What We Believe

"I believe everything.  It's easier than thinking."  Winnie the Pooh

I was recently offended by a commercial for a service that will make it unnecessary to make trips to the post office for postage.  It begins with a man saying, "There is nothing worse than standing in line at the post office."  Obviously, the man hasn't heard about war, famine, racism, and homophobia, just to name a few things that might be considered worse than waiting in a line.

What bothers me is that there was not an uproar challenging that particular commercial as, to put it plainly, stupid.  But with all the ignorant messages foisted upon humanity it's kind of difficult to focus on being media savvy.  In fact, I think it might drive some people over the brink.

Another of my favorite commercials is for a fast food chicken product that laughs at its competitors who sell chicken nuggets.  "What part of the chicken is the nugget," they ask with a smirk.  Then they urge consumers to try their popcorn chicken without telling us what part of the chicken is the popcorn.  I guess that some things in life will remain a mystery.

But aside from commercials, I sometimes question my own proclamations.  At times I notice myself going through the day and spouting platitudes and expected phrases as reactions to other people's platitudes rather than examining what I really believe and putting those thoughts out into the world.  But maybe it's because I'm not always sure what I believe and oftentimes base my statements on what I think people might expect me to say or what, I think, will encourage people to think well of me.

It's going to take me a bit of time to digest thoughts about beliefs and motives and media information.  So while I do that I believe I'll take a walk.  It's a lovely day and time to get my dose of vitamin D.   I believe I'll also make an effort to listen more carefully.  As the Irish proverb states, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so we ought to listen twice as much as we speak."  And maybe throw in a little thinking.