The weight of words.

Last night, I got into one of the strangest arguments I've ever been in. Bar none.

So a few days ago, I put a Facebook status up that was (apparently) quite controversial. It stated "If you're over the age of 8 and look down right now to see a Pooh Bear Tee Shirt, take it off, STAT." It was intended to be funny, and opened up a dialoge between some friends about what is acceptable to wear at a certain age, and what is not. Some further comments were made by friends about thongs, sweats with words on the azz, etc.

It was funny.

At least, I thought so.

Apparently it wasn't.

An obscure relative (an Aunt I've only technically seen 8 to 10 times in my life, and primarily at the funerals of relatives that she actually likes--which isn't everyone, mind you.) was very upset with my words. She Facebook yelled at me. And quoted the bible (In regards to a Pooh Bear Tee Shirt post. No, really.) and told me that because I want to use words for a living (be a writer) I need to prelude my sarcastic comments with things like: I'm joking, or I don't really feel this way, etc. Because my words carry weight. She also added that God said she could wear anything she wanted. Oh, and then she went completely off-topic and brought up a different Aunt who is currently fighting for her life, and waiting for a liver/kidney transplant.

How does this pertain to Disney Tee Shirts?

Nobody knows.

Like I said, it was strange. But she was livid.

Okay, so the bottom line is: I got UN-friended on Facebook by her. My own Aunt UN-friended me over a Pooh Bear Tee shirt!

Now, I've been in more than my fair share of arguments before. And I've been UN-friended without warning for making jokes before. (Believe me, sometimes it's been more of a blessing than a curse.) But never have I been UN-friended by a relative over..............................a Pooh Bear Tee Shirt. I've been called out for making jokes that aren't funny, or making jokes about someone that were below the belt, and making jokes that were crude, or making jokes that are politically unsavvy, and making jokes that are distasteful. But never have I been called out for making a joke about...................................a Pooh Bear Tee Shirt.

Am I the only one who sees the absurdity in this? Of all the stupid, wisecracking stuff I've said over the years, THIS was what did it? THIS was what pushed her too far? A Pooh Bear Tee Shirt joke?

Even as I type this, I can't help but giggle. But then I stop and scratch my head. I'm not sure what to make of it.

I can honestly say that I am glad it was an obscure relative that UN-friended me, instead of the ones I am remotely close too. I happen to really dig some of them. And I can also say that my loyalty or concern for the other Aunt who is very sick right now isn't remotely weakened by my distaste for Pooh Bear Tee Shirts. In fact, I don't think my sick Aunt is a big Pooh Bear fan at all. Though she is a big fan of a good joke. It was a little bit insulting and below the belt to connect the two subjects (Pooh Bear shirts and my sick Aunt). I think maybe my obscure Aunt might have been drunk last night. One would have to be in order to have said such dumb things. Let's hope.

So anyway, I go into my Tuesday lighter by one less Facebook friend. The lesson to be learned from all of this: Never make fun of cartoon character tee shirts unless you are fully prepared to face the consequences. Period. Apparently there are rabid Disney fans out there that will lose their sh*t, if you insult them.

Oh, and P.S. I am literally wearing a Snoopy shirt right now. I never take myself very seriously.

Brooke Moss.