Growing up in a Mauritian household, gossip was relished as a means of sharing misdeeds. Initially seen as enjoyable, societal views on gossip led to a teenage commitment to privacy. In college, a group of creative peers reignited the thrill of gossip, though the content shifted to academic scandals and personal dramas. The enjoyment stemmed from a sense of belonging and knowledge-sharing. Observing the nuances of gossip revealed differing motivations, some malicious, others protective, or opportunistic in nature.
Gossip was something to be savoured in my Mauritian household, learned young that bad behaviour yielded widespread circulation of misdeeds, often celebrated in communal gatherings.
As a teenager, I realized societal norms frowned upon gossip, leading me to vow for a life of minding my own business, distancing myself from the thrill.
In my twenties, I embraced a new social circle, rediscovering the joy of gossip centered on grad school scandals and the misfortune of others, with camaraderie as a driving force.
I learned to differentiate between types of gossip: some aim to undermine rivals, others seek to protect the reputations of the wronged, or serve as insider information.
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