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bookofmirrors(OK, it's an incorrect use of the term, but you get the idea.)
One of the things my father can't understand about all the stuff I posted about here, here, and here is less why I do the things I do, or even write the things I write, but why I make it PUBLIC.
I have my own ideas about this, of course, some of which I've said here before, but I'm going to repeat myself, and maybe say something new.
First of all, this is an act of courage for me. I have a lot of flaws, and I'd like to think I'm putting them out there for the world to see, and perhaps to learn from.
In the same vein as this, it keeps me honest. If I mis-speak, or say something I don't mean, or change my mind about something, there's a clear and vivid reminder of having done so. Face it, there are times when, through no dishonest or malicious intent of my own, that I simply forget something. Sometimes I change my mind so completely, or usually, so subtly, that I forget that I ever felt differently about something. This provides a record of it, for myself, and anyone who cares to call me on it.
Second, there is a sense of arrogance about it. For the most part, I like the way I think. I'd like others to think similarly. I know this contradicts my oft-stated ideal that each of us follow our own path, but I think each of us has a sense that the world would be a better place if everyone would just agree with us. I hope that my LJ sways others. (Cue evil world-domination laughter.)
Third, in the opposite vein. I hope it makes people THINK. Even if it's to disagree with me. Even if it's to tell me how fucked up I am. Doing so gets at least 2 people thinking, ideally. We have a better idea of our own beliefs and values if they're challenged. I hope that something, somewhere, that I say, inspires someone. I know I've been inspired countless times by other people's LJ.
And the last point (that I can think of right now) has been beautifully illustrated with Katrina. There are so many people out there, giving genuine information, personal thoughts, suggesting and spearheading ways to help. The beauty of people, of community, has really shown through.
And I'm proud to be a part of that.
One of the things my father can't understand about all the stuff I posted about here, here, and here is less why I do the things I do, or even write the things I write, but why I make it PUBLIC.
I have my own ideas about this, of course, some of which I've said here before, but I'm going to repeat myself, and maybe say something new.
First of all, this is an act of courage for me. I have a lot of flaws, and I'd like to think I'm putting them out there for the world to see, and perhaps to learn from.
In the same vein as this, it keeps me honest. If I mis-speak, or say something I don't mean, or change my mind about something, there's a clear and vivid reminder of having done so. Face it, there are times when, through no dishonest or malicious intent of my own, that I simply forget something. Sometimes I change my mind so completely, or usually, so subtly, that I forget that I ever felt differently about something. This provides a record of it, for myself, and anyone who cares to call me on it.
Second, there is a sense of arrogance about it. For the most part, I like the way I think. I'd like others to think similarly. I know this contradicts my oft-stated ideal that each of us follow our own path, but I think each of us has a sense that the world would be a better place if everyone would just agree with us. I hope that my LJ sways others. (Cue evil world-domination laughter.)
Third, in the opposite vein. I hope it makes people THINK. Even if it's to disagree with me. Even if it's to tell me how fucked up I am. Doing so gets at least 2 people thinking, ideally. We have a better idea of our own beliefs and values if they're challenged. I hope that something, somewhere, that I say, inspires someone. I know I've been inspired countless times by other people's LJ.
And the last point (that I can think of right now) has been beautifully illustrated with Katrina. There are so many people out there, giving genuine information, personal thoughts, suggesting and spearheading ways to help. The beauty of people, of community, has really shown through.
And I'm proud to be a part of that.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-09-05 08:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-06 02:30 am (UTC):)
frog
Date: 2005-09-06 02:55 am (UTC)