The permeability of the filter

It is probably unwise to write a blog post when there is nothing about which to write*. However, if you're reading this then, clearly there must be something worth translating from nerve pulses to text.

I champion being in complete control (as much as I can) of the information people know about me--and I wish others would do the same.  I don't believe the idea of this is rooted in a sense of fear but rather a sense of security.  Information is power and such power can easily be used against you.

The "filter," as many call it, is used throughout our daily activities and throught our lives.  It is what protects us from termination when we have to explain to a superior that they are in error.  It is what we use when we decide to not slice a person with our words when they are emotionally vulnerable.  It is what allows the need-to-know channel of information sharing to exist.

It's something I always consider when writing a blog post or doing a podcast with me as its subject.  I've podcasted before about fools who are shocked when "private" information that's stored "securely" on the Internet returns to haunt them.  Being a teacher, I must follow an unwritten rule from the Code of Popular Justice that, in essence, says I must filter any speech in a public forum to something that cannot possibly be interpreted as something beyond the scope of neutrality.  I'm sure there are other professions that must do the same--asking the question of "how will this reflect on my job."

I've often had a problem with that question, for it implies that having an (let alone expressing) opinion of something that deviates from the "norm" is unacceptable.  An common argument to this is, well, why do you feel you must filter your expression if you have nothing problematic to express.  I won't continue rambling on this issue of standards (and possibly double standards)--I've managed to derail my own post.

You may ask, what is behind the filter that is wanting to be written on your blog on recorded on the podcast?  As I ask myself that question, I can't come up with a clear answer.  I've often said we have all have our "Dexter."  Maybe its that dark passenger that wants to be out in the open.  I'm unsure.  I only worry that if one filters their thoughts so much, can you lose track of what your true, unfiltered thoughts are?

*If you call the babble you're about to read a blog post.