Sheeple

 

I don’t often get political, but again, something has gotten stuck in my craw. Over the past couple weeks I have come across the word sheeple several times. Merriam-Webster defines sheeple as people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced. It is normally meant for those that believe what they are told without finding out the facts or doing any study. It comes from the very nature of sheep who tend to follow the group from place to place. In many cases the reference is well placed. We as a people have often been deluded by smooth-talking adds, promises, and especially politicians. It generally has a derogatory meaning.

The disconcerting element here is that it is now often being used for anyone who decides to be a law abiding citizen. It kind of reminds me of the “Hippie” movement in the 60’s. (Ya, I’m that old.) “Don’t let the Man tell you what to do! Stick it to the Man.” I also noticed this during the Covid era. Even if you did your due diligence, studied the data, and made an informed decision, if you ”took the jab” you were called a sheeple. Honestly, I remember both sides throwing the term around at each other.

 Recently I read a post of one guy complaining about Fish and Game checking for fish limits & fishing licenses. He said something to the effect of, “When are you sheeple going to stand up against these bullies?” Seriously? Um, It’s actually their job. They are there to help preserve the fishery. Since when did obeying the law make us sheeple?

Yesterday I was reading about the golden mussel problem we are facing in central California. Again, there were several outspoken voices saying, “They don’t have any right to do boat checks”, “It won’t make a difference” and other, can I say, less educated statements. I’ve been through boat checks. They do take time away from fishing. It can be boring waiting. But it can make a difference. Following the law is not the same as being a true, mindless sheeple.

The Bible calls us sheep. In fact, it says we have a tendency to go astray. That’s why we need The Good Shepherd. If I am following the Good Shepherd, I will always end up in the right place, no matter what happens in between. I don’t mind being a sheep. In fact the other option is either a goat or a wolf. And you know what the Bible has to say about those…