I never thought I would be defending a trending topic.
Do I agree that #YOLO is dumb? Of course. Saying "you only live once" is a little bit of a "glad you understand the world, dummy" moment. Unless you're a Time Lord, a cat, a person who believes in reincarnation, an inanimate object or some wicked magician, you should know by now that you'll only be living one life.
So why would I defend this? Well, unlike many Twitter trending topics, it is not racist, sexist or homophobic. So, for once I'm saying good game, Internet.
However, the main reason is I sometimes like to say and do silly things. Sometimes, singing popular culture tunes or acting as part of the collective youth culture can be fun, even in a non-ironic way.
That being said, I don't think #YOLO is a philosophy anyone is seriously following. I see it as a fun little fad.
It reminds me of "Hakuna Matata," but without a warthog and a meerkat singing about it. True, people use #YOLO in non-so-innocent ways, but it is generally about worry-free situations.
It's so easy to be overworked and stressed out, so why not just throw your hands up and say #YOLO - as long as the activity isn't being destructive.
While the saying is generally used in an idiotic way, that doesn't mean the people using it are sloppy without any ambition in life. It's alright to put responsibilities on the back burner, to go have fun and let the stress wash away.
Too many people (myself included) can work themselves to death and forget about an important part of a healthy life - mental health. Remember "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"? If shouting "#YOLO" is what keeps you from pulling a "The Shining," then do it.
People are free to say as they please, within a reasonable limit. #YOLO is harmless, unless people are using it to justify committing crimes like drunk driving. Though if they use #YOLO as an excuse, I don't think it's the phrase that is the biggest issue.
I wouldn't say my argument for #YOLO goes as far as a Voltaire statement - that would be too much. But if someone who never has sugar wants to shout "#YOLO" before dipping Oreos in milk, that's OK. If Brutus were to have whispered "#YOLO" in Caesar's ear before stabbing him, I don't think I would have been too upset (kidding). If Nicholas Cage wanted to say he stole the Declaration of Independence because #YOLO, why not?
Like any Internet fad - remember how #KONY2012 was going to be popular forever? - #YOLO will soon join the graveyard with other sayings. Why not ride the fun wave until everyone is annoyed at you? People deserve to remember they're just that - people, not always superheroes that need to focus on helping their community 100 percent of the time. While there are tons of social injustices I'd like to fix, I can't do anything if I'm super stressed. This goes with all of the leaders, not even the president works 24/7.
Anyway, is this not America? Am I not free to say as I please?
You bet your butt I am, as I soar away on the wings of a bald eagle.
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