Soap boxing

There are very few things that put me on a soapbox.  I don't go off and defend much.  It's really not me.

But, tonight is one of those rare nights...so, you've been warned. (Oh, and if you're interested, I'm posting all the songs that played during the writing of this at the end...you know, just for your entertainment.)

Anyway.  Love.  I believe wholeheartedly in the idea and existence and absolute need for love in the world.  It is there and it keeps this place from stopping on its axis and ceasing to exist.  There are many things I love.  There are things I love to do, to be, to have.  There are people I love.  It's the same for everyone everywhere.

But let's get specific.  Romantic love.

I have never told anyone in a relationship that I love them (Hell, let's be honest, I don't throw the word around with family and friends much either).  But, in the four (plus or minus one or two) romantic relationships I've had, it hasn't come up...from me at least.  The phrase 'I love you' holds deep meaning in my mind.  It's something that can't be said to get what you want.  It's something that can't be rushed.  It's something that needs to be meant or it has no meaning at all.

But it's lost that meaning in this world (for most people).

I was watching a movie tonight and it made me sick to my stomach.  Honestly, American (and British [I've been watching a lot of BBC on Netflix]) media is one of the main reasons why love is dying.  The people in these movies and shows and songs "fall in love" after knowing someone for a few days and a few drinks and a few casual beddings.  The second date consists of the L-word being thrown out on the table....what?

I hate how we've cheapened it.

Love has become something that can be found between any two people and shared until the next best thing comes around.  And then that person is loved.  Until, well, you know.

What is it saying to my generation when we see the love shared between our grandparents' generation, a love that meant something through the thick and thin of relationships, and the love shown between the kids of Glee and whomever Taylor Swift is in love with today?  We see how in love our elders are and expect that to come of the superficial "love" in the trash we see everyday on TV and hear in shitty pop songs.

Don't get me wrong, I think there are still people these days that have love on a pedestal and don't want to stain it with something that isn't deserving of its fullness.  I think those people will find their true love and it won't be superficial and shallow.  But it's also a hard freaking fight...and one that I'm definitely training to fight.

Maybe none of this makes sense.  Actually, I'm pretty sure it doesn't.  But really, in my head it's completely there.  I just suck at translating it into writing.  But basically, in summary, today's media has cheapened the idea and beauty of love to one night stands, easy divorces, and 16 year olds who fall for anyone with a pretty voice and swooped hair.


Blogging Playlist for the night:
http://grooveshark.com/#/playlist/Blogging/55133198