To Tweet or Not to Tweet
"Even if the speakers weren't thumping I wouldn't be able
to hear myself think with all this deafening noise!" - Blog Writer
In the blog post Heal The Pain, this blog writer briefly brushed upon the subject of the role and impact that social media sites play in our daily lives. This week I found myself at a particular crossroad as tension between pop, music icon George Michael's fans continued to flare on the social networking site Twitter. Since, the reemergence of Fadi Fawaz onto the Twitter canvas the combination of the fine art photographer's cryptic tweets and offensive responses to those tweets have produced a picture that is seemingly distorted and out of focus.
It is a primal instinct to protect oneself when one
feels scared, attacked or provoked.
When this blog writer decided to share her story it was important to her that this body of work remain authentic and representative of her core values. With the overwhelming popularity of this blog and its strong presence on Twitter also comes a duty to be socially responsible. Social responsibility is an ethical framework and suggests that an individual has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. This responsibility can be passive, by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals.
This blog writer had conveyed to you in Rivalry & Unity that she had spent a considerable amount of time in the trenches of some of the most highly contentious "battle of words" between Michael's fans. I came to the realization, one day, that not only were the comment threads the wrong vehicle to deliver powerful messages of tolerance and empathy but also my participation in the "debates" although as well intended as they were only continued to fuel the fire. If, it's unification that Michael's fans truly wish to attain then each of you must come to this realization on your own.
If that message doesn't appeal to your good senses then ask yourselves,
what will all your efforts matter in twelve months time?
Lovelies Stand United For Alex
Sadly, Alex Georgiou, George Michael's cousin, continues to be targeted by hateful comments directed at him for being more vocal in recent weeks. The past few days, in particular. have been difficult for myself to digest and quite frankly have struck a nerve. As previously stated, Georgiou's comments come from a place of loss, grief and hurt. Irregardless of the nature of Georgiou's comments attacking a grieving family member is about as low as anyone can stoop. Although, I choose to not publicly shame the entity responsible for these reprehensible attacks please be aware that your demeaning and offensive tweets are available for the public's perusal.
Choosing to defend someone is noble don't get me wrong because I've been there myself but there has to be a better way than what you've put out there for public consumption. Use YOUR platform to defend if you're so inclined but also try using it to UNITE rather than to DIVIDE. Read back through your tweets what example are you setting for not only your followers but society-at-large? Your stance is that cyber bullying is wrong but what are you doing in turn? Words have the power to both sooth and wound everyone should think twice before they click Tweet.
This blog writer has been even handed while recounting her story, thus far,
but other people have to do their part as well.
A note of thanks to the many Lovelies who UNITED to send a loud and clear message that attacking a grieving family member will not be tolerated. Look at what we've achieved and look ahead to what can be achieved because it is within reach. Please listen, if you choose to participate in debate it doesn't have to be ugly: you can open closed minds by appealing to their senses and being respectful towards one another. This blog writer firmly believes in and respects one's right to voice their opinion and observes their right to freedom of speech.
This Weeks Poll Question:
Five Lovelies were asked the following:
Have you participated in a battle(s) of words between GM fans and if so state what compelled you to do so? If you have stopped debating what triggered that decision?
Lovely #1:
"Normally I don't go into battles with people. Only if I think things are going too far. I had battles with some over the choice of partners of GM. A few said at the time who was good for GM and not. It's like they were saying with who George should/could have a relationship with. At the time he was still alive. I told those people that GM is a grown man who can decide for himself who he chooses to love. Who are we to decide that for him. I always respected George's choices and the main thing for me was that he was happy."
"Then of course when George died there were many horrible tweets towards Fadi which caused horrible discussions between GM fans. People started judging before they even knew the test results. Things started to get out of control. I had battles of words with a lot of people than. Some of them were people I did follow for quiet some time. I couldn't take the hatred anymore that I decided to block most of those haters."
"Things have become way worse on Twitter since George died and I am at a point that I'm not going in discussions anymore with people. I still see hateful tweets from all sides on my timeline between Lovelies, towards Alex or Fadi. Let's just say I'm disappointed in many."
"The only thing we should do is keeping George's legacy alive and that is what I am and will continue to do."
Lovely #2:
"I didn't participate in any word battle at all other than that I interfered to encourage calmness and a broader, more open view as I think it's necessary to see both sides of a story and even the grey zone between."
"The decision that stopped me from being a mediator is quite simple ... I was more than fed up to be forced to choose for the only right side according to the majority. Although there's said to agree to disagree ... in practice you're getting stigmatized and I really don't feel up to that at all and so for the time being I'm abstaining from my 6 yr twitter presence."
Lovely #3:
"The answer would be no. I haven't engaged in a war of words between lovelies. I was bullied by one here due to the fact I didn't agree with her hateful tweets towards FF." Fadi Fawaz
Lovely #4:
"Never have only if they rude to me then I tell em to piss right off! Ha ha! I have spoken out when Fadi gets nasty comments and have had his back .. that's aĺl, Always very grateful for GM fans."
Lovely #5:
"I've only had one disagreement and to be honest I'm not sure exactly what it was about the GM fan took exception to me having a discussion with another fan about her meeting George. In my opinion it was like a jealousy that anyone knew any information that she didn't know. There can almost be a competition who knew him better or who had better photos but I only find this in certain fans."
If you've liked what you've read please share with you friends and followers. Until the next time please be kind to each other. xx
