My problem has been jumping to the defense of other people while naively presuming they’d do the same because they care when they actually don’t, it’s been presuming that others are above censoring the people they get harassed by just as I am, it’s thinking that I’m like other people simply because we share a slightly similar experience from twitter users and bloggers who’ve nothing better to do that fill their time with negative comments about others. My problem is thinking that ‘social justice’ means more than just ‘me and my friends’ to others as it does for me, it’s not wanting revenge on ‘haters’ like others do and being surprised at the behaviour of people I thought better of, it’s presuming others are able to look outwards and not just inwards about harassment they experience like I have.
My problem is other people’s problems. I guess my problem ends today.
Despite our differences, I got your back Hayley. Just email me and I’ll do what I can to help. Or just send the idiots my way, a bit more abuse isn’t gonna make much difference to me
Hi, it’s okay. I got this but thanks
I will always have the backs of BP originals. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
It’s great to support people you think do good work regardless if they recognize you back. But I get what you are saying. Do your own thing. Your true buddies will stick around and be your network.
Oh yes of course, I didn’t mean in that regard. I don’t support people because I expect it back, but there are some instances that are different
“We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know” – W. H. Auden
Hayley,
I’m old…57 years old to be accurate. But, people have told me I was born old. I had a rather difficult childhood, and had to grow up quickly to deal with it. In my 57 years on the planet I have learned this:
People aren’t born good or bad, they are born self-centered (for good evolutionary reason, of course. Self-centeredness is great for survival.
. I don’t think this is a cynical position, it’s a realistic one. But because of this, people get very focused on their own needs and wants, and fail to consider the needs and wants of others. IMO, this lack of empathy for others is the biggest reason why we have seen such ugliness coming from self-proclaimed skeptics and humanists for a while now.
People of integrity, who claim to be skeptics, know that self-skepticism is the most important application of skepticism. And, I think introspection is the most important quality to seek out in friends. Cherish those who are capable of it, and exhibit some humility as a result. Those are the people that can be relied upon in times of trouble. Moreover, they can also be relied upon to give you honest feedback in constructive ways. The friends I have that treat me with empathy, but will do me the great kindness of politely telling me when they think I have messed up, are what I cherish and treasure most.
Good Luck!
+1 yes.
Great, another GirlWritesWhat in the making. -_-
I am sick to the back teeth of your uninformed assumptions and passive aggressive comments about people who don’t have exactly the same thoughts and conclusions about things as you do. I am annoyed at being cast as ‘the bad guy’ in the online pantomime drama that lots of people exist within, and I will not be patronised in comments on my own blog by people who assume to know who I am and what I am about simply from a few words I have written online.
You reacted this way when I was critical of Atheism+, you reacted this way when I was critical of Melody Hensley recently , and now this. Get lost.
If you’re that keen to make judgement about people without clarifying stuff with them, then perhaps you’d do well to read my last blog post, especially the bit where I say:
and
and
That last quote is something you might want to ponder on. Just a thought.
“Great, another GirlWritesWhat in the making. -_-”
What a pathetic comment. Othering, but otherwise empty of content.
Last post as you don’t want me posting here.
I was rude and way over the to over that A+ thing (however weak a defense it might be, you and Rhys didn’t exactly try to make that a discussion. It was literally, if you agree with them fuck you and get lost) but I’m not seeing what I said about you to Melody Hensley being anything you just listed. In fact, I’m not seeing anything specifically about you. It was a very general comment.
I read and commented on one bit I disagreed with a couple days ago.
I’m laughing right now. Not at you but at this situation. I’ll drop the subject. Sorry for the cruel tings I said to you before and I hope you find and keep friends worth keeping.
It’s not that I don’t want you posting here, but your comments have been reactionary.
I would say, it’s difficult when you give a good critique or perhaps suggestions, and people that should trust you as a friend…suddenly turn. The entire A+ thing, I was sure they would want feedback from people that are their target audience. Hey, we’re on YOUR side, and you guys are new, here’s my feedback.
It’s sad when one has gone out of the way to defend someone or some group, and they mistakenly belittle you or your work. I’ve always said Hayley, you are out doing THINGS. The entire faith healing on the streets, I don’t want to hear any skeptic…male of female…complain about how they have been the target of negative comments, and not understand what sort of abuse you had to put up with after you called out the sidewalk faith healers. There is someone sending you nasty emails, and there is the very public reaction people had to your brave actions. The thing I admire about you is you are so much more willing to step out of the “skeptics only zone” and talk to various groups, be interviewed for articles, even be on TV.
If people don’t stand up for you, and don’t GET that you are walking the walk, not just talking the talk…let them fight their own battles. You have the admiration of many, even here in the US. I mentioned you recently and once again someone recognized you from the SI article. The comment they said “That must have taken a lot of guts. Most people wouldn’t take religion on like that.”