Part of the inhumanity of the computer is that, once it is competently programmed and working smoothly, it is completely honest. —Isaac Asimov
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest is trending on Twitter this morning. I’m glad it is because I didn’t have a clue what I was going to write about. We’re in a fashion lull, nothing I’ve seen in the photography world inspires me at the moment. Advertising was all centered around the 4th so it seems old now. Besides, we’ve not done a hashtag game in a while, so this really could be a lot of fun.
This particular hashtag is interesting because people seem to be using it as a means of confession. Are we really feeling that guilty or is that just where our minds first go when we’re asked to be honest. After looking at some of the initial entries, I was reminded of the “Midnight Confessions” skits on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Some of the “confessions” or “honesty” seem a bit self-serving and trite. But then, the Internet does self-serving and trite so very well we shouldn’t be surprised.
I think there are several ways we can explore #SaySomethingCompletelyHonest. Looking at other’s thoughts is fun, of course. There are some subdivisions I think are worth adding, as well. At the very least, it should be informative and fun.
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – The Tweets
Here are a few samples pulled from the top of the pile this morning:
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest: We CAN and MUST do more to end #extremepoverty ❤️ 🌍 💪🏻
— ONE (@ONECampaign) July 5, 2016
If I could turn back the hands of time I would totally avoid some people. #SaySomethingCompletelyHonest
— Uptown Girl (@Zim_Girl_Lizz) July 5, 2016
Im completely possessive in relationships. I don’t just want your heart, I want your soul too #SaySomethingCompletelyHonest
— I LOVE U FOREVER (@ColleenWx3) July 5, 2016
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest I want to be able to fart in front of my boyfriend but I have too much respect for him.
— Jo Quinn (@Fofine) July 5, 2016
Picked thru all your mixed nuts, captured all the cashews, at every party you hosted. #SaySomethingCompletelyHonest
— Rupert X (@RealRupertX) July 5, 2016
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – Confession Time
Those were entertaining enough, but let’s make the game a bit more personal, shall we? I won’t actually tweet these (at least, not yet), but if we’re being completely honest, this is how I feel this morning.
- I like using hashtag games for morning topics because they don’t require a buttload of research.
- I’m thirsty, but I’ve not gotten up to get water because I don’t want to risk waking the dog.
- I try to drink 24 ounces of water before my first cup of coffee. Allegedly, it’s a healthy habit. We’ll see.
- We totally went lame on the fireworks last night. Everyone was in bed by 9:00 PM.
- It’s impossible to get any time alone during the summer. These kids are exhausting.
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – Reading & Writing
I write, you read; it’s a symbiotic relationship. However, if we’re being completely honest, there are some aspects of this relationship I find frustrating. So, in the spirit of being completely honest, let me share those with you.
- The average article takes two to three hours to write and edit after all the research is done. When only two people read the article, I feel like I’ve wasted my time.
- There is a direct correlation between the amount of nudity in the photographs and the number of hits on an article. The lust shows through.
- I would love to see more people subscribe so that we wouldn’t have to rely on social media for distribution.
- Trying to time publishing and sharing on social media is a pain in the ass.
- When no one shares the link to an article, I take it as a personal failure.
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – Philosophy
Issues are a big part of everyone’s lives. Some we try to ignore, others we embrace and some issues even incite passion. If we’re being completely honest, though, the underlying philosophies are what really drive us, or find us guilty of fraud.
- It’s impossible to be honest about world hunger while shoving a half-pound, double-thick, bacon cheeseburger in your mouth.
- The closer we come to personal poverty, the more we care about the poor.
- One cannot convince the willfully ignorant to care about anything that involves education.
- Without compassion, there are no solutions to social problems.
- Those who build walls do greater harm to those inside the walls than those on the outside.
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – Photography
Photography is where the bulk of my passion lies. While I enjoy all the creative pursuits available to me, photography is where I am at home and where I have the deepest opinions. If we’re being completely honest, there are some things you might need to know:
- It doesn’t matter what camera you use, nor which lens. What matters is your own creativity and mastery of how to use what is in your hands.
- More people should risk being a photographer’s model. You’re more photogenic than you think.
- People who overly criticize photographs of themselves drive me batty. You’re beautiful. Accept it.
- I seriously want to slap someone when they equate nudity with porn.
- I miss shooting every day, but I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the editing.
#SaySomethingCompletelyHonest – The Lighter Side
All this honesty gets a little intense after a while, doesn’t it? So, let’s end this with some lighter statements that leave us feeling a bit better about ourselves.
- The best part of my day is having coffee with Kat every morning.
- Listening to the dog snore never fails to make me giggle.
- It’s especially warm and fuzzy when the oldest cat stops you and demands to be loved.
- Afternoon naps are the key to sanity and long life.
- There is no such thing as too much love.
There you have it. Everything in this post is completely honest, no holds barred. Can we actually handle this much honesty? Perhaps honesty is easier when we break it down into 140 characters or less. That may well be what makes these hashtag games so popular. I hope you’ve enjoyed this diversion. Perhaps we’ll find something more serious for tomorrow. Or not.
In Others’ Words
No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. —Robin Williams
I no longer have words to express all the emotions over events of this week. Perhaps others can communicate more clearly.
Words are insufficient.
If anything, talking seems meaningless at this point. As I’m typing, police operations are still ongoing in Dallas. Five police officers are dead. Five others and one civilian are injured. The attack was planned, calculated, and carried out by people with experience. There may still be bombs planted in a parking garage. Downtown Dallas remains on lockdown.
There is much we still don’t know, but there are a few things that seem certain at this juncture:
I am angry. I am heartbroken. I am distressed. I have never been more ashamed of the United States than I am at this moment. 130 years after the end of the Civil War, we should be past this, but we’re not. In the aftermath of that war, we allowed hate to persist. Across the whole 19th century, we allowed hate to affect how laws were drafted, how social rules were established, and how voting lines were drawn. We could have stopped it all, but we didn’t. Now, we reap the horrible consequences.
So Many Words
In the past 24 hours, the Internet has exploded with words, memes, and pictures. Among the moist poignant was a child holding a sign outside the school where Philandro Castile worked as a food service supervisor. The sign related how “Phil” helped this special needs child make sure he had time to eat and make it to class on time. Another picture showed a child holding a sign relating how “Phil” helped him make good food choices. Yet, this same man was shot by police in cold blood.
Someone pointed out on Twitter that after the Orlando shooting gun advocates said those in the club should have carried guns. Yet, Alton Sterling was shot because he was carrying a gun. I’m curious to see if those same gun advocates will support the right of the Dallas snipers to possess what had to have been some form of high-powered rifle.
None of the people who have died this week deserved that fate. Not Alton Sterling. Not Philandro Castile. None of the Dallas police officers. Yet, for whom will justice be served? Anyone?
Other Voices
I can no longer wrap my head around what is happening. I’m leaving for a few days. We had already planned a camping trip for this weekend and unless there are intervening circumstances in the next few hours, we’re still going. We need a break from the insanity sweeping across the United States. I will post articles both days, but they won’t be related to this horrible mess. I just don’t have the words, or the heart, to continue this conversation.
So, I’m giving you the words of people who better express their reactions to this week. Please note that all these comments were made prior to the shooting in Dallas, but that does not mitigate their importance at all. Some are the words of leaders. Others are the words of friends. And while I know you generally don’t like clicking links you find here, where you see a “More” link, please click it and continue reading. The words are important.
Don’t offer prayers because you’ve been praying my entire life and look what good it’s done. Don’t offer your thoughts, either. Offer action based not on anger, but on compassion. I am convinced that is the only way we survive.
Update: 11:00 AM EDT- President Obama’s remarks on Dallas have been added.
President Obama
Congressman John Lewis
Earlier yesterday, Congressman Lewis posted his mug shot from Parchman Penitentiary after being arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for using a so-called “white” restroom. Of all the members of Congress, Mr. Lewis has a unique perspective of what it is like to stand up to brutality and injustice. His words carry weight white Congress members can never lift.
Congressman André Carson
Mr. Carson’s perspective is also unique. Not only is he black, he is also Muslim and a former police officer. Click through and read all his words.
Mark Zuckerberg
The immediate aftermath of the shooting of Philandro Castile was broadcast live on Facebook. His words demonstrate how technology is a tool against injustice.
Abdul-Shaheed Aaron
Mr. Aaron is a colleague here in Indianapolis. A few years ago, he was attacked while walking back to his car after a shoot. All his gear was stolen and he was gravely injured. He understands the fear. Listen to his words.
Syretta Bell
Syretta may be my all-time favorite makeup artist. The work she does is exquisite. Her words as a black woman are worth heeding.
Jubilation Lee
She’s a single mom who works hard to take care of her kids and raise them to be respectable people. The parallel she draws is a kick to the gut. Yeah, we’re at a point where such a reference is legitimate.
Beyoncè
The singer posted this message on her website yesterday. The words are stirring.
At the end of it all, we have some decisions to make. What happens over the course of the next three days could change the United States forever. We can choose compassion or we can choose hate. We’ve had enough words. We need change.
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