Me NaBloPoMo

My Blog, My Block, My Porch, My Thoughts

In the past couple of weeks I have come across a few incidents in Bloggerville and Twitterland where people have gotten a little catty with one another and for lack of better words a little “bullyish” if you ask me. Someone doesn’t agree with what someone else tweeted or wrote about on their blog and commenced an all out attack against the person. Seriously? I just don’t get it. I consider myself the type of individual who respects that we all have different viewpoints, upbringings, morals, values etc. and although I may not agree with you I don’t feel it is my place to condemn you for decisions you make regarding yourself, your children and your family.

I was born and mostly raised in Washington D.C. I have fond memories of sitting on the stoop with my grandma, or jumping double dutch on my block. There was an unsaid code of conduct that said you never went on anyone else’s block and talked trash or came on their steps starting trouble. It was a respect thing, and I look at blogging the same way. In my opinion people have a right in this world to feel what they feel and if blogging is their outlet of choice they have a right to say what they want on their block/porch if you will. Agreeing to disagree is acceptable, that is what comments are for, but some people just don’t know when to leave well enough alone.

Don’t get me wrong, I have read blog posts that made me want to cringe, but I have a little red x in the upper right hand corner of my screen and I exercise my use of it frequently. It is sad we live in a world overrun with stereotypes, racism, wealth disparities, I need not go on but it is a reality and with that realization I know that I only have control of the things that I say. If I truly want to set an example and make some sort of difference in the lives of my children I have to lead by example, teach them right and rise above the ignorance of this world. I must let my children know what will face them, but I will also teach them there is a sense of respect that we owe others whether we agree with them or not and forcing our beliefs and thoughts on them is not the most effective way of influencing the change needed to change mindsets and improve relationships.

What are your thoughts? I give you permission “this one time” to come on my block and disagree with me.. J/K!!

10 Comments

  • Reply
    New York State of Mom
    November 9, 2010 at 10:48 pm

    I grew up with the same creed here in Brooklyn, you don't go to someone's block, projects, or stoop and start trouble it's just something you DON'T do! A lot of people can't keep their opinions to themselves, I've learned and this is why alot of that cattiness starts. I'm with you, use that little X in the corner and be done with it.

  • Reply
    Laila
    November 10, 2010 at 5:40 am

    Now the nosy side of me wants to know what happened!? lol.

    But I agree, I call it e-gangsta. Folks do a lot of stuff online that they wouldn't do in real life, sad put true. :-/ And sometimes I think it comes with the territory of exposing parts of your life online. Not everyone is going to agree with your or support you. You have the right to engage or ignore.

  • Reply
    Lisa Fergus
    November 10, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I AGREE with you!!! I think of this blogger world as a little family that already has so much in common. Most of my experiences have been positive, and I love a lot of the people I have "met" online.
    It really is crummy when people come at you aggressively for telling your story/opinion/view point. I have had this happen to me, but what can you do?!
    Lead by example is the best idea! You can't control other people, but you can control yourself and the way you react!

  • Reply
    Rose's Daughter
    November 10, 2010 at 8:33 am

    I grew up in DC, so I know exactly what you are talking about. Blogland and Twitterville breeds folks who write things they wouldn't dare write or say in real life. Like Laila said, e gangstas.
    If I don't agree with what someone writes, I just move on. Unless it's just truely ignorance. Even then, I disagree respectfully. And usually follow it up by saying something nice.

  • Reply
    YUMMama
    November 10, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Yes, some people do take it too far. Seriously, this is just the internet. These same people who get hyped over stuff on Twitter, Facebook and blogs don't get that hyped over stuff that happens in their personal lives. The energy they waste over a tweet could be better used voicing their opinion on political issues like health care reform and budget cuts.

  • Reply
    Erika at BluLabel Bungalow
    November 10, 2010 at 10:00 am

    You said that. I need to copy and paste this to twitter, but of course we're only allowed 140 characters. Guess, I'll share the link instead. So eloquent in your words.

  • Reply
    GG
    November 10, 2010 at 11:02 am

    lol @ e-gangsta! Loves it. I love the anonymity of the internet because it allows me to be less shy than I am in real life. HOWEVER, many people abuse that and say outlandish/rude/inapprop/catty things on social media. These kind of people are the ones who just look for drama and conflict wherever they go.

  • Reply
    Shandra Ward for Signature Style
    November 10, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    SAY IT SISTA! Use the "X" button on the e-gangstas… (I like that)

  • Reply
    BESOS LYNN
    November 10, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    I definetly think people go too far. Can't we all just get along, no? Well, we can all use our manners and be respectful at least. I agree we have way too many e-gangster floating around.
    Great commentary!
    besoslynn.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Christina
    November 11, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    I couldn't agree more. People just have no manners online.And the hypocrisy? Don't get me started on that. smh.

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