How do you stay happy when things in the world are so terrible?

Yeah, I know. I’m trying to behave, see. I can’t get banned from here, it’s my only social outlet.

Not to derail this any further but:
That’s actually not racist as per the following definition
prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.



• the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.

White people, as a whole, are not marginalized in any way. Repurposing the ethnicity or skin color of a comic book character to be more inclusive, isn’t racist.

We have a lot in common!

We could say you two are marginalized

That's the definition made up by the side that says no one can be racist except for the majority.

This definition is a one-sided obfuscation (an aspect of biased racism itself) which makes all members of all minority groups exempt from racist thoughts no matter how they act since, by definition; they can't ever be "racist" despite the most blatant of racist attitudes & actions.

It's a silly definition that ignores reality & compresses the scales of balance on the side of the obviously false and the illogical.

It's incorrect to say only one group can hate based on race (thus making those with racist attitudes "racist"), but other groups can hate as much as they want solely because of race, yet never be guilty of being racist.

Doesn't this definition itself demonstrate judging groups as wholes (another definition of racism) and classifying one as being capable of racism, while saying all others are innocent of such hateful thoughts because it's somehow impossible for them to be racist?

Some of us believe racism (like any other attitude of negativity, hatred, prejudice, bias, or avarice toward others) is "equal opportunity" = anyone can be racist against anyone else depending on how they think, what they say and how they act.

To say otherwise is to completely deny human nature (and is racist itself as it pigeon-holes all people into groups that must presumably think a certain way along racial lines).

Hey Everybody! Ixnay on the acismray alktay! Lets' not all get banned tonight.

Why, it's not necessarily "political" - it's a "social" issue.

Anyway... back to comic book talk.

Oops - I mean... the secret to happiness in the face of a troubled world (which is usually engaging in comic book talk).

I was out grocery shopping today and I was thinking about my earlier post where I quoted Captain Steel and said 'I'm usually happy.' When I say I'm 'happy', that doesn't mean I'm on cloud nine or anything like that. I mean, I'm mostly content. I don't worry too much, but I still do of course. I don't get too bummed out but yeah on occasion I do. I do know I use to have TV and was a news junkie and it really put the burden of the world's problems on my mind. When I got married we didn't have TV service and still don't and I've been happier. I don't miss being exposed to the negativity the news can bring.

Attacking the definition doesn’t support your argument that switching the ethnicity of a character is, in and of itself, racist. No where does it say any of which you’re claiming, in fact.

While I was grocery shopping, I seen a special issue of Mad magazine where they spoofed the classic movies. See how that ties into MoFo! On the cover was the Jaws shark about to eat the Mad kid. I looked at the magazine and said to my wife as we stood in line. 'Who would read that now adays? I could see a kid in the 1960s liking it but who would buy that magazine now?" So that brings me to ask you, are you now or have ever been a reader of Mad magazine

Over the past couple of years, there's been so much going on that it's been hard to stay happy. Some days have been so bad that I've been on the verge of a breakdown, but I managed to push on because there are people in my life who are depending on me to be there for them. So I just keep busy doing everything I can to help them.

But when I'm alone, and I'm on the edge, I like to sit in a dark room, close my eyes, and just listen to music to relax. Sometimes, I play simple puzzle games on my phone to help my mind focus. And I'll occasionally spend time looking at pictures on Pinterest to find things to smile about. (Adorable bunny pictures can almost always make me smile. )

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If I answer a game thread correctly, just skip my turn and continue with the game.
OPEN FLOOR.

You are correct from a debate standpoint. To support my claim would require much further delving (which I've done on other threads at length and to the almost audible groans of fellow members). So, on this I will give you the last word (since consensus holds that continuing on this particular subject will only jeopardize this thread).

No hard feelings either, but yeah, best to stop here before it gets closed.

I used to read Mad magazine when I was a kid, but I didn't even know that it was still around. I would still read it as long as the issue spoofed stuff that I like, but I'm sure that the price has gone up so much over the years that I would probably just read it on the checkout line, rather than paying some ridiculous price for a magazine.

Yep - I was a Mad connoisseur! I didn't buy it regularly, but maybe a few times a year. I remember in grade school the magazines were coveted and even traded about between students. One huge attraction was the fold-in back cover - which store owners wouldn't let you fold unless you bought the magazine first!

Mad was unique in that it was relatively "clean" (suitable for grade-school age kids) yet had an adult-level of biting satire.

Look who's back!
How are you doing, gbg?
We've missed you.

I've had a rough year or two, but all things considered, I'm doing okay.
I'm glad to be back. I've missed you too.

In your previous post about not watching the news, it sounded like you largely answered the question as to your own happiness. It's great advice. (And if people can't or don't choose to cut it out completely, at least they can lessen it or balance out the time with other input.)

Happiness is also largely circumstantial - I don't know all the details of your life, Rules, but from what I've gleaned here it sounds like you have a good marriage (which can be a "make or break" issue for most people) and a simplified living situation (surrounded by nature).

Relationships are key. (Bad news for me, since I'm a recluse and have few relationships... from past experience, I've come to the conclusion that I'd be - if not "happier" then more contented - with no relationships than with the pain that comes with dysfunctional ones.)

Fair enough! A pursuit of knowledge at any cost, I like that.

Welcome back!

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