As I sat at the computer and stood in the shower thinking this over numerous times this week, it dawned on me that each interaction with this particular comment poster has brought zero enlightenment to most anyone involved. Maybe I was the one who needed enlightening. Why respond to someone who obviously gains nothing and I only gain more frustration?
I engaged in an exercise that helped me work it through. I copied and pasted all of the comments into a document for review purposes and quickly crafted a response that touched on all the things that were bothering me. Then I saved the document and walked away.
True letting go will be achieved when I hit the delete key and then make sure it's irretrievable.
5 comments:
I can so relate. I often feel this way when I read some of the truly cruel comments left on some of the articles at the Statesman Journal. Because people can be anonymous, they say things they would never, ever say if they were in person. I wish everyone would take that extra moment to re-read and ponder how their comments might make someone else feel. At the end of the day, it should always be about treating each other with respect.
I agree with Amber about the safety in anonymity and blogs in general. It's such a vacuum when one writes a blog and those making comments need to be cognizent that there is a person at the other end receiving these words. The old adage Do unto others....certainly fits in these situations.
Amber and SS, I think that band of commenters on the SJ is one the worst varieties. So toxic. Even though they've crafted a pseudonym and profile for themselves, they're still operating anonymously.
I picture angry, frustrated people, freed of all societal niceties, as they sit at their computers and craft their comments.
It's sad.
I wish the SJ would monitor and delete as needed. They might be surprised at all the people with thoughtful, respectful comments who are waiting in the wings.
Interesting point. We put ourselves out here for comments by having public writing, but it doesn't make hurtful stuff hurt less. We're all still human beings with feelings.
When I set-up a blog for our KG class, the first thing my principal asked was what I planned to do about comments. I explained the many different options of allowing, not allowing or screening comments on blogs. She was surprised to learn each blog has control.
Rebekah, Not long ago my skin was much thinner, now I realize the main problem usually lies with the attacker. But with the age group you work with, I'm not saying anything new, am I?
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