I stole the term "interweb" from one of my favorite co-workers. He may or may not have coined the phrase, I'm not sure. But it's definitely become the word of choice at our station when referring to the internet. And it's becoming ubiquitous.
At the TV station, we Skype. We Twitter. We Facebook. We have an email account that's open to public comment, and a website that allows our viewers to debate the stories we broadcast around the clock. And debate they do. What I've noticed is, very rarely do they make positive comments. The good (like award-winning political coverage by our fantastic news team) is often drowned out by comments about what our viewers believe is the bad (like improper grammar on a graphic) or the downright ugly(pre-empting golf coverage to air a tornado warning in part of the viewing area).
Away from the station, I've found the same is true in my personal life. Admit it: most of us are guilty of this morbid fascination with the negative. Whether it's devouring the latest tabloid headlines on Jon & Kate's divorce or badmouthing a friend behind her back, we've all engaged in some type of less-than-savory behavior at some point in our pasts. Usually, the negativity comes from people we don't know. When that happens, we try to brush past it and move on. But every once in a while, a comment comes from a friend-- or someone we thought was our friend-- and it brings our world to a screeching halt.
Recently, I found myself the target of such hurtful-- hateful-- words. Really, the comments came as a shock and an affront. At first, it felt like a slap in the face. I was baffled as to what I'd done to deserve such spiteful words. Then I realized: by blogging, I choose to open myself up to the opinions and reactions of others.
I understand my words may not resonate with everyone. But I don't write for you. I write for me. I write this so that I have a healthy outlet to let go of some of the stress of a tough day. I write this so I can share the joys and ironies of motherhood with like-minded or curious people. The only reason I keep it public is because sometimes, it's nice to read comments from people who feel the same way or have been in a similar situation. It's validation for both of us.
You also have a choice. If you don't like what I'm saying or how I'm saying it, don't read. Pass on by, you won't insult me. And if your goal is to insult or wound, then you might as well pass on by anyway. Don't you remember the old child's phrase sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me?
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on Sunday, August 30, 2009
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Negativity like that has always bothered me, and I'm sorry that you were the target of it. I see it a lot in the education world as well. I've found that sometimes positive things in the world of education (teachers doing cool things in classrooms, principals taking new initiatives to help kids graduate, etc.) don't get recognized because something negative gets in the way (like one teacher's inappropriate behavior). You're right though, when you do choose to put yourself out there in public on a blog, in your job, etc., you always run that risk of something negative. I hope this is the last of that for you.
And our news station stories are always full of negative comments too. I'm convinced that all the people out there with something good to say have better things to do with their time than sitting around at home dreaming up hurtful things to say.
I have always felt that my blog was a great outlet, too. But I haven't ever received any mean comments. My feelings on it probably would have changed otherwise. Unfortunately, I do know of some other friends who too have gotten unnecessarily mean comments now and then as well. I guess that's just part of the territory of opening up yourself, but it does suck. I'm sorry!