Lately, I have found myself taking part in various whispered
conversations either at work or among my friends. These discussions range from silly to serious,
but they all have one thing in common.
They are unacceptable topics of conversation in the South. Below are two
situations I encounter regularly.
The funniest and most common unmentionable topic is of
course the casting of 50 Shades of Grey.
At work, at a family members house, and out at lunch with friends this
sly subject sneaks its way into the atmosphere.
In hushed tones, someone blushes, clears their throat, shuffles around
nervously, and whispers. “Have you heard? They have picked the actors for 50 Shades.” This is hilarious. Why are they whispering when they know that
everyone around them has already read these books and bought the t-shirt? These are the same people that when asked if
they have read these books they shuffle, turn red, look everywhere but at the
person who asked them while giving the pseudo-answer. “Hmm.” 
From a funny topic to a serious but wonderful topic:
Spirituality. This too is always whisper
worthy. Due to wide media coverage, the spread of yoga and meditation, and
growing accessibility, spirituality has reached the religion-crazed South. Now, on top of Wednesday and Sunday church
going, people are becoming interested in sparking their own divine
connection. For years, I have been known
as the weird vegetarian hippie girl whose ideas of healthy living were a little
strange. Recently, I have become the go-to girl for all things life-expanding. Friends and acquaintances approach me almost
daily with a wide variety of questions regarding whether I think meditation
would be useful for them, how should they meditate, what exactly is yoga, or
why is it better to only buy food on the outside ring of the grocery store.
And, sometimes, I get the wonderful questions about my thoughts of
reincarnation, God, spirit, etc. People are interested in finding a deeper
connection that works with their fundamental beliefs. Yet, all of these things
are asked of me in the same shame-filled but slightly curious way of the above
questions about 50 Shades of Grey, as if they were not entirely sure they
should speak of such things.
I have come to realize that there is astigmatism to being
raised Southern. All around people are
curious to know more about many things in life but are strangely reluctant to
ask or to learn. But, eventually, like cats, their curiosity gets the better of
them, and their questions come out in whispers.
