people’s day because you had a bad day. Work your way to making your bad day better.

No one makes you angry, you made yourself angry.

Great Minds Think Alike

Cliché as is might be, the saying might make people think it to be true. To me, it’s not true to its fullest nature; (it is only people alike that thinks alike) and here is why. It is the the great minds that think unlike that brings forth discussions and thoughts and drive for knowledge and wisdom. Great minds are unachievable without open minds. It is the ones who are looking for something different, who wants to change, who shows something new that majority of people disregard.

I Write: Me, Violence, Video Games, and Media

If you aren’t aware already, this is going to be perhaps the longest post I will ever write, and if that statement is false, then I will say this is the longest post I have written. Gaming is a subject that I enjoy talking about and as a gamer, I tend to take the point-of-view of a gamer. In this long entry, I will do my best to be fair to both sides. I believe I am capable of doing that and I will be straight forward about it. I will also be blatant about myself specifically because I am passionate about gaming and I will put myself out there to be tested, that’s for sure ^_^ So, be aware that this is a long and tedious writing and I won’t say this is perhaps all well thought out and written well, but I will put my heart into it and defend my fellow gamers. Also, I would like to state that I am not going with facts or statistics. I think we pick our statistics to coincide with our point-of-view. I will write this base solely on experience, discussions with other people, readings, and anything else I’ve learned.

Violent video games make gamers violent. This is not a proven fact (at least not in my book). Many gamers would know who Jack Thompson is, he’s an attorney (I believe) who says many active shooters in schools or anywhere else are influenced by violent video games and also the fact that violent games make someone violent. I will show videos from youtube, and to be blatant about this, it’s a point-at-something excuse for something that’s gone terribly wrong.

I grew up a gamer, I have played games all my life, starting with the original Game Boy and Atari to the now advanced Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, and DS Lite. I even remember when games were on computer and were text base, yes I played those games as well. Till this day, I find Tetris to be the most innovative addictive game for me, so don’t you dare say I don’t appreciate arcade games.

Living in America, I have come across many gamers such as myself, and a lot of us tend to defend one another, but what happens when a gamer’s gone loony. By the way, I will use sarcasm, silly words, and just words that people don’t usually write in a paper. I will say, this is an entry of an essay proportion. Maybe one day I’ll write a book about this and be famous for it? Or maybe I’ll just stay a blogger (and gamer) and only known for writing these kinds of entries. Back to the subject, more specifically speaking, what happens when an active shooter is said to be that way because of violent video games? Thus, back to my starting point, violent games makes gamers violent.

Remember I said I grew up playing games all my life. I’m a 80’s kid, mid-80’s to be precise and I have seen many violent games; in fact, I have played many violent games. I played Double-Dragon, Street Fighter, Mortal Combat, King of Fighters, Soul Calibur. My first violent game was Mario to be honest. Jumping on mushrooms (thus squishing them to death) and flying tortoises, getting a big spiky tortoise into the hot lava to get to the princess, I believe those are violent right? I mean, what happens when I throw someone down an active volcano? Doh, we all know what happens. It’s common sense. So, here’s where I’d like to lead into… common sense.

I believe playing games is the main reason I have great common sense. I learn how to navigate through different scenarios, I learn how to use controllers that aren’t simple. You need to know how to slide and when to press buttons to make Goku or Gohan shoot a Kame-hame-ha. You need to know when to block or parry in Soul Calibur to survive a beating (I fail to parry 99% of the time, you can tell I’m not good with this game). You’ve got to know the secrets to every character in Street Fighter so when you play them, you’re ready to counter any attacks they might come at you. I learned logic, I learned common sense, and I learned how to have fun. Here’s what games didn’t teach me or make me… a violent person or an active shooter. I play FPS (First Person Shooter for those not in the lingo) too such as Quake 2 (My first FPS game), Call of Duty 4, Team Fortress, Counter-Strike (Seem to be a very controversial game).

I’ll put myself out there. This is of course for those of you who knows me personally or have met me. I will put myself to the test and you can try to ask everyone that knows me and I will guarantee those that remember me will say it’s true. “I am perhaps one of the nicest, most caring, kind person there is. I smile a lot and laugh a lot and I like to have fun. I respect elders and I love food (the food thing, it really doesn’t have anything to do with niceness, but it’s always fun to have something extra that’s different right).” But before I go further, I will say this, I had a time in my life that I was angry, and even then, I was not outwardly angry at specific persons. It was when I was 15 or 16 years old, when I first came to America. I was still nice, but I had bursts of anger problem. Now, I will say, I had a rough time during that time of life (a personal family matter), I had the whole age thing coming to me, and it is the time when I did not have any computer games or video games. I have left every game in Malaysia and I came to a place with nothing to play. If anything, this proves that violent video games have the opposite effect on me. Video games get me to get my frustration out in a deeper level than just yell and scream and throw punches or kicks.

It might be just me, or maybe my family had some things to do with it. I mean, it could be my culture, my grandma, mom, and aunt taught me well. I knew the fake world from the real world (not the tv show on MTV mind you) and I know that hurting people is bad. So, let’s go to a video, I need a break at this moment.

Sweet, so you have seen the video right? Cause I will start talking about this video now. So, here goes…

Counter Strike… I played it back in 2004, maybe 2005. I stopped about two years ago. Here’s what I learned about Counter Strike. There are two sides. Let’s make it good and bad, so it’s easier to show. Each levels have a purpose, the good have 2 objectives, defend the bombing area or disarm the bomb when it’s been armed, and the other objective is to save as many people from a room as possible. The bad side is to arm a bomb and have it explode or not to let the good guys save people from a room. Just to summarize it. Also, I’d like to ask soldiers in particular, if you’re a soldier and you so happen to be reading this, can you tell me if Jack Thompson is telling the truth? Can you do something this well, “killing people with efficiently cool and calmly after being immerse with such a game”? I don’t think you can, not from playing games to train you. If that’s true, please do tell me, cause I’m curious, and if this is a private matter within the military and no one should know this information, then Jack Thompson shouldn’t have these information too right? I will agree with some things that Jack Thompson said… “Shooting is bad.” … wait, did he say that? I don’t know, but I think maybe if you see this interview with the suite mate, you might know Chris has the facts or Jack has them. Jack Thompson doesn’t know when Chris Matthews ask if he knows. Plus, why is Jack always saying “We…” I only see him talking, don’t be persuasive.

By the way, if every kid is immerse in such games, why doesn’t everyone end up being a shooter? That would be logical according to his logic. Common sense tells me Jack Thompson talks about his own facts and what he knows and how to persuade with what he knows, but cannot come up with original logic to persuade anyone. I’d love to see him and Ian Bogost (go google him if you’re curious) in a debate.

I’ll let you soak it in and then get back to writing. ^_^

15 minutes later… *Ah, a good drink takes the thirst of writing away.*

Could it be possible that there are selective few that when this happens, it’s just a case that the person went crazy? I cannot say that everyone just gone crazy, maybe some people had reasons like the Columbine situation (maybe not?), but whatever it is, if one guy in the college campus out of 80% of the guys turn out to be a serial killer, I guess it’s a small percentage then. I’m sure there can be a lot discussed about violent video games, but I’ll let you take your own point-of-view.

Now, I’d like to get to another video. Here’s the last one, I promise and I’ll talk a little about this and probably get done. It’s late and I don’t even know what I’m talking about… I feel I might have slip up some sentences, but I’ll continue with faith ^_^

Alright, you ready to talk about this? Let’s first start with the sales to “mature” only audience and Microsoft’s quote.

Sure some places sell games for profit only and not thinking about the audience, but when was the last time a parent ask their kids what they bought and was actually interested in their games? I know my mom wasn’t, but she was aware of the violent games I played. She knew I played Mortal Combat (at least I thought she knew) when I was 12 and performed fatality, brutality, and beastiality(?) perfectly without a blink of an eye (I don’t think she knew the fatality and brutality without a blink of an eye). I was the master of brutality on Sega Genesis Mortal combat. I loved the challenge of combos and … okay, I better not get carried away here.

Let’s get back… Microsoft is right, there is a rating system on the Xbox360 for games and videos. Even PS2 had it. Here’s the problem, parents could care less about setting it because they… (are you ready for it??)… because they don’t know how to do it. Oh snap, parents, when was the last time you read a manual guide? The way to do it is straight in the manual that came with the console. Oh, and did you know you set your own password so if your kids want to play or watch those games or movies, they’d need your permission first. Hah, I thought parents cared… what happened this generation’s parents? Well, I tell you what happened, nothing (I hope nothing changed of significant). I think it’s easier to blame it on something as an excuse than to make the extra effort to have a better child or family. Yes, this is coming from a 23 year old college student, but be aware, my family was the biggest part of my life, so I understand what a family is and I understand how to be involved in one. I have a younger sister that I communicate with often, and we’re 100+ miles apart, not just in the other room or upstairs/downstairs, actually 100+ miles apart, and we’re really close.

Next, statistics does not show that all the dad’s kids play video games. No sir’ree. I know I said I won’t get into statistics, but researching a bit to show your knowledge of statistics correctly might be better (I think the kids now a days know more than adults because we actually research it). It shows that average gamer’s age is 30’s. Yup, in the 30’s, I’m sure they know how to think by then, because they should be out from college or high school and working by then (maybe some having their own kids).

Sure, violence and sexuality do have desensitizing effects; so does being hurt, like for boxers. I was always taught that I should know both sides of the story before doing a persuasive argument or debate or essay. I don’t think this is the case. If I were to debate against games, I would say this… they waste a lot of a child’s time than doing something constructive. Yup, that would be my stand in against games. Media just loves to blow things up in proportion, it’s like politics, you can’t always listen to what they say, you have to listen to what they should say but cover up with what they say, specifically the bashing of another side’s speeches or scenarios. White lies are dangerous.

I’d like to talk about the video of the time 4:30 onward to the end and this will be my last thought. Gah, I can’t wait to sleep, lol. Did I mention I love to sleep?

“… We live in the day of age where our children aren’t always supervise…” – WHAT?!? WHAT?!? I think it’s the day of age where parents let their children be baby sit by the video games. ‘My kid’s out of my way so I can do my own stuff.’ Isn’t that a little selfish? I always thought being a parent means showing them care and love and taking care of them no matter what? What happen to being the best parent there is? Is that ideology gone? Am I the only one who wants to cheer my kids on, get him or her to the soccer field and cheer them when they get to steal the ball from the opposing player? Teach them skills? Read them stories or have family talk time? I don’t care how busy a parent is in his or her career, children should always come first. That’s my in take on this. When was the last time you ask your kid a question such as “How was homework?” or “Who was that on the phone?” or “When is your friend coming over?” or “What game did you buy? Can I play with you?” or “Let’s go shopping for a new game for you.” or “Let’s go watch a movie together.” or “How was school?” or “Have you kiss that girl/boy yet?” or “Come here, I miss you *HUG*.” or “Here’s a PB&J, come and get it. (Then give them a noogie).” or “

Seriously, has any parent really talk about those stuff to their kids? Sure they’re embarrassing, but what happened to the “I won’t be a parent like my parents” phrase gone to? I think the cool-parent quote is out of the bag and it’s now career-parent to get money so the family can have things, not LOVE O_O *cry*. Pshhh, I would rather have time with my kids than all the money in the world. I can say this because I wish I have time with my mom than all the things I own. Seriously, I would and that is straight from my heart. Take that you moms and dads out there; you wish you had a son like me now didn’t you? hahah, well, too bad, I’m my mom’s son and that’s final.

“… What happened to Atari and pinball and Pacman?” – They’re still around. When was the last time you open a Windows PC and downloaded Pinball? If you still have the original XP, you should have Pinball in there, yea, try to beat my high score, I believe it was about 23,000,000. Yes, million. I’m not too sure though, I don’t have proof, but when I hit that high again, I’ll save it ^_^ Oh, and I’d like to add, Tetris is still available in so many places, in fact, you can play them online or download them onto the computer for free, and did you know you could play Tetris 2 Player on the same computer? Good game plus good time to spend kicking your kid’s butt in a game… or are you going to let your kid kick your butt? … OR are you just going to let your kid play alone instead of interacting with them? I’m giving you parents so many choices to interact with your kids, you taking notes or not?

“… There’s all kind of bad stuff coming through internet and through video games…” – All the violent movie that’s out now-a-days can be rented from blockbuster by a 17 year old and not get carded. Oh, did I ever tell you the story of me going to the movies with 2 of my friends. We went to see Matrix, the second one, and I was 18 while the other two were 16. Surely they didn’t pass the age of watching an M movie. Just because they’re taller, I got carded. Did I mention I was Asian too? I could definitely say something about being a racist, but yea, that’s a true story. Anyway, a kid can turn on a TBS or TNT or USA channel and have movies in their face off the wazoo and they don’t even need to pay money for violence. With satelite, wow, even HBO is available for kids. I never thought of that, but let me blame it on video games anyway. Movies are alright, they have rating too, so when a “TV-14″ or a “MA” comes up on tv and your child is watching, do you just sit there or do you let them watch it? What if you’re not home? Did you set the setting so it’s not watchable? If you could do that, then do that to the console too. Did you know that there are more cuss words going around in your kid’s school and on tv that they watch than you realize, even if it’s TV-14 or PG-13. Are you aware of that and doing something about that? I’m pointing to parents because when I become a parent and have become a lazy parent, I’d definitely like someone to point out my flaw or what I could do to better things. Yes, I’d honestly would, reminding me what being an awesome parent means (yet knowing the boundaries of when to be strict).

“… That makes me a parent, a much harder job… And also you can access thing on the internet and download them so you’re thinking if I don’t buy it, it’s okay…” – Yes, being a parent has always been a hard job, from the very start of your “watermelon pushing out from a hole the size of an orange” ’till the day you die, mom will always be mom and dad will always be dads. Let’s talk about video games on the internet and being able to download them. Games like these, violent or sexual, need credit card to buy and download and play. At least to my knowledge. If you don’t know what’s on the computer, you better go to school to get technology savvy. So, your kid needs credit card, are they using your credit card? How come you don’t even know what’s been used on YOUR credit card. If you’re talking about porn online, then that’s a separate matter in itself, becasue we’re only talking about video games =D

Sorry, we’re out of time, this brought to you by Matthew, the chitty-chatty blogger that talks a lot about video games and don’t know anything about it. Thank you for tuning in, I don’t expect you to read it all, but if you did, kudos to you.

Next, I’d like to talk about… How I and my mom came to an understanding (since I’ve been talking about parenthood). I like putting up a subject line before the next one comes up because that would make me think about that subject and then put it to heart.

Today’s Encounter Made Me Wonder

Today was just an ordinary day… until I start to think a little too much. While I was walking to work from a parking lot, I came across a bumper sticker that said “Christians cannot be Pro-choice.” Then I started thinking about where the words come from. First off, I understand the fact that Pro-choice and Pro-life are both words regarding strictly to abortion. I started wondering why people didn’t make words up like abortionist and non-abortionist. Just like sexist and racist, we have words for those. Why didn’t people just pick choice as their main word and went with Pro-choice and Sans-choice or Con-choice, or picking life as their main word and went with Pro-life and Sans-life or Con-life. Then I started thinking that it’s all in the wording. See, Pro-life and Pro-choice make their stand in what they believe through words. Positive reinforcement is always better than negative reinforcement (at least that’s what I’ve been taught).

No matter what it comes down to, the Pro-choice people are not saying they’re against life, it’s just they stand to believe they have a different way of handling life, while the Pro-life people are not saying they’re against choice, they just believe that living being should have life. Not that there’s resources out there saying what’s fact and what’s lie, but I believe there are many Christians (yes, true Christians, not just the ones that say they are but don’t really act like one) that are Pro-choice. No, it’s not they agree with abortionists (yes, I’m going to start using that word), but it’s the fact that they’ve been in situation where they were once Pro-life but because of circumstances, they became Pro-choice. I don’t think there should be a special case for anyone. If people are going to have sex before marriage, that’s their choice to do so, and chances are, without protection, there will be a baby and when that time comes, Pro-life or Pro-choice extremist will call you out and put you on your spot. Trust me, they will.

I started talking to a friend about why this is, and here’s a little inside of what I got. A lot of it has to do with politics. I mean, it’s one way or another, there isn’t a party in politics that stand in middle ground. No one wants to see it a different way when it comes to politics. I remember people arguing that I should be a Republican because I’m a Christian and they’re Pro-life while the Democrat are people who’s Pro-choice. What an extreme way to see, I know plenty of Christians who are Democrat thank you very much, I just think they see some other issues as more important to the nation than abortion.

If a young couple got married, and did have sex, but wasn’t ready for a baby, and they so happen to have one, should they have a choice to have an abortion? If they’re Pro-life, then that contradicts everything right? I mean, I would want to raise my own kid, and I don’t want to see him/her raised by another family. It’s because they’re a part of me. But I’m not ready for a kid, what should I do. I would like to quote a very famous saying that has annoyed the living daylights out of me, but I do accept that it’s very true, “Talk is Cheap!” If everyone is doing what they say, I think this world wouldn’t have any liars.

So, now that I’ve written what’s been on my mind all day since this morning, I will leave it at that. I would like to think that the Pro-life people everyday still chooses to love the people who are Pro-choice and the Pro-choice people still chooses to live life to the fullest  ^_^