“There's only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”
- Oscar Wilde.
“There's no such thing as bad publicity,” according to P.T. Barnum. We inhabit a world where the end justifies the means and any means of getting attention is acceptable as long as the message gets across.
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But does it matter how the message gets delivered?
Does infringing on the rights of others through damaging property, or occasioning public disturbances that make it difficult or impossible for others to go about their business acceptable? Would it be right to use indecent or disgusting acts as a means of attention-seeking?
There is a very comprehensive, longform article in the New York Times about how disgust explains everything.
"Disgust shapes our behavior, our technology, our relationships. It is the reason we wear deodorant, use the bathroom in private and wield forks instead of eating with our bare hands."
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In the 'Generous Orthodoxy' episode of Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell outlines the concept of having respect for the body one is trying to heal. This makes it necessary to maintain decorum and dignity even when aggrieved. And the need to stay in line with properly laid-down procedures in registering one's displeasure.
In a society where unbridled expression in the name of free speech is allowed, there will be little to no regard to the rights of others. We need to live and let live.
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Let us all strive to become better people. That way, the world becomes a better place for you and me. Both now and always.
