Today's Trend: Public Accusations

It seems like a pattern has formed lately where so many people, mostly men and often high-profile figures, have been accused of something, usually sexual harassment of some sort. This has now become an international phenomenon rather than something that has only happened in Hollywood. But whenever I hear about these instances, there are some things that I find myself asking:

One, is that REALLY true?

Two, is it REALLY necessary for this situation to be publicly spoken about(AKA: media coverage)?

Three, is it REALLY necessary for the public to jump to their own conclusion, based only on media coverage, about the people involved in the situation without really having been there to witness it firsthand, or to experience it themselves?

Of course, sometimes it IS true, and there are also instances where the public deserves access to such information. But there are times when I hear about some high-profile person being accused of something, and I can't help but think, "something's not adding up".

One actor was accused of drug use a while back, and he ended up being forced to retire from the entertainment industry. The accusation was never confirmed to be true.

One politician was accused of sexual harassment and was forced to resign. He wholeheartedly denied the accusation, saying that he would fight it in court. The accuser wouldn't even come forth to confirm and support her own accusation even in a fully private and safe setting, away from unwanted eye.

There was a news flash that one musician, in a drunken stupor, kissed a minor. The matter was already settled outside the court even before the media coverage. Everyone started bashing him anyway, and he probably will never be permitted to work as an entertainer again.

Something is not adding up. And yet, the public would simply accept what they hear to be true. There is something about cases like these that make me wonder just how much of what we're hearing is accurate. I even find myself asking, "what if these people had been set up?" Of course, the public doesn't find a thought like that nearly as entertaining as the idea of a popular celebrity going down in an ugly mess of a scandal. Trust me when I say that this type of mentality that a lot of people seem to possess disgusts the fuck out of me. This is why I'm not a fan of media, and I'm sad to say this, but most people as well. There's always a part of me that doubts their sensibility and compassion unless I know them well enough to genuinely be able to say that they are good people.

The act of accusing, if done properly, is the right thing to do. It is a brave thing to do. But if it's abused, and/or done in the wrong way, it has enough power to completely destroy someone's life, along with the lives of those close to them. In the recent years, "public shaming" has become such a popular practice on the Internet. Someone would post on social media that they (thought they) witnessed some inappropriate behaviour, and would thus encourage everyone to "like, share, spread the word, and subscribe! #metoo" But if we're not part of the law enforcement, we're not the police. We can't assume this kind of power without really, REALLY knowing how dangerous that power is the very moment we use it incorrectly.

Sadly, we live in a world today where most people just don't give a shit. They prefer the "blue pill", so to speak, and continue to seek entertainment in reality shows, social media, fads, and in another's misfortune.

The scenery is depressing from the outside.