Rumors are a product of what I call "social scrutiny." The Trial of Social Scrutiny should be added to Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Because it's not always easy to survive. And it's definitely an inevitable factor in the human equation. Rumors are so toxic, they can absolutely ruin reputations, and that's not all....
As a teen, rumors are one of the easiest forms of bullying. It's not fun to be the subject of a rumor, but it's survivable. Though that's not always the case. Middle school and high school rumors have been at the root of a number of teen suicides in recent years. It may seem like an extreme reaction, until you've been victimized by a rumor.
As an adult, the rumor mill can cause people irreparable hardship, like losing the ability to earn. Reputations are like glass--once broken, it can never be the same again. People will always look at you with suspicion. There will be a permanent question mark associated with your name, and any work you do. It's almost impossible to come back from. And that's just on a professional level. Imagine the devastation a rumor can have on someone's personal life.
When someone is the subject of a rumor, that person relies on close friends and family to not believe the spreading disease of lies, but instead, stand firm in their belief of the victimized individual. Especially when it comes to #LOVE.
But sometimes, we still find ourselves alone in a crowded room after a rumor. So why do rumors get started in the first place? Besides boredom, and of course, the desire among 67% of the population to spread misery???
Let's talk about sex, baby. No, really. When you're a woman who likes it, wants it, and is unapologetic about it, the Trial of Social Scrutiny can begin at any time. Social media doesn't help there. If you post something--anything--that has even one of Maxim's "100 Words That Imply Sex", you're either looked at as a predator, or worse, prey. What are these horrible words? One of them is "necessary." Apparently, it's another term for vagina. Even national monuments are no longer sacred. "Eiffel Tower" is a sexual reference to a two males-one female threesome. God forbid you make the same mistake I did a few months ago and post a pic of the Eiffel Tower on your Facebook timeline! Oh, I feel so dirty.... ;)
But it's not just gal-pals that have to sweat out the rumor-mill. Guys can get a hearty helping as well. Although, it's never as bad. Simply because there are no nasty words to describe males with a keener interest in sex. It's actually a compliment if you are! You're not a slut or a whore; you're a pimp, or better yet, a player-pimp (especially if you walk with a limp).
Bottom line: Rumors are unnecessary, divisive, destructive propaganda meant to cause harm. By entertaining gossip, you become a party to the pain caused by promoting a particular rumor. And though people in your circle may forgive and forget, Karma won't.
As a teen, rumors are one of the easiest forms of bullying. It's not fun to be the subject of a rumor, but it's survivable. Though that's not always the case. Middle school and high school rumors have been at the root of a number of teen suicides in recent years. It may seem like an extreme reaction, until you've been victimized by a rumor.
As an adult, the rumor mill can cause people irreparable hardship, like losing the ability to earn. Reputations are like glass--once broken, it can never be the same again. People will always look at you with suspicion. There will be a permanent question mark associated with your name, and any work you do. It's almost impossible to come back from. And that's just on a professional level. Imagine the devastation a rumor can have on someone's personal life.
When someone is the subject of a rumor, that person relies on close friends and family to not believe the spreading disease of lies, but instead, stand firm in their belief of the victimized individual. Especially when it comes to #LOVE.
But sometimes, we still find ourselves alone in a crowded room after a rumor. So why do rumors get started in the first place? Besides boredom, and of course, the desire among 67% of the population to spread misery???
Let's talk about sex, baby. No, really. When you're a woman who likes it, wants it, and is unapologetic about it, the Trial of Social Scrutiny can begin at any time. Social media doesn't help there. If you post something--anything--that has even one of Maxim's "100 Words That Imply Sex", you're either looked at as a predator, or worse, prey. What are these horrible words? One of them is "necessary." Apparently, it's another term for vagina. Even national monuments are no longer sacred. "Eiffel Tower" is a sexual reference to a two males-one female threesome. God forbid you make the same mistake I did a few months ago and post a pic of the Eiffel Tower on your Facebook timeline! Oh, I feel so dirty.... ;)
But it's not just gal-pals that have to sweat out the rumor-mill. Guys can get a hearty helping as well. Although, it's never as bad. Simply because there are no nasty words to describe males with a keener interest in sex. It's actually a compliment if you are! You're not a slut or a whore; you're a pimp, or better yet, a player-pimp (especially if you walk with a limp).
Bottom line: Rumors are unnecessary, divisive, destructive propaganda meant to cause harm. By entertaining gossip, you become a party to the pain caused by promoting a particular rumor. And though people in your circle may forgive and forget, Karma won't.
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