'Sweetie' turned fundie.

[Petra]

I think that might be me. :blush:

Once upon a time, there was this looney kiwi chick that was known for her tolerance, her ability to cut through crap tactfully, and her 'good nature'.

Now she's wired, man. Fever pitch over US Prez elections, angry at the world, pissed off at theists, and becoming more potty-mouthed and bitchy at every tv news item, every newspaper article, every ....ahhh, fuck...every THING.

I feel like the dude in the fight club - wanting to kick against the pricks; wanting to punch the shit out of myself.

Where are the rainbows that enchanted me? My rose-tinted glasses are so dirty I cannot see out of them anymore, and the skies all look grey.

On the good side, I've been to some good parties lately, with live music and good company. Not a political discussion to be heard, and surrounded by smiling and talented people, and old friends.

In fact, I'm just heading out the door in acceptance of an invitation to join an old friend for a beer and conversation.

And my new flatmate is great, so life in general is looking pretty good for this coming summer. It's going to be a much more social time for me after being a reclusive and struggling single mum for so long, and that is a good thing.

Yet, I still feel like a fundie - my passions are running hot, I've started to seek only things that confirm my biases, and I feel like shouting and warring all the time.

Still, at least I've started to realise that fact. It's time for a change.

Well, I'm going to go have that beer with Ruvé, now....


Any of the rest of you feel this way - either about yourself or about me?

:chin: :doh:

[LadyShea]

I have always foud you passionate on political topics, and this US election is a total clusterfuck, so I don't think you're turning into a loony at all.

I love ya and you're always sweet to me :)

[dave_a]

awww hell, I thought you were gonna talk shit about Sweetie here. I didn't realize you were the sweetie. Not that you aren't sweat and all, you r just not Sweetie.

See the shit you cause Sweetie??? :D

[seebs]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Happens a lot. What do I do? I pray. I stop and think. I try to remember nice things about the people I'm mad at. I remember that, according to my belief system, the most perfect judge ever looked at that person and thought "this person is worth dying for". If all else fails, go do something else for a while.

[viscousmemories]

I'm with dantonac. I thought this thread was gonna be about the FF member Sweetie.

Yet, I still feel like a fundie - my passions are running hot, I've started to seek only things that confirm my biases, and I feel like shouting and warring all the time.

Still, at least I've started to realise that fact. It's time for a change.
You're not only aware that you're leaning in that direction, but you know it's not the way you want to be. Sounds like you're doing fine to me. I've been a bit worried about your level of intensity to be honest. Only because I'm afraid that at this rate your head will explode if Bush wins. Try to keep things in perspective. I definitely think more bad than good will come from another four years of the Bush team, but no matter how bad it might be it really won't be the end of the world. Not that I think he's going to win, but I think you should prepare yourself for the worst case scenario and try to realistically assess just how bad it will be. Ask yourself questions like "Is Bush likely to start WWIII or something equally heinous?" That kind of thing. Because really I think it's highly unlikely that the state of the world is going to change dramatically after this election regardless of who wins. All you can do is stay focused on the important things closer to home for you.

Okay sorry for the ramble. I really should be sleeping.

[JoeP]

Well, I'm clearly less worked up about the US election than you! Although I haven't found you to be a true fundie in the sense of ranting and becoming aggressive (even if you feel you have) nor in the sense of ignoring or belitting the other points of view (more, of course, than is objectively justified :innocent:).

But I'll agree with one thing: it could shape up to be a good summer. And :P :tongue3: :tongueout: :ptht: :girltong: :nyahnyah: to all the poor sods in the northern hemisphere heading into winter.

[Dingfod]

Back off, you fanatic biatch!

Just kidding.

I completely understand. The whole world is invested in the outcome of this election, well, anyone that cares is. But, sometimes you just need to kick back, down a little alkyhall and relax, forgetting about all that shit. I'm a news junkie, I had to give up something I thought I enjoyed to gain some inner peace. I know how I'm going to vote. I've come to the stark realization that I have little influence over how someone else is going to vote, so I've quit worrying about it. I had to, for my sanity.

[Goliath]

You, a fundie, lunachick? Impossible. You're one of us, not one of them.

[HelenM]

Yet, I still feel like a fundie - my passions are running hot, I've started to seek only things that confirm my biases, and I feel like shouting and warring all the time.

Still, at least I've started to realise that fact. It's time for a change.


Sometimes I feel that way and then I try to remember I have a choice whether to fight something/protest/complain, or simply let it go.

It's human to respond with anger to injustice, incompetence, etc. but we only wear ourselves out if we respond every time. I think "choose your battles" is a very wise saying. You need to save some energy for yourself and your daughter.

I also think the serenity prayer (I know it's a prayer but please bear with me) is very wise in encouraging us to seek the serenity to accept what we can't change, the courage to change what we can and the wisdom to know the difference. There are so many things in life that we get legitimately angry about, but we can't change.

Anyway, the key, I think, is to be able, when angry - because we will get angry - to choose how and whether to act on our anger.

Helen

[beyelzu]

Two years ago, I was a self described Republican, kind of like Cool Hand is now. II and FF have both changed my perspective somewhat. Truly, when one considers just how much damage the religious right would do if they could, (and in Bush they probably have their best chance ever to do that damage) I dont think it is possible to really overstate the importance of this electcion I think I have a more nuanced and well informed view than I have ever had and I despise Shrub.


So no Lunachick, I dont think you are a fundy. We only have a couple more months of this election to go, counting the inevitable legal cases, and after that I am sure that you will be ok, or that your head will explode if shrub get reelected. :D either way, I am sure that you wont have these concerns by January or so.

[Socratoad]

Whenever I begin to feel like I'm becoming just a tad intense ..... which is far too often, I mumble the word "empathetic" over and over to myself, for that is the one trait I wish to be described as being and having.

Tis all too easy to fall into the trap of thought-clouding self-righteousness.

Not that I have ever thought of you Luna as being in that category. :wave:

Smug-like Toad :toad: climbs down off of soapbox and hops away.

[Lauri D]

Hiya luna -

I can certainly identify with how you've been feeling as of late, re: politics-n-stuff. I've been all about the :madrant: and the :rollpin: and the :argue: in a few recent election conversations I've had. However, I still honestly try to consider other viewpoints on certain things (not all, because there are some things I AM unapologetically "fundie" about, like that killing innocent people for dubious and/or nefarious reasons is a Bad Thing), and I haven't gone :whup: on anyone yet.

But I feel your pain, sistah, and all I can say is :hug:

[xorbie]

Hiya luna -

I can certainly identify with how you've been feeling as of late, re: politics-n-stuff. I've been all about the :madrant: and the :rollpin: and the :argue: in a few recent election conversations I've had. However, I still honestly try to consider other viewpoints on certain things (not all, because there are some things I AM unapologetically "fundie" about, like that killing innocent people for dubious and/or nefarious reasons is a Bad Thing), and I haven't gone :whup: on anyone yet.

But I feel your pain, sistah, and all I can say is :hug:

Took the words right out of my mouth. And perfect smiley use to boot.

[Socratoad]

Hiya luna -

I can certainly identify with how you've been feeling as of late, re: politics-n-stuff. I've been all about the :madrant: and the :rollpin: and the :argue: in a few recent election conversations I've had. However, I still honestly try to consider other viewpoints on certain things (not all, because there are some things I AM unapologetically "fundie" about, like that killing innocent people for dubious and/or nefarious reasons is a Bad Thing), and I haven't gone :whup: on anyone yet.

But I feel your pain, sistah, and all I can say is :hug:

Dammit Lauri, I wish I'd said that :yup:

[livius drusus]

I've been a bit worried about your level of intensity to be honest. Only because I'm afraid that at this rate your head will explode if Bush wins.

My thoughts exactly. I worry about your state of mind, luna, at how much of your mental health you have invested in the issues that so angry up your blood.

Not that I don't know how it feels, of course. I was hollering at the TV during the debates because I have this insanely visceral reaction to every syllable Bush that falls from Bush's lips. It's just that as long as I'm not looking at him or hearing him, I'm relatively okay.

So, in summation, I have no solution, no helpful input whatsoever, really, but I care about you and want you to take care of yourself. The whole getting a cool-ass life thing sounds like so the right thing to do. :yup:

[Roland98]

You were a sweetie once? :D


But yeah, I hear ya. I have to grit my teeth sometimes when I'm discussing politics with my relatives or my friends (all very much in the "yay Bush!" camp). I'll be glad when the election is over; then if Bush does win and continues to fuck up our country beyond repair, I can at least blame the ensuing apocalypse on them. :)

[Socratoad]

You were a sweetie once? :D


But yeah, I hear ya. I have to grit my teeth sometimes when I'm discussing politics with my relatives or my friends (all very much in the "yay Bush!" camp). I'll be glad when the election is over; then if Bush does win and continues to fuck up our country beyond repair, I can at least blame the ensuing apocalypse on them. :)

Always look on the bright side of life :yup: Roland just think if the worse thing should happen and that horrendous chimp should actually return to office, then at least as the whole damned kit-and-kaboodle goes to hell in a bandbasket, you will be able to obtain a tiny bit of satisfaction by turning to your relatives and saying, "SEE I TOLD YOU SO. :wave:

PS: Please excuse my posting above as I have just entered the How-many-cliches-one-can-jam-into-one-post contest.

[Lauri D]

Oh hell yes. That is the one tiny shred of consolation I cling to when contemplating the blood-curdling possibility of a Bush win.

[Godless Wonder]

Regarding the "what if Bush wins" line of thought. Part of me worries that if Kerry wins, this Iraq thing is so screwed up that there is probably nobody who can do well with such a situation. Maybe in the long run it would be better to allow Bush four more years to make an even bigger mess, so that he might generate a really healthy, overwhelming and longlived backlash against himself, instead of what we have now which is maybe just a barely (in)adequate backlash, leaving the door open for a neocon resurgence in four years.

Thinking about the Supreme court wiht several new Bush appointees scares the crap out of me though.

[Socratoad]

Regarding the "what if Bush wins" line of thought. Part of me worries that if Kerry wins, this Iraq thing is so screwed up that there is probably nobody who can do well with such a situation. Maybe in the long run it would be better to allow Bush four more years to make an even bigger mess, so that he might generate a really healthy, overwhelming and longlived backlash against himself, instead of what we have now which is maybe just a barely (in)adequate backlash, leaving the door open for a neocon resurgence in four years.

Thinking about the Supreme court wiht several new Bush appointees scares the crap out of me though.

I too have a sinking feeling that for the forseeable future this is going to be a no-win situation. If Kerry wins the neo-cons and fundies are going to ensure that his time in office will appear to be a disaster in so many ways. Then as you mention if Bush wins you will have those damned appointments. As another member posted here a few days ago ..... hell the appointments he makes will be rendering judgement and further fucking up the nation for twenty, thirty and as many as forty years from now. Not a pretty picture.

This whole damnable neo-con/fundie corporathocracy thing is the most frightening phenomenon on the world scene at this time.

[lisarea]

Yeah, you are kind of being a cranky bastich, luna. And frankly, I'd appreciate it if you'd quit moving in on my territory like that.

Seriously, yeah, you're pissier than usual, probably, but look around. Who isn't these days?

I know reasonable people disagree on me with this, but I don't see anything wrong or unhealthy in itself about anger. I consider it vital, even valuable. What does make it unhealthy is when it overwhelms you, when it causes lingering resentments you don't want, when it interferes with your own well-being and enjoyment of life. Right now, there are a lot of things to be angry about, so it's perfectly normal to be angry. Don't make it worse by feeling guilty about being angry.

I think the trick is not to let it bleed over to the point that it makes you miserable. I'm angry a lot, but I'm far from miserable because of it. I think it's knowing when to distance yourself, and adding a healthy dose of apathy. Do something that makes you happy. If something's getting to you to the point that it's making you uncomfortable, walk away. If you must write off people and ideas you find reprehensible or beyond reason, do it. Write them off. If you can't change them, or don't care to, ignore them. Take breaks from the news sometimes. Take breaks from the computer. Take breaks from your house, from your frustrations, and from anything else that adds to the stress.

Don't try not to be angry. Just don't let it make you miserable is all.

[Socratoad]

Toad thinks that there is a palpable amount of anger, anxiety and feelings of disconnectedness out there right now. Which I attribute to this feeling of hanging by the thumbs awaiting the outcome of the american election, and feeling so damned helpless in having any noticeable input.

I may only speak for myself, but I know the present situation if affecting me, even more than I care to admit :(

I've been through a lot during my long life, but by any measurement, this is a biggy.

[Petra]

Fuck ya. You're all cunts. :whup:

I love ya and you're always sweet to me

I love you, too, Brandi. :yup: Thank you.

Not that you aren't sweat and all, you r just not Sweetie.

Apologies to Sweetie. :)

As for me being "sweat" an' all - you wish. :wink:

I pray. I stop and think. I try to remember nice things about the people I'm mad at. I remember that, according to my belief system, the most perfect judge ever looked at that person and thought "this person is worth dying for". If all else fails, go do something else for a while.
Back when I was more of a feel-good hippy living in Byron Bay, I used to meditate for about 30-40 minutes most days. I've tried to meditate recently, but couldn't properly relax. Just been too agitated. I am going to do something else for awhile, though. Cut back on my internet time, for starters, and read more poetry instead of news. Ignorance is bliss. :)

You're not only aware that you're leaning in that direction, but you know it's not the way you want to be. Sounds like you're doing fine to me. I've been a bit worried about your level of intensity to be honest. Only because I'm afraid that at this rate your head will explode if Bush wins. Try to keep things in perspective.

Yeah. My self reflection was kinda sparked by my swearing at the tv when MLK's daughter was preaching her God hates fags spiel on the news and Paul (old friend and flatmate) said, "don't you have any valium, or something - here, have a whiskey", and I wanted to punch him for being so blase. A little later I saw a Foreign Correspondent program about Fox News, and I wanted to smash something and make a noise about it. And then I fucking dreamed Bush/Kerry in my sleep! Gah!

So, yeah, perspective is needed before my head explodes. Change. Gotta get mah groove back. Sweetness and light, fun and laughter - rainbows, dahling, rainbows...

Well, I'm clearly less worked up about the US election than you! Although I haven't found you to be a true fundie in the sense of ranting and becoming aggressive (even if you feel you have) nor in the sense of ignoring or belitting the other points of view (more, of course, than is objectively justified ).

I've got myself way too worked up about it. :whup:

As for "objectively justified" - you're just saying that because I haven't called you a cunt yet. But, give it time.... :wink:

I'm a news junkie, I had to give up something I thought I enjoyed to gain some inner peace..... I've come to the stark realization that I have little influence over how someone else is going to vote, so I've quit worrying about it. I had to, for my sanity.

Ditto. That's where I'm at right now. Trying to light other people's fire only causes burnout.

You, a fundie, lunachick? Impossible. You're one of us, not one of them.

lol. Fundies don't have to be religious, Goliath. I've been a fundie for about a month or so now - a fundie liberal weiner. :D

It's human to respond with anger to injustice, incompetence, etc. but we only wear ourselves out if we respond every time. I think "choose your battles" is a very wise saying. You need to save some energy for yourself and your daughter.

I also think the serenity prayer (I know it's a prayer but please bear with me) is very wise in encouraging us to seek the serenity to accept what we can't change, the courage to change what we can and the wisdom to know the difference. There are so many things in life that we get legitimately angry about, but we can't change.

Anyway, the key, I think, is to be able, when angry - because we will get angry - to choose how and whether to act on our anger.

Thanks, Helen. You don't have to apologise for offering the wisdom of a particular prayer to me. I have read the serenity prayer on many a bathroom door poster and it's a good one. I'm also rather fond of the Lord's prayer, but haven't read that on any bathroom doors anywhere for some reason.

I am very passionate about politics and the state of the world and can become overwhelmed by it all. Honestly, when I was a traveller 10 years ago - everything looked beautiful, and people everywhere were so unique and so neat. Now everything seems so ugly, and so I must stop looking for awhile. Time to think poetry and flowers, not bombs and elections. It won't be easy, but it must be done.

Two years ago, I was a self described RepublicanDon't I know it! Cunt.

Actually, I remember you coming out with a "mea culpa!" at around the time you discovered nuance. Now, we're all peance, freance, baby, and it's a beautiful thing. :D

Tis all too easy to fall into the trap of thought-clouding self-righteousness.

It is indeed. I have fallen into that trap, but through my friends here I'm climbing back out. Thank you. :)

I can certainly identify with how you've been feeling as of late, re: politics-n-stuff. I've been all about the :madrant: and the :rollpin: and the :argue: in a few recent election conversations I've had. However, I still honestly try to consider other viewpoints on certain things (not all, because there are some things I AM unapologetically "fundie" about, like that killing innocent people for dubious and/or nefarious reasons is a Bad Thing), and I haven't gone :whup: on anyone yet.

But I feel your pain, sistah, and all I can say is :hug:

LOL. Oh, those smilies...

:glomp2: backatcha. :D

I worry about your state of mind, luna, at how much of your mental health you have invested in the issues that so angry up your blood.

You and me both. Much of my anger is also frustration at my impotence in affecting real change; especially with regard to the US elections and what is happening in the MidEast.

My blood has been so angry I forgot how to have fun. Time for a change. :yup:

but I care about you and want you to take care of yourself. Thank you, babe. I love you, too. :glomp2:

It'll be a good summer. Y'all are invited. :)

You were a sweetie once?Yeah... :whup:

:wink:

Part of me worries that if Kerry wins, this Iraq thing is so screwed up that there is probably nobody who can do well with such a situation.Me, too. Should he be elected, he'll certainly have his work cut out for him, and I'm sure the neo-cons will do much damage between Nov and Jan just to spite him.

But this is where I must get off before it angries up my blood.

Yeah, you are kind of being a cranky bastich, luna. And frankly, I'd appreciate it if you'd quit moving in on my territory like that.


:giggle: Fuck you.

Seriously, yeah, you're pissier than usual, probably, but look around. Who isn't these days?

True. I know I'm not the only one reaching fever pitch, but I'm concerned about becoming a fundie - which I have been via confirmation bias and that whole holding your hands over your ears while screaming "I can't hear yooo!" all the time. That's fundie.

I agree with you on the anger thing, though. Anger is essential, and the expression of that anger is essential - but it must be balanced, not chronic and all-consuming. Not fundified. :yup:

I'm angry a lot, but I'm far from miserable because of it. I think it's knowing when to distance yourself, and adding a healthy dose of apathy. Do something that makes you happy. If something's getting to you to the point that it's making you uncomfortable, walk away. If you must write off people and ideas you find reprehensible or beyond reason, do it. Write them off. If you can't change them, or don't care to, ignore them. Take breaks from the news sometimes. Take breaks from the computer. Take breaks from your house, from your frustrations, and from anything else that adds to the stress.

Don't try not to be angry. Just don't let it make you miserable is all.

That's good advice, lisarea. Thank you. :glomp2:

Toad thinks that there is a palpable amount of anger, anxiety and feelings of disconnectedness out there right now. Which I attribute to this feeling of hanging by the thumbs awaiting the outcome of the american election, and feeling so damned helpless in having any noticeable input.

I may only speak for myself, but I know the present situation if affecting me, even more than I care to admit

I've been through a lot during my long life, but by any measurement, this is a biggy.

Indeed, Socratoad. And I've come to realise that I must distance myself from it in order to find inner balance and avoid becoming a hardnut fundie.


Thanks for your replies, everyone. I appreciate the pearls of wisdom and I appreciate your friendships. Thank you. :bow:

[seebs]

FWIW, I'm still a self-identified Republican, and I find Bush a loathesome example of how far wrong one can go with ideas I think are basically good.

[Socratoad]

FWIW, I'm still a self-identified Republican, and I find Bush a loathesome example of how far wrong one can go with ideas I think are basically good.

Shhhhhhh seebs, your dreadful secret is safe with me. :yup:

Just kidding :roflmao: