An Open Apology And Farewell To Odyssey | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

An Open Apology And Farewell To Odyssey

It's not too hard to read 1254 words, is it?

10
An Open Apology And Farewell To Odyssey
Francisco Cruz Photo

And now I'm tired. The youthful rebel is no more. Odyssey is a perfect fit for those who are looking for a sandbox, a place to take risks as a creator, a place to dare. It's a great place to start a portfolio. It'll be a great resume padder. That is, if you can keep your mouth shut about certain social aspects and present yourself in a package worthy of endorsement. If not, then you stand the chance of having your work read by potential employers or co-workers who might misinterpret your work, perhaps mistake your comedy for offense.

The truth about this article, this post, this blog—yes let's call it that—the lamentable truth about this blog is that fewer than most have the discipline to sit there and finish reading it. And it's not just because I wrote it. Did you read the full agreement before clicking "I Accept" on whatever internet-provided convenience you most recently used? Probably not.

I'm writing this instead of making a video because I believe my videos, quite frankly, suck. I don't have the means to create quality ones that meet my standards, and until then, I won't create many, if any.

If you want to progress, it's going to take a lot more than rioting and crying.

If you want to "Make America Great Again," it's going to take more than casting a vote for a celebrity with a spray tan.

If you want the bullshit to end, it's going to take more than being indifferent.

And that's the first thing I want to apologize for—my assumption that most of mankind doesn't have what it takes. It compels me to point out flaws in reasoning and attempt to force someone to see that they're wrong by their own definition. I'm sorry, I'm sorry because I'm not right, either.

Word efficiency isn't exactly my strongest suit, so I've narrowed it down to three instances that should express what it is I feel the need to say. You see, I otherwise wouldn't have bothered, I would have assumed that no one would get it, no one would understand. That's a rather poor way to view the world, so I apologize.

Dear Facebook friends, lend me your monitors. You've called me a Hillary supporter, you've called me a Trump supporter, and plenty of colorful language in between. Believe whatever you want, I will not apologize for challenging your beliefs, but I will apologize for attempting to prove you wrong for having them.

If you're trying to imagine what those conversations might have looked like, they had a similar pattern to the following scenario.

It was the first time I had ever really held a conversation in this GroupMe full of people I'd never met or interacted with before and I was a royal douche. You see, there was a discussion of sorts regarding an article published by OnWard State back in September, titled The Best Reactions From Sorority Bid Day 2016. A few members of Greek life were expressing their feelings about the article, claiming it offended them. I was confused by this because I held the position that getting offended by comedy is nonsensical. In response I was told by a sister who read the article that she knew for a fact the article had been written with the intent to belittle Greek life.

I had three big issues with this claim, the first is that it is simply untrue, one cannot claim to know authorial intent over any work, ever, unless that person is the author of the piece. That is an irrefutable fact, and if you happen to guess correctly that's all it was, a guess. If you believe you can actually know authorial intent then you may be one of the few people on this planet blessed enough to own one of Schrödinger's cats. Secondly, the girls in the video are laughing and seem to understand the comical element at hand. Thirdly, the article was published under the Tomfoolery section of Onward State. Of course, by the time I had made that point I had been so much of an asswipe no one gave it any credence.

You see, I was insensitive to their offense because I saw them as being wrong. In my defense, I had suggested they make a video in response, teasing the stereotypical journalist. I was told that this would be even more offensive than the original video. It reminded me so much of an episode of "Rick and Morty,"the one where they visit the female-dominated planet, and Rick figures out that he and Summer are going to be crushed by a boulder, and she finally admits he was right and calls him an asshole.

Anyway, the point is, I'm sorry. I have a difficult time empathizing with those who put an emotional response ahead of a logical response and it can make me come off as abrasive. So, to the writer of this response piece I say, firstly, I understand your frustration. Secondly, I see that you've analyzed the original article, and noticed the word "deeper" used multiple times—all I ask is that you consider the author saying this in a "Saturday Night Live" tone, and less like that of an inspiring English professor.

--

And now I'm tired. The youthful rebel is no more. Odyssey is a perfect fit for those who are looking for a sandbox, a place to take risks as a creator, a place to dare. It's a great place to start a portfolio. It'll be a great resume padder. That is, if you can keep your mouth shut about certain social aspects and present yourself in a package worthy of endorsement. If not, then you stand the chance of having your work read by potential employers or co-workers who might mistake your comedy for offense. (Yes, this paragraph is in here twice, because even though I'm sorry, I still don't expect many readers, if any, to get this far.)

This isn't something you worry about as an undergrad. You also don't worry about how much money you probably won't make creating for Odyssey. It's hypocritical of me to only do things for money—but when my voice is being suppressed, even on a platform for my generation that encourages me to speak my mind, then what other motivation is there?

If you're like me you know there's that one other motivator. That presence in your head, yelling at you to 'get it out'. You have to give the world a message but you're not exactly sure what that message is yet. That's fine, keep going. If you can't keep going for yourself, keep going for people like me, the one's who have lost hope in the world's ability to sincerely listen to our message.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188247
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13679
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456932
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26068
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments