Whenever people seem to see someone who is extremely talented, or somebody who's an intimidating figure, or an individual with command of a situation, or group, usually the term "Badass" is applied to that person. Even something that people see, they will cite as being "Badass" such as a movie, or even describing a song. "Badass" is not technically a word but a combo of two, that has been added to our American lexicon as another acknowledgement of reverence for someone or something. People shake their head in awe and say, "Wow that was Badass!" , or "He/She is such a Badass." It has become a term of endearment or respect unfortunately to some who deserve neither. Why do I say that? Because I believe that term can be widened to encompass a broader spectrum because that term should be another way of saying
"TCB", and only those taking care of business should get to be called "Badasses", no matter what that business is..
There are two types of people in this world. 1)Those who talk about what they will do, can do, or are doing, and in reality aren't doing "it" at all, and 2)Those that say nothing and do it. There are distinct differences that are worthy to point out.
Those that talk have to alert the world about something they consider noteworthy whether it be a craft, a simple task, or how they manage and conduct themselves in life. They are much too busy to do the things that they talk about, because they are constantly running their mouth trying to tell everyone how much of a Badass they are, and how they deserve respect. All the while, the things they do are incomplete attempts, half ass approaches, or unfocused forays into things where they worry about watching and controlling what other people are doing, rather than how to develop themselves and their skills or tasks into the best they can be. What they do may in fact be pretty good, but because they talk about it so much, and can't get out of their own way, it never makes its full potential. Muhammad Ali was one of the only people to be able to get away with that, because it was done tongue in cheek to garner media attention. Behind the scenes and smack talk, the man trained ferociously in order to back up his claims. Otherwise most who constantly run their mouths are lacking in humility, and the true concept of what needs to be achieved, and how much focus it takes to achieve it. Respect has to be earned in whatever endeavor one takes, and it drives the talker nuts that they don't have mass amounts of respect being showered their way. They are far more concerned with achieving respect from others, than putting their head down and performing the task or skill necessary, or tackling the core problem that faces them. To them, their reward is the adulation of others, and the instant gratification of pats on the back for short term accomplishments. they will never be satisfied, and will continue to talk, and try to please everyone in order to be liked, or feared, or respected, and give everyone the illusion that they are a "Badass."
Then there is the person that does it. Without fanfare, without trash talk, and without even stating what their goal is. They don't have to. Actions speak volumes, and the notion of talking a big game is foreign to them. Not only foreign, but time consuming. They have way more important business to take care of than trying to explain why they should be considered a Badass. the reward for such an individual is the journey of the mission. What transpires during the process is just as important as the end result, and the focus is on the increments, and big picture. The doers state that they will do something, and then you won't hear from them because they are doing what they said. They believe that the proof is in the pudding, and are not worried about what people perceive of them, because they have something more important in their grasp. Because of their actions, and how they take care of business, they earn respect, admiration, and yes, the title of "Badass."
Mind you, it is not an easy task to do anything of value. Anything worth working for is just that...Work. Whether you be an artist, musician, athlete, doctor, businessman, activist, or parent... Whether you take on a job, challenge, or cause, being a Badass is possible because if you take care of business, and focus, and do the things you say you are going to do, you will garner respect for your sheer will, effort, and results. To me, Badass isn't a negative term. It applies to all who approach what they do with tenacity, and perseverance. Those who have weathered storms of disappointment, tribulations, and people telling them that they can't. A Badass comes out on top, fights, and doesn't follow anyone's lead. They don't worry about popularity, or petty things like someone's approval. They do what they do, and worry about how to do it to the best of their abilities.
A man or woman who goes to work everyday to make an honest living, and supports their family is a Badass..A teacher who takes the time to stay after school to give help to her students is a Badass. A social worker that tries their best to help people out of their problems and poverty is a Badass. An athlete who gives 100% every day, and doesn't mouth off whenever there is a mic in front of him is a Badass. The musician who works hard at their craft every day, and does their talking on the stage is a Badass. A person in the armed services protecting this country is immediately a Badass. There is a Badass in all of us, and if you just shut up, and do what you say you will do, stop whining, and take charge of your destiny, you will earn the respect of others without trying. Most importantly, by this applying this approach, you are respecting yourself and others around you by accepting the responsibility of what you can control outright. Being a Badass takes years of mistakes, growth, setbacks, and learning. Carrying the scars of whatever battles they fight, they press on with confidence in their abilities, and what they stand for. And most of all, they just shut up and do it. Because that's what is inside them. Taking care of business is what makes them tick.
So the next time you think about applying the term "Badass" to someone, think to yourself, "Is that person TCB?" "Did that person do it to the fullest of their ability no matter what?" "Is that person in charge of themselves and their corner of the universe?" If the answers are yes, then that title can be applied. If there is idiocy, "clownage" (new word also) hesitation about getting things done, or straddling the fence on how they conduct themselves, then you might want to lay back and wait to see if they can earn that title in the future.
Oh and by the way..My Grandparents were the best and toughest Badasses that I have ever met, or will probably ever meet. I hope one day I can raise my game up to the standards that they upheld for years. Their motto was Take care of business, and do it right, whatever you do..'Nuff said. That statement is just Badass!
