Recently I wrote about litter in Santa Rosa County and suggested the two opposing viewpoints expressed in the SRPG Speak Out opinion column work on getting it cleaned up rather than argue about the how-to. My sweetheart, Amanda, and I talked about litter-bugs causing the problem in the first place. She thought the attitude of tossing trash indiscriminately into the world had more to do with a lack of education, but we both agreed those who do simply don’t care about their environment. In caring more about our surroundings, I argued, we then tend to care more about each other. So then the question arose, should we really care what other people think?
I see regular Facebook posts from younger friends declaring “I don’t care what anyone thinks,” and “Being weird is the best.” I already covered “weird” but it seemed fitting to mention it in this column as well. Ignoring others’ opinion has become a mark of independence and one may see the attitude portrayed as, ‘I express myself in whatever fashion I see fit, regardless of who approves or disapproves or how someone may be offended. I’m not going to let you stifle my creativity or my personality. I will do what I want, when, and with whomever I please. It’s my life and not yours.’ Of course while some people espouse these notions, they change their tune when it comes to the words of cherished friends or romantic relationships.
The other side of the coin says “politically correct” or “PC.” Those who cling to this care about what everyone thinks, for the most part. Anyone who suggests the slightest negative opinion of a statement deserves an immediate retraction and damages in the millions. On an individual level, it can be a self destructive way to live. You compromise. You tell everyone what they want to hear and never turn anyone down lest they feel slighted. Everyone else’s versions of you becomes the face you wear daily and your own “you” stays at the bottom of the box and remains there until you forget what “you” look like. You become the product of your society, a member of the masses.
Is the choice of taking the middle road only to be counseled by the opinions of friends and family? Do any strangers count? How do we choose of whom to listen? Are we excusing bad behavior by declaring how much we disdain the judgment of others? At the same time, are we afraid of what people will think if we take a stand or not?
While I tend to fall into the latter category of maybe caring too much what others think, those opinions can be useful. Consider your reputation. If you’re known as responsible, you may be next in line for a promotion. If you’re known as a slouch, you may be next in line for unemployment.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: What other people think