Controversy
Controversy
I’ve been hibernating somewhat. In the burst of content creation, I have barely had time nor energy to come up for a breath and consume anything as of late. My personal finance reading has dwindled considerably. This is a necessary evil of creation. It is hard to both consume and produce at the same time. Yet, I haven’t been totally immune to the controversy swirling this last week.
There is always controversy. Whenever you have people together in the same space with strong opinions, there is bound to be disagreement. Though I can’t help but be saddened just a little at the same time.
Going Political
I naively felt like the financial independence community was apolitical. I know. How silly was I. It seemed so much easier to think that we were dealing with cold hard facts. Numbers are numbers? Right? Formulas and spreadsheets make even speculation feel certain. The less wiggle room the better.
The less space for controversy.
Yet platforms are a funny thing. They give us the audience to talk about anything and everything. Personal judgement dictates that which we share. Personal judgement, however, is exactly that. Extremely personal. What is acceptable or free speech to one is hate and prejudice to another.
It was all so easy and straightforward when is was about debating the 4% safe withdrawal rate. Or haggling over traditional verse Roth.
Fallout
I see much fallout. I see people blocking each other. Shutting down websites and pulling the plug on podcasts. I see people on both sides of the divide, people who I have grown to love and respect, pitted against one another with fists raised high.
Some would say that controversy is necessary fodder for growth. That all creation requires a certain element of destruction. I can’t argue with these principles yet grow weary of watching them take place all around me.
No matter which side prevails, I can’t help but think that people I am fond of will be hurt.
Are hurt already.
Our World
I’m not sure if this says something greater about the state of the world in which we live in. Or if the personal finance community has just become big enough that controversy, deep personal disagreeing, is just inevitable.
I hope we find a way to do this with the civility and class that this community has maintained to this point. To both spout off ideas and be rebuked in powerful yet non destructive ways.
I’m not sure it is possible. Especially when the topic runs deep. When the specter of racism or sexism or ageism rears it’s head.
These are weighty subjects. Subjects our countries and communities as a whole are struggling with.
Final Thoughts
I have no wish to support or condemn anyone today. And that in itself may lead to a lose of credibility. I accept that risk. But I will mourn the controversy taking place in our community, and in the world as a whole.
Maybe I really have had my head in the sand.
Either way, sending out love.