Okay.
This whole thing has gotten quite out of hand, imo.
On the world wide web, there are people who
- represent themselves truthfully
- seek companionship and friendship, advice or empathy
- make sincere efforts to contribute to a discussion group or club
- assume false identities, false genders, sexual orientation, etc.
- are lonely sociopaths who are experimenting with their ability to affect other peoples' emotions or reactions
- people trafficking in child porn, drugs, or routine "con" opportunities
- outright criminals who pose serious threats to certain trusting individuals' security
- seriously deranged people who live in imaginary worlds and who think it is fun to "play" on the internet
This list could go on and on, but perhaps the point is established.....
When I read the few topics I had time for last night, I was tired; it was maybe 11:30 pm? and I had worked a twelve hour day. I have two boys in Jr. High school and am somewhat familiar with how a young person in that age group articulates themself. I couldn't really get a grasp of what "little red bird" was asking for. I probably too hastily posted my initial reaction to the post made by her.
(At the same time, I was impressed with the empathy and support offered to this person. I remember distinctly thinking that a lurker would not be offended by anything that had been previously posted in response to her topic.)
I do not have time to read every topic posted on this board. I work ten hour days. I had not read the threads by this person's mother.
I do not have access to the "chat" feature of this forum. I have not one time felt like it was incumbent upon Simon to accommodate each and every type of system on the face of the earth. Somehow, my life was able to go on without engaging in chat, although at many times I would have liked to have gotten to know people better through this feature. I have made jokes about it, but only in fun. So, unlike many of you, I was completely unfamiliar with concerned mom and her daughter's situation.
On the other hand, I was struck by the contrast between responses to "little red bird" and JohnB123. I was very chagrined with the treatment received by "John" as evidenced in the thread started by Randy Waters re: Human rights violations/press release. John has clearly stated that he is out of patience with people who have not extended him any benefit of any doubt and who have been difficult to interact with.
I also remember "Mario Kempes. My red-flag things went out immediately after reading his initial posting, and I was concerned over how emotionally swayed people were by his entreaties; I did not post any responses to that whole thing, as I chose to wait to see what happened as the plot thickened, so to speak. We all know, I hope, how that thing turned out.
Well. Are we all a little paranoid, now? From who's perspective?I will remain sceptical, as I see fit. When this forum becomes sanitized to the point where such normal scepticism is unacceptable, I will certainly relieve this forum from any contaminating or uncomfortable ideas. If certain individuals cannot tolerate challenge to their agendas, that is fine; but when momentum builds to the point where challenges or concerns are ridiculed, that is way out of the parameters of what I've become accustomed to at jw.com, and I don't think I'll be the only one who will concede they've lost benefit from gaining information here.
I've donated via "PayPal" to this forum even though I live paycheck to paycheck. I don't try to take more than I give in terms of postings. I feel comfortable after several months of fear and dread to post my ideas and defend them if necessary. I'll amend my thinking when new ideas or information calls for such. I try to be dignified, courteous, respectful, and abstain from gratuitous and inflammatory remarks to certain individuals with whom I have disagreements. But I will not get sucked into a requirement for "political correctness" to avoid being bomblasted by certain individuals with "seniority" on this board.
I think the issue is more about MANNERS, and BOUNDARIES, and not so much "paranoia".
Hmmmmmfffffff.
lauralisa
