NO ROOM FOR DOUBLE STANDARDS

 Humans are born in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and appearances. Just as discrimination against someone who is less fortunate in their physical appearance is considered harassment, racism, and abuse, bullying someone for their looks, wealth, health, or status is equally abusive.

I recall writing a post on this topic before, yet unfortunately, I continue to observe the same double standard. Some individuals believe that harassing someone who possesses good health, wealth, or physical appearance is acceptable simply because life was not as generous to them.

The bottom line is simple: No, it is not okay. If you believe racism and discrimination are wrong when directed at you, they are equally wrong when directed at others. Facing hardships or being less fortunate in life does not give anyone permission to bully others.

MY STORY, MY WORK, MY TRUTH | Sam Smith, Author

 Since my book Listen to Shoes was published, I have been subjected to continuous investigations, rumors, false allegations, and harassment by certain individuals attempting to claim I did not experience these events myself. They have gone so far as to accuse me of taking someone else's experiences and presenting them as my own.

​This hostility did not end with Listen to Shoes. Following the publication of my book New Year in Pandemic and Without, the same questioning and unwarranted scrutiny continued. In fact, with every book, article, or public talk I release, these relentless accusations follow me.

​In addition to this, I face another form of ongoing harassment: individuals continuously invent a hypothetical "hero"—an imaginary, extremely wealthy man ( Man)—and demand that I confirm various real-life candidates fit this persona. They push the narrative that this imaginary man is the force behind my creative work, my finances, and every step I take in life.

​What remains absurd is that no matter how many times I clarify and state unequivocally that I am the sole person behind my books, articles, and talks, these bullies choose to continue guessing, accusing, and clinging to fiction rather than accepting the simple truth.

FROM INTERVIEW QUESTION TO EMOTIONAL EXPLOITATION | Sam Smith , Author

 We all know that standard interview question: 'What is your greatest weakness?' It is inherently tricky, and in some work environments, hiring managers later use a candidate's answer as a tool to criticize or take advantage of them. Most of us were taught to answer it strategically—by highlighting a personal weakness while explaining how we are actively working to turn it into a strength.

As long as it remains within a normal professional setting, it is manageable. Unfortunately, I have personally experienced a deeply abusive twisting of this concept. My every action, piece of writing, and personal choice was scrutinized and labeled a 'weakness.' The boundaries were completely shattered when my family—my husband and my children—along with my personal interests and hobbies, were framed as flaws. Every time I expressed passion or joy, it was attacked, and I was relentlessly pressured to 'work on it' and turn it into a strength under non-stop, endless criticism.

To make matters worse, those engaging in this behavior play the role of the weak and helpless party when it suits them, demanding that I fix everything without ever asking for outside assistance—not even from legal authorities or law enforcement.

This leaves me asking: Are these people legitimate figures of authority in our lives, or are they simply a group of bullies using double standards to exploit both our weaknesses and our strengths to solve their own problems?

BRIDGING THE GENERATION GAP | Sam Smith , Author

We all know how vital parents are in raising a child, and how deeply a person's character is shaped in the first seven years of life. As children grow up, a gap naturally forms between generations—accelerated by fast-paced technology and a rapidly changing world—so it is only expected that parents and children won't always be on the same page.

What is completely unacceptable, however, is when children belittle their parents because of their appearance, age, financial status, nationality , accent or level of education. We constantly observe schools and communities teaching children not to discriminate against their friends or strangers—but have we ever truly taught them not to discriminate against the very people who gave them life?

LAW, LIES, AND LANGUAGE | Sam Smith , Author

 We are all familiar with the standard warning police give to suspects: 'You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.' Unfortunately, for a long time now, certain bad-faith groups who disregard laws and rules have twisted my every word—mismanipulating lines from my articles, talks, and books to use against me.

The absurd part is that to them, 'a court of law' seems to mean nothing more than a field of sports, exercise, or twisted in-law dynamics, rather than a system of real lawmakers and legal enforcers. In such an abusive environment, it becomes unclear whether their true goal is to sabotage my work, or to sabotage the rule of law itself.

THE ETHICS OF PATIENT CONSENT |Sam Smith, Author

 

NOT BUILT TO MATCH | Sam Smith, Author

The beauty of nature is that everyone is unique—not even identical twins share the same personality, and that diversity is what makes each of us special. Unfortunately, we often see people judging siblings or children based on their family members, assuming that growing up in the same household means they must share the same personality, interests, and tastes.

Reality, however, is far from this assumption. Even brothers and sisters born to the same parents and raised in the same home are fundamentally different. Personality isn't shaped solely by genetics or family environment; it is also influenced by financial circumstances, school experiences, personal relationships, the outside world, and countless other factors. Expecting children to behave identically or share the exact same passions is simply unrealistic.

I have even heard the absurd theory that when a couple lives together for a long time, they "turn into each other" like twins. This is entirely surreal, and holding such expectations often opens the door to verbal abuse, harassment, judgment, and discrimination.

What if, instead of comparing, judging, and forcing people into arbitrary molds, we simply accept everyone for who they truly are?

RESPONSE TO CRICITISM | Sam Smith, Author

 

RESPONSE TO MANIPULATION |Sam Smith, Author

 

BEYOND THE CARRIAGE: EMBRACING THE DIGITAL ERA |Sam Smith, Author

 Today, I want to talk about how work is changing from physical hands-on tasks to digital work. Technology is moving faster than ever. Since the pandemic started, remote work has shown us that we don't have to do everything in person anymore.

After working for many years, one thing is clear to me: technology is not going to stop. Look at how quickly things change. Most of us remember rotary phones, old desktop computers, and heating food over an open fire. Those things disappeared because better, faster tools replaced them. Trying to avoid new technology and believing that "only manual labor is real work" is a fight you can't win.

As an author who works on a computer every day, people sometimes tell me that digital work isn't "real" work compared to physical labor. But think about that logic. Does that mean lawyers, managers, judges, writers, or programmers aren't actually working? Is a physical job the only real job?

The truth is, physical work needs digital work to happen. Without managers, planners, and software creators setting up schedules and organizing systems, physical jobs would come to a stop. Behind almost every physical task, there is a team using smart tools to plan it out.

It is time to stop holding onto the past. Refusing to use modern tools is like insisting on riding a horse and carriage on a highway. Technology doesn't mean people are working less—it just helps us work smarter and live better.

RESPONSE TO PROPAGANDA | Sam Smith, Author

 

RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS REGARDING AGE | Sam Smith, Author

 

CAPABILITY HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE | Sam Smith, Author

This is Sam Smith. For a long time, I have been accused of lying about my age, or faced claims that if my age were true, I shouldn't be capable of writing books, publishing articles, or working with AI—suggesting my work must belong to someone younger.

I am writing this to make a clear statement: I am who I say I am. I refer you to my blog (https://samsmithbook.blogspot.com) and my LinkedIn profile (https://linkedin.com/in/azamdayyan) if you want to know me.

Furthermore, I have noticed a pattern of constant harassment attempting to compare my accomplishments to those of my daughters or my ex-husband. These are clearly not positive comparisons; they are desperate attempts to belittle what I have achieved by claiming anything I earned was solely due to my marriage. To dismiss my value post-separation, critics have even manufactured "before and after" scenarios—critiquing everything from my lifestyle and outfits to my personal habits—to push a false narrative that only people in relationships can overcome obstacles and succeed.

They go even further by creating rumors, lies, and intentional conflicts to make me struggle, all to present themselves as superior simply because they are married or in a relationship. They declare themselves "the one and only" to exaggerate their status and achievements. What is clear to me is that they are clinging to their relationships out of fear of being on their own. By harassing single, separated, and divorced individuals, they try to boost their own self-esteem. In doing so, they even involve innocent children who end up mimicking this bullying behavior. What I have observed is that this persistent abuse has unfortunately become embedded in our culture.

I apologize if you hold a narrow view of what people can achieve and struggle to believe that individuals can accomplish anything they set their minds and effort to, regardless of their age or relationship status. If you need proof of what experience and age can accomplish, simply look at the ages of world leaders and presidents today. Capability has no expiration date.

LISTEN TO MY RECORDED STATEMENT: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT | Sam Smith, Author

 Listen to this recorded statement from me in response to yet another baseless accusation—broadcast radio style.

#media #broadcasting #authorities #TradeWar #canada #USAToday #author #Journalism #accusation #authorities

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ns-fjsU4sFS4wKCkKx-uP7XkCcT_38cw/view?usp=drive_link

I ASKED AI - WILL CANADA AND THE U.S. MAKE A DEAL? | Sam Smith, Author

The high-stakes trade dispute between Canada and the United States has reached a critical juncture. With the implementation of Canadian retaliatory counter-tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $27.6 billion of U.S. goods—matching Washington’s punitive surtaxes on Canadian exports dollar-for-dollar—the economic relationship faces its most severe strain in decades.

While rhetoric from both capitals remains aggressive, an independent structural analysis reveals that a total trade rupture is economically unsustainable for both nations. A negotiated resolution will eventually occur, driven by built-in structural constraints and shared economic vulnerability.

To evaluate how the standoff will resolve, one must look at the differing leverage models of both economies:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                           ECONOMIC LEVERAGE                             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┤
│ CANADA                                  │ UNITED STATES                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────┤
│ • Macroeconomic Exposure: ~70% of       │ • Aggregated GDP Exposure:    │
│   exports flow to the U.S.              │   Low overall percentage      │
│ • Strategic Chokepoints: Heavy crude,   │ • Geographic Vulnerability:   │
│   nickel, aluminum, and electricity     │   High impact on northern and │
│ • Political Position: Broad domestic    │   border-state agricultural   │
│   consensus to defend sovereignty       │   and industrial sectors      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────┘
A final resolution will not be a sudden, total return to unconditional free trade.
Instead, expect a transactional, sector-by-sector de-escalation framework negotiated
around core trade.
Issue Area
Expected Canadian Concession
Expected U.S. Rollback
Agricultural & Food Access
Targeted adjustments to tariff-rate quotas (e.g., dairy or poultry access)
Phase-out of Section 338 and emergency surtaxes on Canadian goods
Digital & Service Policy
Re-alignment or regulatory compromises on digital services frameworks
Carve-outs protecting CUSMA/USMCA-compliant cross-border manufacturing
Border Enforcement
Enhanced supply-chain security and joint cross-border regulatory alignment
Withdrawal of broad threats against aerospace and critical industrial exports

LOVE CAN’T BE GUARDED | Sam Smith, Author

 I understand you, married women and men. Believe me, I was there.

You are trying to hold on to your spouse and keep him or her for yourself. It is normal; it is love. But listen to me as a romance writer who has researched extensively about marriage, divorce, and cheating: holding on to a person who doesn't care about your feelings, and blaming another single man or woman for talking or calling them, is not how you protect your relationship.

You are simply trying to limit your spouse's social and business life, thinking that if you prevent them from talking, doing business, or seeing certain people, your marriage is safe. The answer is no. If a husband or wife truly loves their spouse, they can work, socialize, and interact with both men and women while still caring deeply about their partner's feelings. They will love them unconditionally, regardless of how many other people around are prettier, more educated, or healthier.

If you notice your spouse ignoring your feelings and you try to blame someone else for their actions, you are just making excuses for them. Sooner or later, those excuses run out, and you will realize a part of you has been gone for a long time—all to protect something that did not belong to you in the first place.

I have noticed many couples fighting with outside men or women over simple small talk or business interactions. Some even go further, spreading rumors about single, divorced, or married people who work or talk with their spouse, all in a desperate attempt to save their relationship. You are only trying to hide what is wrong in your own marriage by blaming others and labeling them as bad, flirtatious, or disruptive.

In the end, your relationship will either survive for the rest of your life without true love and care—covered up only by attacking others—or it will suddenly end out of the blue, leaving you surprised. Real love cares about the lover; it does not ignore or hurt them.

ON THE AIR, OFF THE RAILS: WHY CANADA’S PUBLIC RADIO NEEDS ACCOUNTABILITY | Sam Smith, Author

Listen to the recorded address below as I take these issues off the page and speak to you directly on the air.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lb5XxhjZdDJGwxfaIQfrcFiXkg9L208i/view?usp=drive_link

THIS IS WHO I AM, THAT IS WHO YOU ARE | Sam Smith, Author

THE HIDDEN PRICE OF JEALOUSY | Sam Smith, Author

 Competing with others to prove your worth is a game you will never win.

If you are truly at peace with who you are and content with the life you lead, there is zero need to compare your life, your belongings, your relationships, or anything else to someone else’s.

When you live in a constant state of comparison and contest, you might manage to gain similar things or build a similar facade, but it will never bring you genuine happiness. The standards will always move. There will always be someone richer, someone better-looking, someone with a higher-status job, or someone with better health and greater wealth.

If you spend your whole life locked in jealousy and competition, you waste precious energy trying to outdo others—energy that could have been spent enjoying what you already have or improving your life on your own terms.

This hidden competition is deeply unhealthy. It harms your peace of mind, and it strains your relationships with the very people you are trying to outshine.

Stop and think before you act: Are you living your life for yourself, or are you just living it to compete with her?

A FAIR DEAL OR NO DEAL | Sam Smith, Author

As a Canadian writer following the trade negotiations between the United States and Canada, I believe Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to end the negotiations is ultimately in Canada’s best interest. While walking away will inevitably place short-term pressure on Canadian businesses facing new tariffs, maintaining a firm stance is crucial for our long-term economic independence.

​From a protectionist standpoint, President Trump’s strategy of applying steep tariffs to foreign imports is designed to serve his nation's interests. By imposing high taxes on imported goods, his administration aims to direct internal businesses to produce, trade, and purchase domestic products—driving consumers toward American goods because heavily taxed imports struggle to compete on price.

​When it comes to Canada, the U.S. undoubtedly relies on our critical resources. However, as Prime Minister Carney recognized, the current U.S. approach seeks access to these vital supplies at minimal cost or under threat of total ban. By leaving the negotiations to protect Canadian resources, Prime Minister Carney’s "good deal or no deal" approach is the right boundary to draw for Canada.

​Both leaders are doing their best to protect their citizens, but the fundamental difference lies in their execution: the U.S. is doing it at Canada's expense, whereas Canada is acting defensively to protect its national resources.

​Personally, I believe the U.S., by putting too much pressure on Americans, is taking a risk, while having a fair deal with Canada is in its benefit—and Canada should fight for a good deal or no deal.