What code?

No matter how much the customs and traditions might change, there is that one integral part of western society that will continue to be present. Drama in its many shapes and forms has some hold on our lives, whether we realize it or not. We have the typical high school drama for example: broken hearts, backstabs and the occasional dirty secret.

What is it that drives drama? It’s a strange but ever present addiction for the immature at heart, that feeling that skims the line of satisfaction but crosses the one that stands for decency. There is pleasure found in wreaking havoc, giving a sense of control and empowerment.

            It is something that we ultimately grow out of, one would hope, the littlest of lies and rumors soon become a wildfire that can become impossible to put out. The thing is that the assailants don’t realize that what they do is not only affecting one person but affects a community, it brings out the worst of our natures and as the saying goes: one step forward, two steps back.

            Even the simplest and most of elementary of things, has been made a big deal out of, we have the “Bro Code”, a series of rules and regulations that guys are recommended to follow on. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the codes themselves, most of them are witty and are common sense, but that’s the thing: it’s supposed to be common sense. These are things that should click in our head when get into a situation, not to rag on the “Bro codes” or “tips”, because I know it’s all for good fun.

The problem with these codes and ones that are alike, is that there is no real “justice” for breaking them, they’re there to stand as a guide, but they can be just as easily broken. When it comes to girls, I wonder are there rules as well? Both sexes can be harsh amongst each other, but speaking from a guy’s perspective, girls have it worse. From an outsider looking in (and feel free to correct me), girls are more susceptible to backstabbing and rumors and become subject to a wide range of emotional abuse. Perhaps there is a girl code, but again emotions and nonchalant attitude render these “rules” useless. Among girls, it seems more common for best friends one day to suddenly be mortal enemies the next.

The reason why I bring up such a serious topic and am a bit riled up is that I know the hurt and issues that this kind of drama can bring. I’ve had my share of problems and had to repair issues that I’ve been a part of. And in that I see that physical abuse at some point cannot rival the damage done through a beat down of words. This also comes with MLK day, may you R.I.P., and a video posted up recently about the brutal beating of a high school boy by 7 of his peers. This comes with issues that I see in high schools or learning institutions in general, with students feeling the need to become a lead in what becomes a vicious circle.

             What gives any of us the right to control others, to take advantage or consider ourselves victors over another like they’re some sort of piece of land.  Where does our conscience come into effect, or does it not at all? There is an attitude prevalent among kids and even adults in the world, that “I don’t care who gets in my way” kind of mentality.  We don’t realize or care about the influence that we have, that we can have an impact on the people around us but choose to use it in a way that people that we love would probably not be proud to take part in. It’s time to grow up, put big boy or big girl pants on, and walk a mile.

             This is an interesting way to break in my first blog post, but I thought I would start with something a bit more serious since I do try to keep things light in the other forms of social media. (Check me out on youtube) Let me know what you think: Any questions? What codes do you follow? What advice do you have to people in trouble?

Boom.

AJ