In the Eighties, Nancy Reagan coined the phrase, “Just Say No To Drugs.” A shorter version, immortalizing the notion in slogan was, “Just Say No.” The catchy slogan has some value beyond the original intent of helping vulnerable youth find a way to fight peer pressure which might tempt them to try drugs. The concept has wide practical application, from work scenarios, to telemarketers, to perpetually needy family or friends. In truth, it could apply to any sort of pressure which subjugates us to the will of another person, people, entity, or entities, which chirps like baby birds hoping to be fed of us, and it should be applied in all of these cases.
But, it won’t work.
The problem with the word, “No”, is that it’s not heard often enough that’s it’s truly understood. The word, “No”, is met with a bit of disbelief, some expectation of equivocation is contained within this foreign notion of a word. My dogs understand the word, “No”, and slink away with their tail between their legs upon hearing the reprimand. Humans, however, upon hearing the word, turn their head, quizzically, to the side, raising an eyebrow, and one furry ear, puzzled that they would hear such a bizarre thing. They pant, and they whimper, stricken with confusion and incredulity.
The word, “No”, comprised of only two letters, isn’t of the proper stature to meet the tall order of defiance. Instead of just saying, “No”, I would suggest just saying, “Fuck you”. It’s an attention-getter. The pushy car salesman who responds to, “No” with further insistence that you do, indeed, need to purchase the extended warranty for the vehicle he just assured you was extremely reliable, will respond quite differently to, “Fuck you.” There is no further question. The conversation has been had, with no further need for discussion. What “No” lacks in resolve, “Fuck you” may compensate for, in either the soft-spoken eloquence of candor, or in blood-knuckled, pugilistic spirit.
Sadly, the government wouldn’t be able to use, “Just Say Fuck You” for anti-drug billboard campaigns. “Fuck you” is out, no matter how much they would like to fuck you, and me, and everyone. There’s probably a law against using the term. Besides, it would be too honest if they said so, and it would seem there is a law against honesty in governance as well.
While a powerful statement, some might feel some reluctance in using the phrase, thinking it a full frontal assault, a brash alternative, a poke in the eye with an extended middle finger, but it is none of these things. “Fuck you”, in this context, is less about the other person than about ourselves. It is, in its finality, an affirmation of self, a frank statement of divergence on a proposed course of action. It is an adult acknowledgment that we need not agree on everything, but that no ground shall be surrendered this day.
Hold your head up high, and say it proudly, smile and let them see the joyful twinkle of sincerity in your eyes. The next time doe-eyed children in brown sashes and skirts awaken you from a nap, banging on the door and demanding that you buy cookies, don’t say, “No”, just say, “Fuck you.”
I’ve used this phrase in anger more than once for sure. I’ve always been aligned with George Carlin when he said there are no bad words…bad people maybe, but no bad words. It’s really HOW we say something. So personally, we can say NO in a way where we really mean it I feel. But you have to follow up with actions. If you say no to a kid and then go ahead and give in, then they’ll never believe you again. But if no means no…then it means something. Just like when your dog knows it! 🙂
True, true, and true. This was just a bit of fun, with perhaps a bit of truth smeared on there somewhere, though I won’t pretend to know where 😉
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Omg, Eric! This is hilarious. Read with a huge smile. Yes, I think it’s a good idea. If, when someone inevitably takes offense, I can point them back here to you. ?
Ha! You can blame me. I accustomed to that 🙂
This.is.fucking.awesome!
Thank you, Tiffany 🙂 Glad you liked this silliness. And thank you for swearing. I enjoyed that!
Oh, fuck is my favorite word. Ever. No question.
Yes. It is, beyond any doubt, the most versatile word ever invented.
Fuck intrinsic morphology. =) I can already imagine your post on that!
Lol. That’s a gooood one! How’d you know I’d be tempted by that topic? You crack me up 🙂
=) intuition I guess.
🙂
U, Mister, r an incredeeblee funee writtur.
I chuckled much and only dripped a few drops. 😀
Wonderful idea that might work w a few. Not w kids…their parents will sue me for trauma of a minor. Wouldnt work w my sister…she’d call the cops on me for harrassment. And in my wlld west state everyone carries weapons..loaded, cocked and ready to express umbrage.
I just get in their face, pour garlic breathe on em..and they flee like scared rabbits. Lmao. 😛
Ah.. I understand the genius of that. They can’t shoot straight after a vision-blurring blast of garlic breath. Brilliance! 🙂
The trick is to persevere. If they move bk..stay in their face. Lol 😛
Lol. You’re just not right 🙂 I like that about you.
I’m going to use this! Thank you!
My pleasure, and you’re welcome 😉 I was thinking of getting it printed on business cards to pass around if I get tired of saying it.
Wanna go in on them halfsies? I could use some, too. Ha!
Deal. 🙂
My ribs absolutely love your writing!!!! I loved the phrase about the law against honesty. 🙂
Lol. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed this 🙂
I did! Your site is an awesome find!
🙂
Hahaha! I laughed ridiculously loud on this one, as well as the follow-up commentary. Fuck you, indeed. Fuck is a fantastically fricative and versatile four-letter invective full of sound, fury, and sensuality.
ha! Fuckity Fuck, Fuck! You’re killing me with this 🙂 And thank you so very much for doing so. And yes, you’re right.. Fuck is all those things 🙂
You’re welcome! Glad I could be of service! ?
Hah! I love it. 🙂
Thanks, Antanya 🙂
Fucking brilliant, if I may say. Drinking or just naturally entertaining?
Thank you 🙂 Believe it or not, I rarely drink these days. I know that to say such a thing as a writer is sacrilege.. I tend to write drinking poems when I do drink tho.
Post one, so I may imbibe in your words. Sigh;)
Okay.. It’s a change of tone tho