How long should the pass follow you? This is a question I have been pondering quite a lot lately the more action that takes place in the wonderful world of social media. Especially in regards to celebrities, it seems that not many people can ever get away from events, actions, or quotes that they said and or did in the past. But for some, a simple apology is all it takes for the world to completely forgive you. Why is that?
For example, there are so many Youtubers in this day and age that have been called out for certain tweets, or videos that were recorded years ago that in today's view, look either racist, homophobic, or just downright cruel. However, no one questions the type of humor that was around during the time these things were uploaded to the public. Go ahead, ask your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. What did they find funny when they were growing up? What jokes had them rolling on the ground laughing and crying all at the same time? Because I have a feeling that the answers they give you will be very different than how you would reply, and some of those responses might even seem offensive in the year 2019.
Now, of course, this type of humor is not a valid excuse for anything. But it begs the question, how long should things you said or did in the past follow you into your future? Even more so, how do those same things affect things like your relationships, career, or way of living day to day? Take one of Youtube most successful Youtuber, Shane Dawson. He grew up watching Kathy Griffith, a comedian known for her raunchy and dark sense of humor. At the beginning of his career, Shane was also seen exhibiting a similar style after being heavily influenced by the comedian. These jokes included race, sexuality, income, celebrities, and so much more.
Now in the year 2019, Shane is an openly bisexual man in a loving male relationship and makes videos that help others come to terms with who they are as well as feel loved and valued, just be overall happy after a long and stressful day in the game of life. Still, rumors of his past still get brought up, no matter the type of content he releases to the public.
How long are situations like these going to take place? How long can you ridicule a person based on things from their past? Put yourself in the same shoes, and question how long you could handle the topic years after the fact. Is there a difference in how you feel?
So the next time you want to love a celebrity or see a new apology hit the headlines from something recent or from years ago, do your research, do the math, and ask yourself this same question: how long is too long?
