Some of you are going to read this and think I'm a bully. Perhaps I am. Or maybe I am just a normal person who refuses to be offended by everything and anything. Maybe I am a person who thinks that life is too short to waste on ridiculous nonsense.
Last week a homeless man was arrested for giving a "Wet Willy" to a 4-year-old in a waiting room of an office. The guy was obviously in the wrong, but is this really an arrestable offense? So many people are up in arms over what I personally would deem as nonsensical issues. I think that everyone is entitled to their opinion; however just because you have an opinion it does not mean you are correct. Opinions and facts are two very different thing. Let's take a look at a few issues that have been highly debated during the past year. Here are my opinions on these hot button topics.
1. Breastfeeding Vs. Bottle: This topic has been beaten to death on the internet lately. Women are shaming each other for bottle feeding, or breastfeeding past a certain age. Let's do a quick survey. Are you feeding your child? If the answer is yes, it doesn't matter if you shove a boob in their mouth or a plastic nipple. You have done your job. Move on!
2. Bullying: I understand that bullying exists. Last year my son was "pantsed" on the playground. A girl ran up behind him and pulled down his pants in the middle of recess. I wanted to go into the school and yank on her pigtails, but I stepped back and realized that they are 9-year-old kids. Kid are mean, they do stupid things. Running to the school to have her expelled would be ludicrous. He was embarrassed, but was no worse for wear. He knew that what she did was wrong, and she was punished at school for her actions. I didn't need to write an editorial, the cops weren't called, and we moved on to the next school yard issue like a normal family.
3. 50 Shades of Grey: Why are so many people hung up on a smutty novel turned movie? If you don't want to read a book about nipple clamps and butt plugs, put the book back on the shelf. I read it and I can safely say it didn't turn me into a dungeon porn master, or make me want my husband to abuse me. If you are against smut novels and movies rated mature, don't buy the book or purchase a movie ticket.
4. Gay Marriage: This was a biggie! If you are not a fan of gay marriage, I recommend you don't marry someone of the same sex. You can have your opinion on gay marriage, however it is now legal, which is a fact. The gays can now experience marital bliss, or divorce like the rest of us.
5. Gun Control: Owning a gun is a major responsibility. It is also a right as a law abiding U.S. citizen. Why do people get so offended when laws are put in place to attempt to prevent those who shouldn't own guns from obtaining them? With the lack of mental health care provided for people in the United States, and the rise in crime, perhaps we should be offended by school shootings, and be open to a bit more paperwork when trying to purchase a deadly weapon. I know guns don't kill people, but crazy ass people with guns do.
6. The "Death of Traditional American Values": I was recently accused of single-handedly bringing down traditional American values, after I wrote a piece on divorce. What exactly are traditional American values? Should I run over to Walmart to purchase them? If being offended by the wind, and getting my panties so squished up in my ass is having American values, I will pass. We are currently in the year 2015. Women work, everyone has the right to vote and marry, so relax and worry about your opinion of your own values.
7. Target's Toy Aisle: Did you hear that they put the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles next to the Barbie dolls? This is serious! A turtle that was covered in sewer ooze and given ultimate ninja powers will be housed right next to a doll who has the body measurements that no real living breathing woman could ever obtain. What should we do? Burn down every Target for confusing our children? Maybe the Ninja Turtles want to be next to the Barbies. Barbie has a huge rack, and an ass that won't quit. I'd say they are happy to be side by side.
8. Free-Range Parenting: I have news for you, back in 1985 every parent was a free-range parent. My mother had no idea where I was until she screamed out the front door, "You better be here in five minutes, or else." I knew she wasn't kidding, so I would hurry up and get home. About a month ago a woman was arrested and charged with child neglect after her son was left outside of his home for a few hours. He had walked home form school and was playing basketball, causing no trouble, and had access to a water fountain. The mother ended up losing her job and the children were placed in state custody. I was a latch key kid who walked home from the bus stop ever day of my life. If I got locked out, it was my fault. My parents would have been arrested on a daily basis.
If people want to find things to be offended about, try the rise in gun violence, homelessness, mental health issues that are being ignored, domestic violence, Donald Trump running for president, or the disgusting state of race relations in the United States. Take the stick out of your hind parts and take a deep breath. I am positive you will find something to be outraged about tomorrow.
Meredith is a work-from-home mother of three who writes about the inappropriate side of marriage and motherhood on her blog at That's Inappropriate Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.