I've been seeing a trend lately among other bloggers, social media users and commenters and frankly, it needs to stop. Maybe it's because it's winter and everyone is cranky without their vitamin D. I'd love to give these folks the benefit of the doubt here. But it seems that there is so much negativity going around right now and lashing out at others that it's become common place. Even if you aren't a kid, cyber bullying is still a real thing.
When I read comments about someone being attacked for something they posted. Their belief in a certain religion, a certain hobby, dieting. It just makes me sad. There is absolutely no reason to attack someone because your opinion differs from theirs. None. Period. It's not even a discussion, it's the way it is kids.
Recently I have read posts about someone being verbally berated for learning to love the body they are in, for people being bashed over their religious beliefs, for people being harassed over their healthy and non-self destructive hobbies and for people who try to help others but get swept up in the competitive world of blogging and owning an online shop. Is this really how someone wants to represent themselves to others? As a bully. As someone who likes to hide behind an anonymous post and spray hate all over someone else. That persons lifestyle does not affect your own. If you don't like what they have to say, you don't have to read them. It's commonsense.
They don't believe in your religion, live and let live and do unto others my friends. They can sort it out with whatever higher power they choose when their time comes.
They have a hobby you find strange? So what. Is it affecting your personally? No? Then stop it.
They have an online shop and work from home knitting, sewing or whatever? Stop telling them to go to work and find a real job. Stay at home moms work hard. Daycare is expensive and most people work JUST TO PAY FOR DAYCARE. Some people have medical problems you may not be aware of and they don't plaster all over the Internet. Some people have depression and anxiety issues.
The point is, you don't know. Keeping your opinion to yourself is usually the best course of action here. Especially if you are about to be insensitive, ignorant, judgmental, rude...you get it. It's like Mad Libs for mean kids. Insert your own negative action [here].
Stop bringing each other down and stop competing. It's life. It's not a race and riding your high horse all the way to finish line doesn't get you a prize at the end.
I wrote a post about this last week and couldn't agree more. Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWhat's your blog? I'd love to check it out!
DeleteI agree, let '13 be the year for encouraging each other, building each other up and cheerleading (even when you're jealous), not this silly pettiness! Life's too short to have to defend your personal opinions!
ReplyDeletep.s. I think you're lovely Jessica :)
p.p.s. yes, I am trying to be nicer, how did you tell?
Thank you! I went to check out your blog and realized I already subscribe to it. That dresser came out beautifully.
DeleteAmen Sister! There has been an outbreak of meanness in Blogland and it makes me ill! What ever happened to the golden rule?
ReplyDeleteI don't know but if there Grandmother's knew how they were acting I bet a lot of people would get a big talking to.
DeleteAmen..sometimes anonymity gets people too wound up. :) p.s. loved your defense of SAHM!! Couldn't agree more!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not a SAHM, but I do know sever and how much work is actually involved. Especially for the multiple child and special needs SAHMs. I am exhausted by running my own business and working from home and all I have are high maintenance puppies. The increase of having to take care of 1+ children too. Props to you all and many high fives and glasses of wine!
DeleteGreat post, Jessica. I have been lucky and personally haven't encountered much negativity in the blogging world, but it hurts my heart to think people can be so cruel to belittle others for their life choices. I'm really glad you wrote this post!
ReplyDeleteIt just really makes no sense why people do this. it's almost as though they are desensitized because they don't know these people and because they physically aren't in front of them. The person on the other end of your comment is real and has feelings. They are someone's mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, friend....someone values them and cares about them and you wouldn't want that to happen to someone you care about. There is just a big lack of common courtesy.
DeleteI couldn't agree more! This was a great post <3
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Wouldn't the world be such a better place if all the negative time & energy were spent doing something good?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I found your blog via Lu & Ed!