ATTN: Everybody - I have an announcment to make.

[Cuddlefish]

I have something to tell you guys.

I mean, it took me a while to even realize, and I understand if there are some people here that may not know how to react to such news. It's kind of funny, though. Because, looking back, I don't know how I didn't see the signs. And I'm more than sure there are some of you that knew this about me before I even realized it about myself. Well, here goes, and I hope ya'll still maintain the same level of respect for me that you had before. (or the same level of whatever it was you had for me). This isn't easy to say, but I can't live the lie anymore. I have to come out...

I... Am an optimist.

Just wait, before you say anything. I know. The current cultural and economic climates really do not support this type of behaviour, but, dammit, THIS IS WHO I AM! And I'm not going to change, no matter how bad things get. Sure, it may be tough to hear, but us people, well, we've gotten out of shit-lined ditches and sink-holes before, and I believe that we have a RIGHT to think positively about our situation now. The right to believe that human innovation, imagination, and methods of self preservation will persevere, and we can move on to become a truly advanced civilization.

Before you go off the handle, let me say this: Me being an optimist in NO WAY cheapens the cynical, pessimistic nature of personhood, it simply adds to the diversity. The whole world isn't going to stop turning because of a few of us optimists. In fact, your pessimistic agenda reinforces defeatist attitudes, and that's a game I just can't play anymore. We owe it to our children, and our children's children, to build a world where people don't have to worry about thinking positive thoughts, and have no need to fear prosecution because they just happen to be genetically predisposed to seeing the glass as "half-full."

I see a world where the pessimists and optimists work together. Working together we can not only IDENTIFY problems, but we can have the power to FIX them! I see a world where a loving grandparent can proudly say "Oh, that's my grandson, he's an optimist, y'know." without having to worry about some ignoramus calling him "naive" or "unrealistic."

No. I know now that there is nothing wrong with the way I am. And I say to all others on this forum, and elsewhere, IT'S OKAY TO BE OPTIMISTIC! And for the non-optimistic, don't worry, you're not going to suddenly "switch teams" simply because we're allowed to openly be part of society. So, I invite those that have been harboring feelings such as mine to come out, too. Support the optimist lifestyle by posting here in this topic. And, there's room for everybody, even the pessimists, to come in and support our culture, that has been obstructed by shadows for too long.

[Doktor Howl]

Optimism, like pessimism, is a filter that gets between you and reality.

But if it makes you feel good, why not?  Some people do crack for that.

[Cuddlefish]

Optimism, like pessimism, is a filter that gets between you and reality.

But if it makes you feel good, why not?  Some people do crack for that.

It's that kind of hate-speech that is destroying us, as a society.

[Freeky]

While I don't agree with your wotldview, I completely support your decision.

[Doktor Howl]

Optimism, like pessimism, is a filter that gets between you and reality.

But if it makes you feel good, why not?  Some people do crack for that.

It's that kind of hate-speech that is destroying us, as a society.

Yeah.  

[Dr Preference]

The main thing to watch out for in this situation is politics. Optimism frequently leads people to think they can improve the world, and that can make you even more annoying than religious missionaries.

As many of my friends will tell you.

[Cuddlefish]

While I don't agree with your wotldview, I completely support your decision.

Thank you, Freeky. What people don't realize is that this isn't a choice. I can't just choose to see the glass as half empty, and it's not some sort of "condition" that will just go away with therepy. Hopefully people will see this productive discourse between optimists and pessimists, and we can begin to work together towards completing goals as a cohesive society.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

[Cuddlefish]

The main thing to watch out for in this situation is politics. Optimism frequently leads people to think they can improve the world, and that can make you even more annoying than religious missionaries.

As many of my friends will tell you.

Please, don't make me explain the concepts of "social commentary" and "parody" to you. It really kills the feel of a piece if you have to explain the concept word for word.

[Cuddlefish]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

You don't have to hide it anymore. It's dangerous and self-destructive to do so. Go ahead, say it loud, say it proud: I AM HERE, AND I CARE!

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

You don't have to hide it anymore. It's dangerous and self-destructive to do so. Go ahead, say it loud, say it proud: I AM HERE, AND I CARE!

I WAS BORN THIS WAY!

[Cuddlefish]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

You don't have to hide it anymore. It's dangerous and self-destructive to do so. Go ahead, say it loud, say it proud: I AM HERE, AND I CARE!

I WAS BORN THIS WAY!

YES!!! BIG-OPTIMISTIC-DANCE-PARTY!!!!

[Doktor Howl]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

You don't have to hide it anymore. It's dangerous and self-destructive to do so. Go ahead, say it loud, say it proud: I AM HERE, AND I CARE!

I WAS BORN THIS WAY!

YES!!! BIG-OPTIMISTIC-DANCE-PARTY!!!!

JOEY KAPLAN DANCE PARTIES, INC APPROVES!

[ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞]

It's OK, Dimo. I'm an optimist too.

I try to hide it, but it just won't stay down.

You don't have to hide it anymore. It's dangerous and self-destructive to do so. Go ahead, say it loud, say it proud: I AM HERE, AND I CARE!

I WAS BORN THIS WAY!

YES!!! BIG-OPTIMISTIC-DANCE-PARTY!!!!

It's people like you that are tearing apart the fabric that this country's roots were founded on.

[Cramulus]