On The Selectivity Of All Human Society

Human society is selective. A few days ago, someone said probably the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Well, not really, but I've been buzzing about the implications of that statement for a while now.

He said he hated invitations because they were exclusive. Innocent-sounding enough, I know, but c'mon. Everything is exclusive, and if you don't see that you're living in a different world than I am.

People have choices: they can choose who they associate with and who—whether because of geniune loathing or simple lack of time—they don't associate with. That's how everything works. Anyone who really would invite anyone anywhere, regardless of their guest's personality (or, a more cynical Dan might say, appearance) is definitely foolish and probably a bit unhappy. Don't we all eat our favorite flavors of Starbust first?

Some people, like the hilariously extroverted Jeremy, seem to associate with people without judging them, giving everyone equal oppurtunity. But even Jeremy is exclusive- he chooses to associate with people in his immediate area, instead of calling random Floridian numbers and making plans with strangers across the country. Even Jesus was exclusive: only twelve people got to be his apostles.

So there it is: reality. I think I've especially judgemental, but so is everyone else. Various factors—location, interests, social skills, odor, affibility, etc— make some people better to hang out with than others. So ragging on invitations, which merely record unstated preferences, is completely moronic.