A discourse on Mopeygoth vs. Perkygoth attitudes, including a reply to a
response by Allison.

Written by Hardrock.

Mopeyness, as opposed to Perkyness, is a more realistic, balanced approach 
to life.

Mopeys and Perkys alike generally recognize the Pain inherent in our 
existence; but the one embraces it as another sensation, another state of 
mind, while the other fears it and attempts to hide from it.

Rather than spending our time running from one fleeting moment of elation to 
the next, never being able to hold on to the wisps of happpiness that 
float by, Mopeys learn to appreciate and revel in all aspects of life ;
rather than trying to create and artificial reality to suit our whims and 
neuroses.

Pain is just a valid a feeling as Happiness.  Feelings of any kind, even 
Pain, is proof that we are still alive, still human.  Indeed, from this 
vantage it is possible to even find joy in Pain, knowing that one is 
still able to feel; much the same way many faiths revel in persecution, 
seeing rejection by the outside world as an indication that one is on the 
True Path.

There are even those who are able to go beyond, finding even Pleasure in 
their pain.  Doing this, they can experience far more Pleasure than those 
who seek only Happiness, for moments of Happiness are brief and 
ephemeral; while Pain is universal and constant.

Those who appear to poke fun at other's Pain are merely finding the 
humour which enables them to cope with a world in which Pain is the only 
given, the only guarantee.  They have come to terms with their Pain, and 
have made it a strenght.  Those who cannot find any humour in Pain have 
not yet come to terms with it; and for them, it is a weakness.

"That which does not kill us, serves to strengthen us."  But this only 
works for those who can take control of their Pain, rather than letting 
their Pain drive them, running ever onward in search of the spectre we 
call Happiness, which is always just out of reach.

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Thus saith Amy B Wegner the Unworthy, in the Year of Our Lord 17 Apr 96 05:53:47 GMT :
> Mopeys generally bring everyone else around them down.  There is a time
> and a place for both Perky and Mopey.  The key is knowing which is
> which, and I suspect the perkies have a better concept of timing (IMHO).

On the contrary, every Perky i have ever known has considered it her 
(i've known no male Perkys) mission in life to "cheer up" anyone who 
doens't walk around with an idiot grin.  Never considering the fact that 
said person may have just had a close friend or family member die.

Mopeys do not "bring everyone else around them down".  Their mopey demeanor 
(which is no more constant than anyone else's) merely serves to remind 
others of the falsity of their forced happiness.

Mopeys -do- know joy.  Mopeys -do- smile.  They may not be as bubbly or 
*bounce*y as others, but that does not preclude being happy in 
themselves.  The *bounce*ing and giggling common to Perkys annoys them, 
not because they are displays of joy; but because they are more often 
not, merely self-delusion by those who see Pain as a completely negative 
thing.