Fight PC!

I hate 'social obligation.' I usually feel this in smaller social situations For example:

When I haven't seen someone in a while but didn't realize it.

Them: Did you miss me?
Me: Well, no...

Did you see what that was? I was supposed to say 'yes.' Even if it was a lie, I was supposed to say 'yes.'

I experienced a bigger source of social obligation this weekend.While at Christmas Mass, a girl walked to the podium to sing a solo of "O Holy Night." Before she sang a note I knew that the audience was going to applaud. It is the same song every year. Of course there was applause at the end of the song. (A lady behind me applauded prematurely. There must be some reward for initiating social traditions) I didn't applaud. It wasn't bad, but it didn't move me to show my gratitude.

What is applause? Isn't it used to indicate to a performer that they had a performance so moving to the audience that they feel compelled to show their gratitude? A standing ovation should be an even stronger indication of appreciation. However, these actions have cheapened to such an extent that we must applaud everything.

This is probably related to my seasonal fight against political correctness. I will wish whomever I want a 'Merry Christmas.' If someone wished me a 'Happy Hannakuh' I wouldn't be offended. I'd say 'Thank you.' The fact is it is Hannakuh and it is Christmas and sometimes it is Ramadan (Let's face it is never Kwanzaa.) If someone wished me a Shalom on Yom Kippur I'd say "Thank you. You too." Just because I'm not Jewish doesn't mean it isn't Hannakuh right now.

I'm not existential.

Okay that's it for now.