An Indignant Society

Issue 1, Semester 2

SONJA SANTA MARIA

Are we heading in the right direction as a society?
Are there things we need to revise possibly?
More regulation, more restriction, more caution
But oh, be mindful of those who live off indignation
Progression is always welcomed, please do not be confused
But know that sometimes movements can be misused
Acceptance and tolerance of diversity is the right attitude
But please don’t shove down my throat how I should eat my food
My next line is a controversial question,
One that I am sure will receive condemnation
Is the excessive use of content warnings making us soft?
How will we watch the news or learn things with irked hands aloft?
If it is right to expect our every visual interaction to be cushioned,
Should trypophobes fight to remove that Lincoln Square ‘art installation’?
So while I’m at it, I might as well offer more wild suggestions:
Perhaps political correctness stifles some necessary conversations
‘Radical’ opinions may stay hidden or anonymous until they find alliances
Because fear of being politically incorrect and receiving backlash silences Without presenting all views, how fruitful is debating?
Without such dialogue, where is the possible mutual understanding?
Could beliefs be ‘radical’ purely due to its uniqueness in presence?
Rather than for being so far departed from the normative in essence?
Can you think of a particular example of a ‘radical’ coming into power?
Oh how surprised were we when we realised his support hiding undercover
My point is, are we too quick to cry foul without listening to the other?
Importantly, are we becoming a society more susceptible to being sheltered?
Certainly, there are sensitive instances that need to be handled delicately
But intemperate expectations heighten compensation culture in society
A balanced-approach seems the right step, but where is the equilibrium?
Maybe asking wilder questions and reflecting could be the minimum?
I realise that I pose more questions than answers, yes
But I too am meandering my way through this mess
I found it enlightening to read ‘On Dignation’ by Don Watson
So to you I recommend it and hope enlightening ideas may blossom

— Sonja Santa Maria

Sonja is a Third Year JD Student and one of the De Minimis Podcast Editors 2019.