Think about this, of the deepest regrets people have at the end of their lives, at the top of the list was the disappointment of not speaking up in life. Ranking higher than wishing they had worked less and spent more time with their families was this nagging agony from not having shared their opinions more often.
Which leads me to this conclusion, blowhards who are often viewed as obnoxious or belligerent are wildly popular simply because they do speak their mind. In a sense, I think many people are living boldly, however vicariously, through the opinionated talking heads they watch on TV.
Many media sensations are frustratingly unoriginal and lack tact or intelligence. Yet, they have an audience who sits there quietly thinking, "I wish I could say that too, you're my hero..."
I for one was never impressed with the Duck Dynasty series. I applaud them for their wonderful family values and strong faith. I believe they are genuinely good people. But still. I have redneck family members who could run circles around the Robertson family with saying it how they see it. The show's popularity and the speaking engagements they have landed stem mainly from Phil shooting straight from the hip and saying whatever he thinks, minus any novelty.
I guess the takeaway here is this: Speak your mind while you still have time and don't lose your mind over the people you can't stand in the media -- they have everyone's ear who wishes they could only open their mouths too.
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