Idol worshipping.

Looking around, I've noticed that many, many people are ... strange. Mean. Strange and mean. I wonder why this is? I've also noticed that there seems to be an unusual amount of over-sized egos possessed by these people. Online it's even worse. It's as if these people feel themselves somehow mysteriously entitled to a prefab celebrity and the accompanying idol-worship. Even those without any noticeable talent or abilities seem so sure of their "innate wonderfulness" that they become angry when flocks of "fans" don't come and kneel at their feet. (This would be most.) Those unfortunates that do lay themselves prostrate in worship, usually find themselves put into some kind of odd pecking order of abuse and/or neglect by the self-styled celebrities of the web. Many people only seem interested in what someone else can do for them, not in the value of the individual. People are not seen as people but as pieces of one group or another. It's bad enough when politicians and scientists do this, it's so much worse when we average day-to-day people do this to each other.

I don't understand really. The term "fan" is a shortened version of the word "fanatic". As such, I don't like to use the term "fan" myself. Not when discussing my own likes and dislikes or when discussing those who read and support my own work. I think that to assume that because someone cares enough, and is kind enough, to support your work and (Heaven forbid.) actually say so, is a fanatic is actually rather assuming and insulting to those making the effort and providing the support.

I know. I know. I'm thinking about this (Nothing.) too much. I do that. (I'm stupid.) People are twits the world over. They're arrogant, self-involved and petty. They seek god-hood and worshippers and desire more than anything to become the next Paris Hilton. Make me rich and loved and ask nothing of me except that I be my wonderful self and allow you the pleasure of viewing me from afar. Of course, people are also beautiful, kind, loving, caring individuals who do everything and ask for nothing in return. If I'm a "fan" of anything, I'm a "fan" of these people. I wish there were more of them. I wish that they were more visible. Instead we've got the "love-me but don't look me in the eye" crowd. How nice.

To the 99.9% of people who are wonderful and giving, I am your fan. To all the rest ... (Fill in the blank.)

I really do feel like an alien living on a strange world that I just don't quite understand. Treating people (Everyone.) with decency and respect shouldn't be an unusual thing. Should it?

It's Friday. (Is it?) Another weekend ahead. I wonder what life has in store for me this time? I'll bet it's good.