Yes, I know. Quite the dramatic statement. I’ve not come to this conclusion lightly. I also know, some young person out there might coin a new acronym for someone like me. Bitter Old Bitch (BOB), Cranky Old Lady (COL), Karen Gone Off Deep End (K-GODE). I claim copyright, by the way, unless any of these are already in use.

I am aging. At 57, I’ve gone through menopause. I’ve recently repatriated to the US after ten years abroad. I survived the Covid years with numerous cases. My kid came out again. I have a new ADHD diagnosis. It’s been a bit much.

Then I learned of changes.

Changes in pronouns. Very strong feelings about punctuation. Changes in what I’m allowed to say. You are allowed to yell at me for making a mistake, but I’m not allowed to yell at you. I’m told both directly and indirectly that my opinions on issues like these don’t matter. In some cases, speaking my opinion is considered wrong. As in, one-more-time-and-we’ll-cancel-you wrong.

This issue surfaced again. Who am I kidding. It’s everywhere. I’m stepping into problem-puddles every time I speak, write, post. The question is,

DO I CARE ENOUGH TO SAY MY PEACE KNOWING IT’LL UPSET PEOPLE.

Care enough about what?

The consequences. The consequences I don’t of yet because the rules have changed. On many topics. I’ve not gotten one memo saying what’s now acceptable and what’s not. I know none of these rules until I “violate” them and am told to sit down and FFS, shut up, Karen.

I’m not enjoying these new experiences.

When I ask to have a conversation about something important to me, if it goes against the grain of what’s now an acceptable opinion to have, the answer is an angry NO.

Who defined the new rules? How am I supposed to know the new rules? Was there a vote? Is there a majority I’m not aware of? Why do Gen Zers get called “snowflakes” (beautiful, one-a-kind, a phenomenal work or science and art) whereas if I speak, I’m automatically a Karen? Am I even allowed to write this? Who decides what’s acceptable and what’s not? Why am I just expected to know? Why is there an assumption I’m supposed to know, when there’s nothing out available to help navigate? HOW am I supposed to know any of this?

To whom am I addressing this question? Does it matter? Someone out there is eager to silence me. Many, I should say. (I’ve been honest so far, why am I holding back now?)

Am I allowed to say my thoughts and opinions matter, too?

Seriously.