When I have exhausted every avenue to let a person know I don’t agree with something; when I have questioned, debated, argued, shouted and stomped and screamed and I still don’t get a result, I have to learn to leave it alone.
If I leave it alone, I will be nicer; sleep sounder; live longer. I will just BE better.
However, there is a part of me that hates, downright detests letting something go when I know it can be better. I believe Dave Chappelle said it best in one of his hilarious episodes of “The Chappelle Show.”
I’m what you call a “genetic dissenter.” In effect, I tend to greatly disagree with established patterns and ways of doing things – especially when I’ve developed a better method.
It is part of my DNA to be this way. I think I don’t think I get it from either parent. Perhaps this characteristic skipped a generation. Perhaps I’m adopted. Perhaps I just like being a difficult. Either way, if “the man” says “up,” I say “down.” They say “right.” I say “left.”
I’m not making apologies for this part of me. I’m actually happy I have it. I thrive in being contrary as messed up as it might sound to others.
I guess to know me is to love me. To try and force me to do things your way, well that’s just not a good idea.
I sometimes think because I am black I might be more predisposed to this particular trait, but my loving mother quickly squashed this notion and said, “Baby, you just want to do what you want to do.”
It’s true. I do. So I will continue to question and argue. Maybe less shouting and screaming and I might get a better result.
