The phrase is supposed to mean, "not my problem".
I like the literal image (circus and monkeys). The image is quite funny. Also, everyone can relate to situations the phrase can be used. No wonder the phrase went viral.
At the same time, the phrase made me ask myself, .."then, what ARE my circus and monkeys?"
There are some things I get involved in directly. There are some things I can influence on, control, or change. There are things I do professionally or otherwise. There are things I have been trained to be able to handle more efficiently than the untrained.
They are my circus and monkeys.
Is Ebola outbreak my monkey? For now, it is not.
Is a religious fanatic beheading someone my monkey? For now, it is not.
I seldom comment current affairs and news in this blog. Because, I think they are not my monkeys. At least not the monkey I need to take care of with urgency.
Sure, I can offer my opinions. But in many cases, I am not fully informed nor knowledgeable about all the news coming up. Or, I am not in the position to tackle the monkeys firsthand. If I have to base my opinion on some hearsay report about something I am not an expert in, how much can I even back up the opinion? That kind of opinions are useless.
I'm sure this stance is very different from that of trolls. Politicians are in the position to address to people, so they (better) rely on experts, even if they themselves are not very familiar with the monkeys.
This phrase reminds me of the importance of focusing on my own circus and monkeys.
