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Okay, so I got bonked on the head with the baton...:)
When ColoradoDreamin contacted me to ask me to be next on the QOD roster, my initial reaction (and I'm sure she'll back me up on this!) was "Yikes!!" Then I began to panic that I my cutting and pasting skills wouldn't be up to snuff and I'd somehow screw up the list of names of the thirty-odd people who've gone before me. So, in typical BootLady fashion, I've opted to skip that bit - please forgive me! You are all amazing people and I'm honoured to be numbered among you! My thanks to AnotherDaze for this awesome idea, and to all of you who participate. Newbies are ALWAYS welcome!
My question stems from having recently rewatched The Matrix with my very cool son. If you've never seen this movie, the premise is pretty simple: Truth vs. Oblivious Contentment. Take the red pill and you learn the absolute truth, regardless of whether or not it's a truth you can then live with. Take the blue pill and live your life never knowing the truth, but never knowing that there is a truth to know.
When you apply this question to yourself, you are free to use whatever scenario you choose.
Examples:
Do you love me? Blue pill: More than anything! Red pill: Nah, not really, but you've got nice hooters!
Do these jeans make my ass look fat? Blue pill: No! Not at all! Are you kidding? Red pill: Honey, it's not the jeans making your ass look fat!
Who is my real father? Blue pill: Santa Claus. Red pill: Jack the Ripper.
You get the idea. Pick your own scenario (actual or fictitious) and choose: Blue pill for happy oblivion, Red pill for absolute truth.
So, my question: Is ignorance bliss or would you rather know the truth? Just how important is truth to you?
Is there something you've always wanted to know for sure? Suspicions confirmed or alleviated? Or, if you prefer, just add another example.
It occurs to me that I've just offered you not one question, but an entire bouquet of them. It's your dime! Answer them all or answer none, or just expound on the topic if you like. Truth vs. Bliss.
If you survive this one, I will take great pleasure in launching the baton from my patented sunshine arse cannon at..... Brainstormer!! Go gettum, Tiger!
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Posted by BootLady on 2008-06-28 00:10:06 | Rating: | Views: 268
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My answer: I'm inclined by nature to swing both ways on this one. I did actually have to think about it. In most instances, I'm a firm believer in the-whole-truth-and-nuthin-but-the-truth, but let's say, for example, that my scenario is this: Has my mate ever cheated on me? Blue pill: Never even crossed his mind! Red pill: Once, but it was a very long time ago and it's a guilty mistake he's been living with for years. (This is purely hypothetical - I haven't actually taken the Red pill so I have no idea!) With such a revelation, I'd be inclined to think that the Red pill answer is something I could have lived without knowing. But, too late - the choice was (again, hypothetically) made. If the Red pill answer had been: Yes, frequently...well, that'd be another matter entirely.
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Posted by BootLady
on 2008-06-28 00:12:34
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Deeper than the center of the earth with this one!
I am going to ponder a scenario I can represent with both pills a minute...or 2400:P
But, I walk the line between bliss and truth. Grim reality is always a shadow away. And, there are things I don't want to know. But, often when government and authorities keep secrets only to have people going in circles with ignorance and bad habits...I want to grab the "higher ups" by the collars and say "What's the real story here?!"
Oh, and many humble thanks for the pass, Bootsie;)
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 00:26:07
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AND, get ready for the storm, people:D
Stormin' Sunday is coming. And, it's long overdue(puts his shades on).
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 00:27:35
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Sorry to rain on your parade bootlady, but a little bit of house keeping is in oder.
The long awaited QOD from our founder Jason has been posted. You will find a link to his QOD on my blog under the QOD recap. Enjoy
And thanks for the great question will be back to answer shortly.
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Posted by KP
on 2008-06-28 01:05:27
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Our founder, who art in cyberheaven? House keeping is right. And, you are?
Boots got the pass from Colorado who got the pass from WhiteDiamonds, I believe. KarKar didnt get in in time, so Jason was asked to fill in, right? I was told there was an email chain goin on about this. Jason is technically posting a few days late, right? These comments should be deleted by Boots when this is all worked out. I shouldnt even be talking this here.
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 01:11:35
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Boots said she posted this about the same time she saw Jason posted his...but its not found on the list of posts...as far as I could tell.
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 01:15:15
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Give me the truth!!!! But I think most people only want to hear the truth as they see it.
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Posted by HungryHeart
on 2008-06-28 02:24:57
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Ooh
Well first off I'm sure people are capable of answering BootLady AND Jason's question, so worries there! :-)
Right...I think in some situations we dont want to know the truth and are better off without it. Some people can be a little too honest where its not necessary, and hurtful in the process.
But like Brainstormer said...when it comes to secretive governments and the like...they should tell us everything.
Mostly anyway, but sometimes its best not to - take Prince Harry deployed to the front line, we werent supposed to know that. I dont think his life is worth any more than any other soldiers life, but that information being leaked put his life, and the lives of his regiment in danger...
In the UK they have taken to telling us everything about what government ministers spend, their whole expenditure now must be revealed. i've lost count of the amount of MP's now 'under investigation!
The Chinese government tries to hide its appauling human rights record and the internet is cencored (it get this from some Chinese students at my college)...all around the world corrupt governments are trying to hide what they are doing to do to their own people...and thats wrong.
Okay, a political example...
UK government -
Blue pill - what do you think about us going to war in Iraq/Afghanistan?
Red pill - actually we dont care what you think, we'll do it anyway.
Blue pill - What do you think about us scrapping the pound, giving up our freedom to Europe that verterans fought to keep for us sixty years ago?
Red pill - dont matter what you think, if we ever get round to doing it, we will whether you like it or not (majority of Uk citizens want us independent)
Marxist that I am I believe truth is hidden from the 'common man/woman' for the simple reason that if we understood just how manipulated we are, we would rise together against it (bring on the revolution!)
Small scale...my college is merging with two other colleges in September - there's stuff all over college asking student opinion on it...well I'm on the Student Union and at a meeting four months ago we discussed the merger and its happening - so why canvass opinion?? Have I spread the truth? Yep, I tell everyone I talk to about it!
I really dont know whether any of that makes sense!
Anyhoo...on a personal level I dont feel I need worry about truth and oblivious contentment. Dave is very good at being tactful, but will not lie.
Examples, uh....
Does this top suit me?
blue pill - If you like it, buy it
red pill - this one would suit you better
Does my arse (thats what we call em hehe) look big in these jeans
blue pill - it looks as it always does
red pill - yes, but I love your squishy arse!
See either the blue pill or the red pill works with David because he's good with words and genuinely is happy with me as I am...so if he took a truth pill, I wouldnt be worried, because he'd still love me
(i know, I know...mushy again)
I'd like to know what he's really thinking sometimes though...because he doesnt tell me when somethings wrong, he always lies about that
are you alright?
Blue pill - I'm fine darling
red pill - I dont feel well but I dont want you worrying so I'm keeping it to myself
You get what I mean?
Generally people think they want to know the truth but sometimes, I think ignorance really is bliss....
Blimey I wrote alot, I'm sorry! xxx
Great question xx
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Posted by geordiedreamer
on 2008-06-28 03:03:17
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oh man, alot alot...so sorry!! :-) xxx
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Posted by geordiedreamer
on 2008-06-28 03:03:44
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Okay....for anyone confused, that was written by me, CHEB...didnt realise dave was logged it - he'd never write that much!!!! Haha! xxx
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Posted by geordiedreamer
on 2008-06-28 03:12:20
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She's write I'd never write all that - only Cheb (eternal student) would turn her answer into an essay!
Right...truth works to a degree but can be hurtful, so ignorance can be bliss...but if someone needs to know something, they should know!
Great question, loved it
And now it looks like I responded four times...
women
question - dave am I a bit silly sometimes?
blue pill - no, honey
red pill - yet, nuttier than squirell turds!
Lol xxxx
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Posted by geordiedreamer
on 2008-06-28 03:14:47
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okay, now gonna look like five entries (is there a limit to space??) but i just looked at that and my spelling errors are bugging me - I'm an old fart and a Geordie to boot, but I can spell so gotta do something about that!
(clears throat)
*right
*yes
sorry bootlady...I'm going now...honest! x ;_) xxx
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Posted by geordiedreamer
on 2008-06-28 03:17:16
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I will always take the truth
There are many truths I want to know
It is better to know the truth even if it kills you inside, at least then you are not living a lie
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Posted by whiteknight
on 2008-06-28 07:12:46
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I have to say I like a little red pills with my blue ones!
Great question Bootlady! Glad you got the baton even if Jason has one of his own right now. I don't see a thing wrong with two questions of the day! ;)
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Posted by anotherdaze
on 2008-06-28 09:03:41
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It's the weekend!!!! ITS 2 QOD Saturday!!!!! lol hell I don't mind... it's like this is some official line for government cheese or anything...
I agree with another I would have to take both, this question is so broad and so many variables.... It depends on the situation. now off to find this thoughts king Jason and answer his question... I mean it is ladies first after all.
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Posted by DouglasMB
on 2008-06-28 09:26:31
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Brainy: You got me thinking about governments and red pills now. Wouldn't it be cool to red-pill the Roswell thing?
KP - No rain is necessary! :) Two QOD questions are TWICE as much fun!
Hungry - I'm with ya!
geordie, geordie, geordie, geordie, geordie, oh, and Cheb - You guys are KILLING me!! LOL
whiteknight - Agreed! Once you know the truth, if it's bad, you can get on with healing. Better than living a life based on a lie. (PS - The Boss looks good on ya!)
anotherdaze - your offspring are multiplying! How cool is THAT?? :)
Dougie - I suppose you're right - different situations require different pills. Two QOD's - more pondering!! Amen!
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Posted by BootLady
on 2008-06-28 09:40:34
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A white rabbit of a question, how cool are you Bootlady? I'm going to go put on Jefferson Airplane to answer.
RED pill,The truth, and nothing but... whoa,If the truth is too shocking ie. The doctor is telling you, you have a treminal illness, your mind may protect you from absorbing it, it is called ,ahem, DENIAL. It may take a while to "get it" so sure, hit me with the truth, I can't hear you.
On the other hand. Blue pill, Same scenario, Doctor, says, yer outta here. Response, so, I'm okay then?
Is this even close to the QOD? I'm confused, where am I? Go ask Alice.
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Posted by circe
on 2008-06-28 11:52:25
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Now it's my turn to say YIKES!!! Exactly my words when I saw this awesome question. My 8,000 page thesis will be arriving in your thoughts email by day's end :) :)
I have always considered myself a truth seeker. But like many have mentioned I prefer my red pills mixed with a few blue. One color is soooooooo boring. Lies call for more lies and then it all gets very stressful and confusing. For some reason the song lyrics to Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" just popped into my head.
"Straight up now tell me
Do you really want to love me forever
Or am I caught in a hit and run
Straight up now tell me
Is it gonna be you and me together
Or are you just having fun"
When it comes to the things of the heart I despise being lied to and led on.
On the flip side I have heard it said that if we knew the complete truth of all that goes on in this world (with governments and world powers) no person would shut an eye at night. I have enough worry (thank you very much) to keep Mr. Sandman at bay without adding extra ingredients into the pot.
When I'm enjoying my Sanders (a Michigan favorite) Hot Fudge Sundae I don't wish to know how many calories I'm eating or how much treadmill time will be required to walk off that Sundae. Peace.
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Posted by ColoradoDreamin
on 2008-06-28 13:47:10
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so why does the truth have to be devastating? why can't the actual truth be BETTER than ingorant bliss? i know it NEVER is. but i like dreamin..... aaah. maybe one day.
all said and done, i know its the honorable choice to take the truth and deal with it the way it is. but being a child, i think i'm often afraid to face the truth. you can say i CAN'T HANDLE THE TUTH!! :P
but seeing how i've been dealing with it so far, i'd continue to stick with it and SEEM like a man of honor, when really i'm always scared shitless about knowing what's really going on...
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Posted by Slash
on 2008-06-28 14:38:19
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I want the red pill. Bliss sounds great, but I'm not too big on the ignorance part of the equation. I would rather know the truth and have bliss at those times I deserve it. The though times make you appreciate the good ones that much more. Great question BootLady - I loved the Matrix!
About this QOD mixup - sorry for double posting. That was my mistake. We all make them :) I also passed the baton to Braninstormer so we'll get back on track for Stormin' Sunday
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Posted by jason
on 2008-06-28 14:39:20
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I will have to boring on this one and say that I am going for the red pills. Truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
To me ignorant bliss is a life of luxury, and these days who can afford luxury.
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Posted by KP
on 2008-06-28 15:43:18
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circe - Sing it with me, girl..."One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small...and the ones that mother gives you don't do anything at all..." Damn! I LOVE that song!!
CD - No sign of your thesis yet, m'dear! LOL
Slash! I hear ya! Sometimes living in Pleasantville with your head under a rock is the way to go! It's why I don't watch the news!
Jason - No worries! I'm honoured to share the day with you! Your question was awesome! I'm just glad you finally got your turn!
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Posted by BootLady
on 2008-06-28 15:46:42
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KP - Now that I have the White Rabbit song in my head, I'm thinking that maybe a purple pill would do the trick! LOL
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Posted by BootLady
on 2008-06-28 15:48:04
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How ironic the mention of a White Rabbit(though I don't recall "him" being a factor til was it the second film?):) You have no idea how cool that note is:P
Now I feel "energized" and hope I can live up to the potential with "Stormin' Sunday".
I just wanted to say...HOLY CRAP, CHEB/GEORDIE!:p WTH WAS THAT?!:p A runaway train, I'd say:P [I will need a few minutes later to go back through all of that answer:)] I'm now worried about the potential output my "QotD" will generate. It might cause a short-circuit in here:P
PS glad everything is "patched up" where the QotD train is concerned.
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 15:56:50
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Oh, but as for those who support the "red pill", are you sure "you can't handle the truth"? Anyone who has seen the new Indiand Jones can say that knowing all may very well be hard on the brain/heart/soul. A little cushion might "ease the blow". Never think you cannot be shocked or "fried".
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-06-28 15:59:41
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I hear ya, Bootygirl, and I am singing it too.
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Posted by circe
on 2008-06-28 19:13:58
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