Live and Let Live

This is my new creed.

Is it just me, or do people on social media seem more comfortable spewing their unsolicited opinions all over the place? And when the hell did everything get so political? I could post a picture of Snoopy, and some asshat will comment, “Due to inflation, Snoopy can’t get his rootbeer. Thanks, Biden! Trump 2024!” Or some other political nonsense.

I imagine this is what it must be like inside their brains:

I don’t post as much on social media as I used to. I primarily share pictures, blog posts, and the odd meme now and then on the rare occasions when I mindlessly scroll.

I digress. I remember when I announced that I was going back to school after I lost my job. Most of the messages I received were supportive and congratulatory. However, I received quite a few berating messages. I was told I was wasting my time and money by pursuing higher education and that the degree is only a piece of paper and it won’t guarantee me more money, blah blah blah. I would respond, “Who hurt you?”

What bugs me the most is what business is it of theirs? Since when has what I decide to do with my life had any bearing on Joe Blow from high school that I only speak to when I run into him at the grocery store?

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I have seen many rude and hateful comments regarding the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey portraying the role of Ariel. Many of these comments are about her skin color and how that somehow ruins the animated version we grew up with and love so much.

First of all…

Haha! First of all, how does the color of her skin change the story we all love so much? It doesn’t. One doesn’t have to like the live-action version if they don’t want to. That’s one’s right, and the animated version is there for their enjoyment. What nobody has the right to do is criticize someone for the color of their skin.

Secondly, have you seen the trailer? Halle can sing! From what I can see, it looks like they are doing the animated version justice, and I love the music and look forward to hearing it and singing along whenever I watch the movie.

Every little girl deserves a Disney princess she can relate to. For me, that was Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for her, so much so that I styled my hair like hers on my wedding day.

Does changing a Disney character’s appearance have any bearing on anyone’s life? I’m somewhat envious of these people. I mean, I wish my life were so calm that I could get so emotionally invested in a piece of fiction. I mean, y’all are aware mermaids are mythical, right?

If you are unaware of Hans Christian Andersen’s Grim Fairy Tales, I’m about to ruin your precious childhood Disney version. (Sorry, not sorry).

Andersen’s version is the O.G. It was published in 1837 and is far from the sweetened child-friendly Disney version. In Andersen’s version, the nameless mermaid allows the sea witch to cut out her tongue in exchange for her legs. The sea witch gets to keep the mermaid’s pretty voice in return.

The mermaid is sent to land with her new legs, but it is excruciating to walk, and the Prince sees her as helpless. Basically, the moral of that story is that the seaweed is always greener in somebody else’s lake. It does not end with a happily ever after.

Perhaps Sebastian knew what he was talking about when he sang, “Everything’s better down where it’s wetter. Take it from me.”

Tell me, would you prefer that version?

My dark, it’s-always-Halloween-in-my-soul spirit is all for it!! Is that weird to you? Well, I am weird, and to that, I say, Live and let live!

If all you have to offer is your unsolicited opinion that doesn’t provide value, context, encouragement, or support to the topic, then kindly don’t say anything. It really is that simple!

I am all for the right of one to speak one’s mind, but not at the expense of others. Why belittle someone for going back to school? Why criticize people for the random little things they enjoy? Why berate companies for becoming more inclusive?

What’s with all the hate?

Before you go shouting, “Now, Kristian, we can’t just let EVERYBODY live and let live,” I am well aware that there are exceptions. Obviously, if someone is harming themselves or others, we shouldn’t just stand idly by and “live and let live.”

When it comes to things like changing character traits in movies, or someone who carries an Elviraesque auro about her all year long who wants nothing more than to spread love, bake cookies, and binge watch murder documentaries…

Love & life lessons,

Kristian

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