One of the more interesting things I have noticed about maturing is the internal, psychological and emotional changes in myself. I have started to realize my character flaws and how to work around them. I have also started to view my family members as adults rather than authority figures.

This particular issue has brought with it the unsettling realization that there are people in my family who I just do not like. And there are people in my family who I loved as a child who, now that I know them better, I no longer care for!

Does anyone else think this is strange/unsettling?

I made a post on a message board recently about ECU’s new head coach, and that he is the first black head football coach at a D1 school in NC. This is a point of pride for me, even if I am not the typical affirmative action proponent.

I was crucified for bringing this up! I was asked why I had to make a post about it. I was told that “this” (i.e. bringing up past wrongs) is what keeps America from moving forward in race relations. I was asked why it mattered what color the coach is.

I could see the issue if I claimed that Coach McNeill got the job simply because he is black. What I said, however, was “Lost in all the coverage is the fact that McNeill is ECU’s 1st black HC!” (actual post title). I see nothing wrong with this.

I also see no reason why we can’t talk about race relations, good and bad, in this country. It boggles my mind that something that consumes so much of our national conscience is so hard to discuss openly. Ladies and gentlemen, like it or not, white people have historically repressed and discriminated against minorities. Minorities, like it or not, there are just as many opportunities available to you today as there are for white people, and the blame for failure no longer rests on whites. We all need to get over ourselves and start to talk about this. If we do not we are all doomed to repeat every indiscretion.

I have a dilemma: should I withhold my feelings on the internet to spare the feelings of close friends/family the same as I do in real life?

Mainly my issues arises when I want to talk politics or religion. I don’t make public my beliefs to certain people because they do not agree with me; and honestly I don’t feel as if it will do them any good to know such things.

But should I feel free to speak my mind on the interwebs? I link to this blog not only from my website, but also from my other online presences (Facebook, my family site, etc.), and those from whom I withhold information in my real life can easily see it in my cyber-life. If I am interested in shielding them do I have an obligation to do so in all realms?

OR – is this blog a sounding board for my ideas, thoughts and feelings?

I had another philosophical conversation on Facebook last night.

Well, I thought it was philosophical. Others thought it was blasphemous. Whatever.

I cannot figure out why it is okay for folks who believe in a god to question my disbelief, but it is not okay for me to question their belief. I don’t push my disbelief on anyone, and I readily defend it when asked. However, when I try to have an intelligent conversation about religion and its effects – good and bad – on the world, the response I get invariably goes the “I will pray for you” route.

NO! I don’t need your prayers. I need you to come at this with an open mind. If you cannot do that then stop engaging me in conversation.

I make a conscience effort to respect everyone’s beliefs no matter how arcane or wrong I think they are. I expect the same in return. Don’t tell me you are sorry that I don’t have the same “relationship” with god that you have. I had a relationship with god once, and I found that relationship wanting. What I want from you is a intelligent discourse.