I got a hate mail post the other day, but unlike I most of the hate mail posts we get here at MySoCalledUndeath.com, this one actually made me think.
Basically, the poster's point was that we should think about what kind of world and culture we leave for future generations. Unfortunately, the poster (anonymous, of course)could not seem to make his or her point without cursing, and he/she went on to say that I am polluting the minds of children by writing about zombie-based concerns. I supposes s/he feels that I am also polluting the planet just by walking around, so what can you do. If it wasn't for the language (well, and the re-death threat)I would have liked to publish the post because I think it would have made for an interesting discussion.
But even a a dark cloud can produce a flash of light. What kind of world and culture are we leaving for future generations? Or creating for ourselves, for that matter.
Faith, my Mom, has a tendency to divide the people of the world in two basic camps: Givers and Takers. She doesn't think it matters what race, gender, nationality, preference, or age you are, whether you are the president of a major world power or a walking mushroom, you are either a giver or a taker. Givers, she'll explain (but you have to ask) are defined as people who "leave things better than how they found them", and takers "subtract--they ruin things for everyone."
It's easy to be a taker. Being a giver is much harder, because quite often in "giving", you might inadvertently "take away" from someone else. Not to beat my own drum, but I thought I was being a "giver" when I went out for the football team. Certain people--teammates, coaches, and people in the community--obviously felt that I was "taking".
It's something to think about.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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36 comments:
I think that you are right. We need to think about all out actions in order to make this world a better place since we all have to live together whether we like it or not.
u have a gr8 point! I think that people need to think harder about their actions. so before you organize a protest or something, you need to think, "could any one get hurt?". you made a good choice when u quit the football team when you said that you had "planted a seed by joining, but didn't want to water it with the blood of the living." you should also know that lots of ppl are always here 4 u, most of the ppl who post comments here, 4 example. keep posting entries like this!
I agree. We shouldn't come into this world and think that we can do whatever we please, whenever we feel like it. We shouldn't be able leave this world a mess. It's sad how many people do. But, unlike the poster with bad language, I don't believe that this website is corrupting children's mind for two reasons. A) Because people can choose what they want to look at on the Internet, and B) Because this is a Young Adult book, so we aren't exactly children.
~~~GMOI~~~
i think its pretty much impossible to be a giver without taking from something, think about it if your giving to mankind you could be taking from the earth and if your giving to the earth chances are your taking from mankind.but even if your doing your absolute best to be a giver there are always going to be people that just want to take. the person who left that post should not be worrying about a person who is doing his best to give to the world(tommy) and start thinking about whether he or she is a giver or a taker. people should think about theyr actions and decide if they will ultimately help or hurt people in the long run.
Jeez, it seems hard to be a giver. This is really something to think about. Sometimes people I guess never think things through, like they really should. Given that, our our world is a complete mess. This is no defilement. I do wonder why that anonymous person really said that. It gets me thinking hard. I'm not sure why they had to curse and all, I'm sure that wouldn't help get a point across. But we all know what we've gotten ourselves into. At least I am trying to clean up my own messes. But hey, everyone does have different opinions. And I'm usually not one to judge quickly.
*sigh* This is a really interesting discussion.
}Shelby{
oh tommy, thats horrible about the anonymous post. so far, besides the white vans, the re-death threats have been just threats, but i dont think they are something to take lightly. i see what faith means about the givers and takers. honestly, i think you were a giver. joining the football team and then quiting it seemed like a good idea to me. this entrie totally inspired me to try and be more "giving". i look forward to your next post!
When you went out for the football team you were definitely being a giver; it was all of the people who doubted you that were the takers.
-Phoebe <3
I don't think of people specifically as "givers" or "takers." I think it depends on the situation. It all depends on the choices you make in life. If you choose to do something bad for others that is a "taker" choice, but you can always try to fix your mistakes. Even if unsuccessful.
your right...it is something to think about, but i think your right
Hey Tommy.
I don't think at all that you were a 'taker' when trying for the football team. In my eyes, i see it as you were showing that zombies can still do human things, and that you're not just flesh eating weirdos[no offense] like in the movies. it was also good when you quit.when you said that you had 'planted a seed by joining, but didn't want to water it with the blood of the living.'you showed the point of joining wasn't to let people/zombies get hurt.
It is true, that people's actions should be given thought before done, to make the world a better place. but, i don't think that you have to be a giver OR a taker. Everyone has given and taken, in ways.
maybe your posts on here, might look rude to some people, but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts. if no one is being hurt, then you can't be being a taker. and it's people's own will to come here and read what you write and post.
everything i have just said probably doesn't make sense, but i did try. like i've said before, you know what you're doing tommy.
:)
The ideas of giving and taking are rash, really. People that give sometimes take and people that take sometimes give. It's a part of human nature to want more, more, more. I think that's the point you're trying to get across, and this is indeed true. But the idea of one person of unconditionally giving in this day and age is impossible, really.
You did give when you went out for the football team, but at the same time it was for your own reasons. Just for the fact and matters of pride and ability to do it. Every action gives and takes, no matter how big or small. If you give a sandwich to a bum, it makes you feel selfless. But, you thrive on that feeling to get you by so you don't feel numb with your ordinary life. Makes sense?
No matter what the action is, it has negative and positive consequences. No matter how big or small.
walking mushroom?
That's an interesting point, but sometimes I wonder if life can be divided so easily. I just like that way of dividing it; I've never thought like that before.
hay mr.T
i was wondering the furture genoration.
would we have one if it was all 'BD' or Living impared. or zombies could we ven have a furture genoration because can zombies bare a child let alone make one? in that case would it be a zombie at birth a blood bag.
love a blood bag friend,
:)
O my gosh. How can people say that about you, Tommy? You are a wonderful person; you're better than some of the low life trads who think they rule the world. No one has a right to treat you that way!! Your mom is right; we should all be givers!! And, I think that by supporting zombies, and not discriminating against them, we are leaving an awesome path for future generations to follow. We are teaching them that no matter what race, gender, or whatever, we are all people. We are ALL people. The people who dissagree with me and my fellow zombie supporters need to back off because we are totally taking over. Tommy, you keep going. As long as you're standing, I am right beside you!!
xoxox
Jacy
You were definately a giver when you went out for the football team, Tommy. Pete and all the others were the takers. You keep going. Like I said, as long as you're fighting, as long as you're standing, I'm right there with you, Tommy.
~Jacy
i agree that being a giver is hard and when you do give you sometimes take too.tommy i think you were being a total giver when you tryed out for the football team :)
Of course you were being a giver tommy! people need to start thinking about what they would want if they died...
I think it depends on who is looking as to whether you are a giver or a taker. Is there a universal definition? I don't think so. Like good and evil. You're considered an abomination to some, aren't you? And yet you're just a kid trying to (un)survive.
Guess it sucks when your living girlfriend discovers you mostly only want to be with her to up the public perception of you and your wormy companions. Was that giving? Were you giving to the rest of the zombies, or taking from her? Maybe a bit of both. Is one life worth less than ten. Who's to say?
As it stands, this blood-bag isn't against a spot of PDA -- how's about it? ;)
You and your mom are pretty darn smart. Excellent post!
Hugs,
Fran
I think you and your mom are definetly right. We as teenagers tend to take, not considering what's going to happen. We take things for granted and never give. And unlike the bad-language-poster, I don't think you are polluting children's minds. I actually think you are helping them.
-Zombie Lover
Tommy, I think that you are a giver. Just because some people don't think what you did was a good thing, doesn't mean they are right! You did something that you believed you could do, and that's all that matters! You and other zombies have a right to stick up for what you are, and what you believe in. I don't know wht that person left you hate mail, though. If they didn't like you, why did they bother going to your site just to tell you that? Hopefully, they will stop, and just move on with their life. If you find out who it is, tell us! We could probably track him/her down and go beat them up! Jk, we wouldn't do that...well..I wouldn't. Ok, well that was a really long comment, so i'm gonna stop before it gets even longer!
-Paris
ugh! i cant escape the life lessons anywhere! givers and takers, blah blah blah. everyone is one or the other sometime in their life, unless they are like me and neither takes nor gives. i just hate ppl! theyre mean, petty, selfish, jealous monsters. i can tolerate zombies though.
I agree with your mom. Actually, my mother also says that to me. Everyday she tells me this. So, I understand where your coming from.
Thank you all for being so giving in your posts. I've still got this topic on my mind.
T.
Tommy,
i know that you are a great person and whatever choice you make i know will be the best one for you and your Zombie friends. i have all the faith in the world in you and whatever choice you make.
your a smart Zombie and we all know that all the hard work your putting into this is all going to pay off when things go great!
i believe in you and i know that there are many other people out there that agree with me 100%
you blood bag friend (or so i hope :p),
christine
hi peoples. look at my blog! it is realy cool
Thanks, Christine. that helps. It really does.
T.
gladd to be of assistance .
my lifes been spinning out of turmoil lately so im glad i made someone feel better :]]]]
i think that everyone has a right to live in this so called fair world and that people who don't like it should take a good look at the life they are living and see what went wrong that made them hate change. i believe that everyone has a right to free opinion as long as it is within reason.... also i think that it would be wrong to not have a blog such as this one and that u are being a great help to future generations and the learning of tolerance... u don't have to agree but do u need to be so hateful?
Wow, never thought of it that way. But I believe you are much more of a giver than a taker.
hi Everone. I get wat u were saying tommy. And if u or any of ur friends {living or dead} need to talk iam here!! :] Well bye!!
i want a dinosaur. . .
y did pheobe sign her name with a '<3'? no flirtations! ;D
Tommy, I betting its a trad that said such things. They have the right to their own oppinons but really, threatining to kill someone (even if it is for the second time around. :) ) is just profe that they are wacked out of their gourds. Yeah, they can disapree all they want to, but it doesn't matter. Now, I'm not saying their worong but their way of stating their oppinion is wrong. Sorry but it is. We love what you're doing all love how you're working towards the good of all zombie kind, I'm trad and I'm on your side. And trust me the trads have been polluting the earth way longer then zombie teenagers.
-KayKat
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