Let’s face it—there are way too many people in this country trying to tell other people what to do. It’s like we’ve entered the age of self-appointed judges, each one convinced that their perception of how others should live is the golden standard. Why does this happen? Probably because we live in luxury, have it too easy, and frankly, people are bored out of their minds. Without enough real problems to solve, some folks seem to fill the void by concocting drama and policing everyone else’s lives.
Here’s the kicker: it’s not even about genuine concern. Most of the time, it’s about patting themselves on the back. Take the “justice warriors” who report farmers to Animal Control because their cows eat grass instead of grain (what else would they eat? Air?), or because livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are outside in the snow (where they’re perfectly suited to be, thank you very much). And pigs being muddy? Heaven forbid they do pig things. Instead of learning about natural animal behavior, these warriors seem to jump straight to indignation, armed with assumptions and a serious lack of research.
And this attitude isn’t limited to the farm—let’s talk about the COVID era. People turning in their neighbors for walking too close at the park, practically coming to blows over masking and social distancing. Communities splintered over debates about pandemic practices, each side certain they were the only ones holding the moral high ground. We didn’t just endure a virus; we endured a wave of judgment so sweeping it could’ve been mistaken for a reality show.
What’s driving all this? One theory: convenience culture. We live in a time when everything is easy, fast, and catered to our every whim. Food at your fingertips, entertainment on demand, and climate-controlled comfort at every turn. But when life gets too easy, people start looking for ways to entertain themselves, and apparently, that includes telling everyone else how they should live. It’s not concern—it’s boredom disguised as righteousness.
Here’s the hard truth: living well doesn’t require us to police our neighbors or force our views down their throats. It requires curiosity, understanding, and respect—values that seem to get tossed aside in favor of finger-pointing and superiority complexes. Want to help? Start by learning. Learn why cows eat grass. Learn why LGDs thrive in snow. Learn why muddy pigs are actually healthy pigs. And maybe, just maybe, leave the farmers, ranchers, and everyday people to handle their own lives while you figure out yours.
We’re all navigating our own challenges, figuring out what works best in the spaces we occupy. It’s not about ignoring real concerns, but about avoiding needless interference based on assumptions. Maybe we should spend less time judging others and more time asking questions, listening, and letting people do what they do best—living their lives.
What do you think about the rise of self-appointed societal referees? Pull up a chair—we’ve got plenty to unpack.
