For Crusty Questioners -by Rebekah Shardy
NPR described the late Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes fame as “one of the most famous curmudgeons in American public life.” He was everyone’s grandfather who dispensed judgmental clucks and questioned bothersome realities as he earnestly asked the camera, “Do you ever wonder why…?”
The Free Dictionary defines curmudgeon as “an ill-tempered person, especially one who is habitually stubborn or grouchy.” Harsh, but not as harsh as Merriman Webster, which adds “crusty” and “old man.” Why specifically aged? And why is someone who questions the status quo considered bad-tempered?
Andy delivered his reasoned queries with a mischievous grin.
Sure, I’ve known more than a few curmudgeons among men of years. They’d witnessed bountiful nonsense and were happy to call it out. But I had the same penchant since youth. From an adolescence of skepticism about society, I moved into professional activism where I taught others to challenge authority. I even told my growing son it was not just acceptable, but wise, to question me!
Women like me who push for answers should be called “hermudgeons.” It can be mundane like asking the store clerk if it’s true they change the layout regularly to force us to see and buy more things. Or vitally important as when I testified before County Commissioners regarding the destruction of rivers. If we’re not supposed to probe and challenge, why were our minds designed to do just that?
My rant-slash-question today: Why do drivers with patriotic bumper-stickers in towering trucks tailgate law-abiding drivers who observe the speed limit? Do their convictions stop when they get behind a wheel? I lift a finger (no not that one) to point out the speed limit sign, which they blithely ignore. My choices are to either break the law and drive faster or let Mad Max wannabes veer around me dangerously.
Beloved comedian George Carlin loved to point out contradictions too. A simple observation and a raised eyebrow said more than all the words of all the political pundits. It’s true he was a pessimist. “The mayfly lives only one day. And sometimes, it rains.” But he also pointed out hypocrisy that conformists and rebels both endure. I loved his flair for irony. “When will all the rhetorical questions end?” he mused. Indeed.
Rebekah Shardy is a professional speaker, poet, playwright and author of "Indivisible: Nature, People, Spirit," and "98 Things a Woman Should Do in Her Lifetime." Creating community is her passion. Rebekah lives in Loveland where she cares for her inspiring elder sister, and a vociferous rescued Savannah.