No Really, You’re Too Kind
What a lovely morning. I woke up far too early (anxiety, no doubt), I spent most of an hour deleting spam from the comments database, then I got an email from a helpful reader (it is just barely possible that some of you can guess which one) who was worried that I might not realize that the signatories of the letter about ‘Christianophobia’ in the Telegraph were loopy. Apparently this reader, who reads B&W regularly and often and has done so for a longish time, thought that perhaps I posted that link because I approved of the letter and the signatories, or that while I might be a little doubtful about their stance I was perhaps not doubtful enough – that I didn’t grasp quite how loopy they actually are. Thus worried, this helpful reader kindly and helpfully told me that they are, in fact, seriously loopy, and dangerous nutters. Ah. Oh. I had no idea. I’m all of a heap. I thought they were quite sound and sensible, of course. Obviously. Naturally. What else would I think? It must be obvious in every word on B&W that I go in for a credulous trusting sentimental attitude toward all religious believers, and particularly ones who are writing letters to newspapers advertising their indignation at not being allowed to persecute gays.
So I was terrifically grateful to have it explained to me (in easy words) that no, these were naughty silly loopy dangerous people. I do love being helped and guided, I do love having my tottering steps carefully steered away from the precipice. So I shot back a grateful reply. And the dear faithful perceptive reader replied in turn, saying that the reader realized I probably knew at least some of their insanities, but was still not sure if I do realise just how insidious these people are (hence the kind assistance), and suggesting that I should save my sarcasm for the believers. So I shot back another reply, a less sarcastic and more literal one this time, laced with a swear word or two. It’s hilarious, in a way, but it’s also very irritating, and I’m in a foul temper today, so in a mood to mix sarcasm with violence and bad language. So watch it.
While it’s true that The Complete Naff Guide (1982) didn’t accomplish nearly as much as it deserved and was intended to, it would be nice of its authors collaborated on a guide to online debating etiquette. Some people (self-included) sometimes don’t realize how aggressive, insulting and–except as they exemplify a desperate attempt to morally hierarchize all of humanity, one post at a time–content-free their rantings and correspondences really are. You might have been too kind to send not one, but two, replies to his/her e-mail.
Well at least I post a warning when I’m in a foul temper and apt to reach for the swear words. I’m helpful like that.
You’re at your most lovable when you’re like this. You have to admit that those who annoy us have a large hand in making us the interesting people that we are.
I so hope that I’m not that one of the annoyers.
We all annoy Ophelia sometimes, I’m sure. I for one send her far too many e-mails based on my websurfing. As well as undertaking nasty flame wars.
I’m not lovable! I’m frightening!
Aren’t I?
You can be both!
Remember what a wise man said: “In my experience it is difficult for a man who is attracted to a woman not to find her cute, rather than intimidating, when she gets angry.”
Ophelia,
I called you lovable primarily because I could strongly relate to your feeling of annoyance, and was admiring your skill at expressing it.
I have no doubt that you could be frightening to the irrational and unthinking.
Ah yes, Tea, very true about what wise man said. That line stuck in my mind too.
GT – no, wrong. I was at my best in that one. You weren’t, but I was. Don’t try that ‘neither of us was at our best’ crap on me.
The nutters scare me too, that’s why I keep paying attention to them, isn’t it!
Could be worse – imagine being a moderator on “Comment is Free”… what on earth would you tell your grandchildren ?
It could always be worse. That’s such a comfort.
This may cheer you up – I reckon it should be printed off and handed out on street corners, and people forced to take an examination on it before being allowed to blog.
http://www.skidmore.edu/salmagundi/halliday.htm
And of course, they are a “faith grouping” – ugh.
I misread that as, “And of course, they are ‘faith groping'”. Euuugh. Must go scrub my brain now.
Thanks for that link, Nick.
Halliday really is quite brilliant.
Ah – if I’d clicked on Nick’s link I would have seen the Halliday piece sooner. Um – I was in a hurry that day.
It does indeed cheer me up. Or not cheer me up, because I’m already cheerful, bad mood of other day was a mere blip; but it does encourage and inspire. Great stuff.