They know who they are. No sense in giving them the attention they may or may not seek. We’ve known about them since childhood having been through a lot together, separately of course. Among the general populace they are both hated and loved, ridiculed and adored. Are you neighbors perhaps? We have observed their advocates dubiously scattered throughout society. Agree with them and expect high levels of discord. Disagree and enjoy acceptance and serenity. Or is it the other way around? It depends entirely on too much information for one mind to process. That’s what the internet is for, or so they tell us.
We will not tell you of who we speak lest the storehouse of controversy and contempt be unleashed upon us all. It would be utter chaos, we assure you. An unpleasant circus of chatter. But you do have someone in mind don’t you? You ache to venture a guess, we know you do. Ah, but we’ve been clever with our pronouns haven’t we. No clues revealed there. Besides, gossip is generally frowned upon, isn’t it? Yet it appears as of late, such is not the case. The evidence suggests that those with idle hands eagerly insert themselves where they have no business. Self control is optional, or so it seems. An opinion expressed is an endorphin rush enjoyed, you see. And who doesn’t like endorphins. Or opinions for that matter.
So this is what we’ve become. But there remains a much better way. A road much less traveled, as it were. A riddle posited. Can you guess what it is? You shouldn’t have to. Just think for yourself.
After all, no one of good reputation engages in the art of public shaming.
Jim