But now imagine that instead of recognizing the issue, I gathered a loud, aggressive group to circle around the mess and start yelling at anyone who showed even the slightest discomfort. We’d accuse them of being “poop-a-phobes.” Then the media shows up—not to report the obvious, but to support us. Suddenly, social media erupts with influencers and blue-check accounts defending our right to publicly defecate. Anyone expressing disgust? Instantly labeled a “poop-a-phobe.”

And just to prove how ‘fair’ and ‘inclusive’ everyone is, your favorite sports teams, major brands, and celebrities begin posting supportive messages—photos of poop, hashtags of pride, maybe even a themed month—all to show they stand with me and my proud act of public pooping.

But here’s the thing: just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. Some things are meant to remain private. We don’t need applause or public affirmation for every aspect of our identity or behavior—especially things we’re simply born as or born capable of doing. Not everything is a movement. Not everything deserves a hashtag.

So the next time you feel entitled to public celebration, pause for a second. It’s okay if people are annoyed by you. It’s okay if they’re grossed out or don’t like you. That’s not hate. That’s a normal human response to forced, performative attention-seeking.

Not everyone needs to clap when you walk into the room.