The other day a neighbour fronted me. ‘Do you know who the new family is in our street?’
‘Haven’t a clue,’ I replied.
‘Members of the Moran family. Remember Melbourne’s gangland Underbelly killings?’
I vaguely recalled the incidents. My neighbour persevered. ‘Trish Moran has moved in with her sons and their kids. One is wearing an ankle monitor. Crime runs in families.’
It turned out the surname name was Moraine, and the son had recently undergone ankle surgery.
‘Only say something about a person if you’d repeat it in front of them.’ Wise words way back from my mother.
‘Think before you speak: is it True? Kind? Necessary?’ – Sunday School message board.
Gossip attracts gossip—spreading juicy morsels comes easily to many of us. If it’s factual is it ok? Is there an aim to do harm or simply spread news?
Is it gossip to discuss another with those we trust when we simply want to vent, air our grievances or obtain a different viewpoint? Much depends on intent. Are we wanting to spread ‘stuff’, offload because we are miffed, perplexed? Or or are we wanting to do damage?
I have been stung when I hear something hurtful or untrue said about me. I’ve come to learn—through age and experience—the messenger can be far more dangerous.
Somewhere in my growing up I also heard: ‘Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.’ This has been quoted differently over time … Socrates? Eleanor Roosevelt?
In so many novels, gossip plays an integral part—to create intrigue or confusion. Jane Austen’s many works come to mind. My Golden Age detective novels are replete with gossip—it enhances plot drama.
In today’s world, social media, AI images, viral true or false messaging and personal photos are daunting.
Loyalty and trustworthiness matter.
Burnside Writers Group 