Yet another pretentious title. This time a quote from Khang Kijarro Nguyen. It doesn't really fit the subject matter intended for this post, which was "context". However, I really liked the quote and I realise now it might even prove useful as the inspiration for another, later post - but that can wait.
This post about context was inspired by listening to an old, favourite song of mine. The lyrics are quite poetic and symbolic and the song has a particular theme. To an old fan like myself, remembering the song from when the artist was young and newly famous, the meaning of the lyrics is obvious. However, as is the way with songwriters, they are often asked to explain lyrics and themes 10, 20, 25 or even more years after the writing of the song. The artist now gives a completely different explanation of the meaning when asked. Does this mean the original intepretation is wrong? Has the artist's understanding improved and changed the nature of the song? Not necessarily.
When the artist was young, they were more radical in their thinking with fewer ties to the establishment. Their lyrics at that time, therefore, could be more radical, too. As the client aged, they settled down and simultaneously became more accepted by the mainstream. Likely, they may have kept their radical ideas, but now offending the establishment has more serious repercussions for them. As such, they rephrase or reimagine their lyrics to better suit their new, wider audience demographic.
The same situation can arise for heathen public figures and speakers. Each has their own opinions and agendas. But what they say at any given time will be phrased to suit the audience to which they are currently speaking. With trusted friends and hearth mates, a person is more likely to be candid and speak from their heart. In these gatherings it is easier to speak one's mind. With a more hostile audience, statements by necessity must be more guarded. Similarly, a young, up and coming heathen will likely make bolder statements or question the status quo. Those who have forged themselves positions of authority within contemporary heathenry have more at stake and so will likely be more reluctant to upset their peers.
Folkish heathens use this knowledge of context and preaching to their audiences to great effect. When in the company of universalist heathens, they will toe the line and avoid doing or saying anything to out themselves as being exclusionary in their beliefs. When they feel they are on "home turf", however, this is when they feel safer broaching the subject of race, gender roles, alt-right organisations, et cetera.
It is easy for almost anyone to pretend to be "a nice person" for the duration of the first dozen or so online interactions. Be careful to whom you pledge yourself. No-one should question your desire to be sure of the people you stand with. That is a very heathen thing. Pledge your troth only after very careful consideration. You should be reluctant to make any kind of promise or oath in haste, as our gods will hold you to those oaths, no matter how detrimental they turn out to be - for yourself or those around you.
