It’s been said that some folks speak with forked tongues. I think this can be applied to the idea of gossip because the tea has to entertain the audience that is present at the moment.

Again, sometimes it’s fun to hear juicy stuff and sometimes necessary to hear the bad stuff too. But TMI is always the case. I think that it is laudable that people inform the public of certain situations that may pertain to them because then they have the opportunity to be on the lookout for potential dangers or scams. But airing the mistakes of someone (not to be confused with the crimes of that person) is in poor taste. Especially when those mistakes were excused because of celebrity or wealth or whatever even though the signs and/or knowledge were there, and then suddenly everyone is outraged when the ultimate outcome arrives (and there are so many who could be on that list).

And the should-be rule of “If it don’t apply, let it fly” should be considered when the general public is informed about some info. This kind of stuff is what creates or exacerbates stereotypes and profiling. I remember I was in a work situation and found out my father was ill (I was living out of town). A coworker asked “Do you know your father?” because she believed that black men abandoned their children. SMH

But it is dangerous when information is exposed prematurely (truthful or not) that ends up resulting in violent actions (like public outrage). I have heard about celebrities being stalked and harassed because of rumors, and – this is the worst – because of who their characters portray. Get a grip, people.

All information (gossip or news) should be disseminated and applied according to their importance, and not just your feelings. Take action if it becomes necessary (like in finding a missing child) or pay attention to warning signs, but let others live their lives unless or until a negative outcome becomes apparent. And by this I don’t mean sit idly by and watch a bad situation escalate.