Prancersize if you want to...

There is a video going viral called “prancersizing”. Yes, that’s right. You did, in fact, read it correctly. You may have seen it. It’s this woman jogging and exercising in a style that (not coincidentally) resembles the prancing of a horse. 

The first time I saw it, I cracked up. Really cracked up. It was hilarious. Totally over the top. It’s not often that you are afforded the opportunity to witness an adult being so silly and so earnest. I had to watch it again to be sure I hadn’t missed anything. After watching, I browsed the comments out of sheer morbid curiosity.

I was appalled at what I read. The comments were downright mean. Harsh. Degrading. While some bordered on verbal attack, others crossed that line without question. Seriously? 

Ok… I get it. She’s a little nutty and unusual. Perhaps even a LOT nutty and unusual. I’m not sure her style of exercising is going to be my first choice. But at least she’s exercising. And she’s not hurting anyone. She’s not defacing property and she’s not demoralizing anyone. She’s exercising in a goofy way. And if she’s representing herself accurately, she believes in her method and is an honest person. When did that become grounds for verbal abuse?

A long time ago, in my role as educator, I was present for a technology seminar for the kids. The goal of the seminar was, at least in part, to educate and remind our students about manners in respect during use of technology. We discussed cyber bullying and the way that comments may be taken out of context due to lack of voice.  The words “shut up”, for example. Spoken by your best friend, while laughing and slapping your arm affectionately, these words are harmless. They were probably preceded by some gentle teasing about a school yard crush and followed by giggles as you planned your next sleepover. Spoken angrily at a time when you had the courage to disagree with a powerful social situation, these words are not so benign. In text, how do you know which way to hear them? 

We earnestly discussed these topics with the children and addressed them again when problems arose. We did not consider, however, that their parents might not know the difference either.  

As I obtain more and more of my world information online, I am astounded (and sometimes disgusted) by the comment sections provided below the articles. Most of the comments do little to address the true content of the article, and when they do it’s in a judgmental way. Articles written by “working moms” are judged by stay at home moms accusing them of letting another raise their child. Moms who endorse letting a child cry it out for sleep training are accused of child abuse. 

Really? Would say this out loud in a public forum if you were forced to show your face? I doubt it, at least for most of the comments. 

So, prancerize if you want to. It’s your life. Live it true to yourself. OH… and have fun!