Two Sides of Gossiping

Gossip runs rampant everywhere, despite hearing that we should not do it .  The best I can do is to try to keep it in perspective.  Sometimes gossip is a good thing.  I've no doubt been kept from being a victim of people with sinister intentions because of the gossip I would hear about them.  Conversely, sometimes a negative impression I have about someone changes to me having a better opinion of him/her based on comments other people have made that allow me to see the person in a different light.  And numerous times when trying to get a gift for someone, it has been revealed through gossip what types of things a person likes and appreciates.  Very helpful!

On my side, if I have something to contribute to a conversation about someone, I try (albeit not always successfully) to remember to question my own intention for doing so because I am the one who will have to live with the consequences of my words.  Secondly, I need to ask myself if I am stating facts or am I just "spinning" unfounded speculation?  Especially during the holiday season, when so many emotions tend to surface and anxieties increase, it is worthwhile to take a few minutes to justly filter what we hear and say before we digest it.  And then continue that practice throughout the year.  Happy holidays!

Copyright © November 2017 by Maeke Ermarth

               Ocean City, MD

A Time and Place

On sports fields, team members, while paying respect to the flag, are simultaneously paying respect to their team mates and fans and making the statement that, despite differences, no one nor thing is going to divide their team. They stand “united.” EVERYONE at the event respecting the flag and national anthem are standing “united” in, at the very least, being grateful for a time and place for such activities to take place with the freedoms granted the players for which team they play on and the freedom fans have in cheering for their team of choice.

We've gotten so caught up over "rights" over the years that, in a way, we're getting what we've been asking for. After all, can you really blame a generation (or more) of people who have grown up being taught they have the right to do pretty much whatever they want, whenever they want? Instead of denying oneself the enjoyment of the games, energy should be put toward teaching people that acting offensively (albeit legally) in an inappropriate place for a message they are trying to send about their personal beliefs is not acceptable. At this time, I would welcome an apology from the kneeling players who can understand that they can express their political and personal preferences at other venues. For those players who remain unapologetic – well, I feel they are not really “united” with their teams and therefore should not be allowed to remain on them.

Sports have been the saving grace for many people, even since childhood -- including my own daughter. So I want sports to continue to be supported, but what should not be tolerated are the activities like we have witnessed lately that cause discourse on the fields. In such a setting, certain standards need to be exercised and revered, without exception.