To Taboo or Not To Taboo..?

To Taboo or Not To Taboo…

that is the question for 2013

I have heard the word “taboo” in many discussions and conversations. It has always been given a negative reputation, never spoken with admiration. An automatic mental imprint is put into motion to stay away from anything or anyone associated with “taboo”—like the boogeyman and the Kool-Aid he’s trying to pass out.

What does “taboo” mean? I put one of my phone apps to the test and researched the word. “Taboo”…searching. I was amazed at just how defined this five letter was and the different ways it was used.

“Prohibited! Banned! Forbidden!” It was living up to its negative prestige. I read on.  “Proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable. To ostracize; exclusion from social relations.”  The boogeyman!

I began to get discouraged with my topic of choice. None of the aforementioned definitions were going to help the point I wanted to make. Yet I researched on and there at the very bottom, I saw it. Hidden under all the weight of the layered negativity was the short but powerful definition that relinquished all I had read.

“To be separated or set apart as sacred.” Sacred! I now had the evidence I needed to support my writing—this particular piece of work.  

Unbeknownst to me I had actually gathered more material by the actual researching than the research its self. Out of all the vocabulary and definitions there was only one simple sentence that contradicted all the rest. I pondered the question: “Should taboo be looked down upon or should it be celebrated?”

It is clearly a rhetorical question because the answer isn’t written down in any book—the definitions yes, but not the answer. The reason is because taboos change everywhere, among different nations, religions, and people. There really is no “taboo police” patrolling, waiting to arrest.

          

        Every society has some history of detaching its self from things that are not of the norm. Fashion, sexual orientation, religious practices are among the most popular; skin color being one of the most notorious. The present world likes the idea of universal respect—which in my opinion has gotten better over time. One senses a more welcoming spirit than the rationed one of the past. Need not forget we do have a black family in the White House living out their second term.

          

       Yet what of the taboo against things that do not meet the eye? Such as one’s mentality, spirit, intention and heart? What of the taboos we associate with the engraved standards of one’s culture or hand me down perception? What of that? Again a rhetorical question but still a question in need of reflection. A reflection of the self that no one can provide but self.

          

       2012 is counting down to its demise so the birth of 2013 can be displayed. Traditionally, every year there will be countless and yes at times, outrageous but hopeful New Year’s resolutions. They are declared into the universe at the stroke of midnight! And if you’re human, 9 times out of 10, those once bright resolutions will lose their buoyancy in the rush of everyday life. Never intended, just a fact of life. Like the legendary bumper sticker reminds us as we run late to work: “S**t happens”.

          

       Therefore to ease the pain of neglect to a numbered list of things to accomplish, I decided to go down a different route: a declaration to the improvement and upgrade of my mentality. In essence, it is the power source, so I have every right and obligation to make sure it’s at its best for my best intentions. A King once said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”.

          

       For 2013, I plan to stop waiting for my life to start but begin living. So many times I look past my present moment because in some way or another it doesn’t live up to my preconceived expectations. Refrain from waiting for the spotlight to find me when it’s done with another but instead go and make my own --just for me.

         

        Be dedicated toward giving my all even if I ‘am the only one present to witness it because it shows the respect I have to the potential I possess. Devoted to live with an open heart that is mature from learning from past mistakes instead of being bitter. To acquire wisdom from my failure and not become harden due to shame and fear.

         

        To believe in my divinity and be humble with everyday I ‘am given. To smile even if there is no sun and dance with grace even if there is no music playing. To give myself room for error because of my faith in everything happening for a reason—knowing my life can only be lived once, by me and me alone.

          

        So if all of my expectations or guidelines for 2013 stray me away from assimilation, from what is deemed as “acceptable” or “normal”—so be it. I will gladly take the title of “taboo” because it will be a reminder that I kept my promise to myself.

Happy New Year!!!

“I am acquainted with all but connected to none. I am a misfit.”

-Bishop T.D. Jakes

xoxo,

@BMynroe

 RaChelle-Denise McKinney