Diversity19:46 May 27 2008
Times Read: 781
I was reading through the journal of a friend the other day who was talking about the idea that some of her young teenagers had no idea who Indiana Jones was. I was stunned. Then, I saw a picture of a girl who is old enough to be a member of vampire rave at the minimum age, and it brought a lot of thought to me.
Online, typing away on the internet, I can only have a sense of my own self. Things I write come from my point of view. Things I read are translated through my language skills and my own sociological mind-set and programming.
In real life, I know that young teenagers can be, and often are, mouthy little SOB's. I know this because I have nieces and nephews in that age range. The thing is, sassy or not, they are generally good kids. They test limits, they "try" people. But, they are vulnerable, have their feelings easily hurt and generally mean no serious harm. This is why, in real life, I am not offended by teenagers. It's why if they are hanging together in flocks at the mall (or the graveyard) I can smile and remember when I used to do that. It's why when they are challenging to me or my authority as an adult I can stay patient and respond reasonably: I was "that" kid once. I was a class A pain in the ass when I was a young teenager. I'm surprised my parents still talk to me. ;)
That being said, it occurs to me that I can't put every voice I hear in the foums through my own cerebral net. I have to remember that these voices, who may spell poorly, who may be crass, who may say inane or ridiculous things...very likely do not have the life experience or background I have.
If a 13 year old in real life said I was being an asshole, would I respond by telling them all of the ways I thought they were a piece of shit? Certainly not. And therefore, I do not make journal entries about member behavior. Would I tell a person who I could observe in real life to be developmentally disabled that I thought their grammar was bad and their ideas stupid? The very thought of behaving toward someone that way makes me cringe. I wouldn't do it, and therefore need to remember to take steps away from my own ego here and not make the assumption that everyone I speak to is exactly like me. It's a natural and easy thing to do. In fact, "I think, therefore, I am", makes far greater sense in the context of internet interaction than almost anywhere else.
The internet creates a world of self. All of the sensory input we generally rely on for decision making is supplied by our own brains. I have decided it is only rational and moral, for me, that I take this into consideration when I deal with people I do not know. Recognizing that other people have hopes, dreams, and aspirations is the foundation of morality because it is the first thing that takes you outside of yourself.
I am glad to be on a site that allows people to express themselves, even if it is sometimes fantastical, even if it is sometimes on topics that dont resound with me.
I am glad we live in a world full of people different than me.
COMMENTS
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STABB666
20:30 May 27 2008
Aww, admit it, you laugh when some are mocked by others.
But you are right, not every one of them deserves to be hammered down until they have their confidence shattered.
LordVlkodlak
21:00 May 27 2008
Yes. They are a unique individual ... just like everybody else.
I'm sure it was not meant in a negative way; just the realization that what some people think of as "heros" or "idols" have fallen to the wayside for others simply because of the differences.
I run a coven of adolescents. Do I criticize them for the way they communicate; the lack of spelling and grammar? No, but I do critique them - help them see how elders will see them; just as I would in real life. Teens still hold tightly the innocence of life; take a lot of things at face value; and still need to learn to see the big picture. They too need to see why adults are different - from the different experiences.
LIFEBLOOD
21:10 May 27 2008
omg, you got me thinking of Sevenn clones...lol
Yes, thank G-d we are all different.
sahahria
21:38 May 27 2008
Such an important message. It is hard to remember not everyone, even those as "old" as we are has the same type of experience to "get" what we say. My only hope is that more people read this and understand how profound it truly is.
Vampirewitch39
01:05 May 28 2008
I love how you put this. :)
Treat others as you want to be treated. Yes... but you do have to take in age of that person.
LadyChordewa
06:29 May 28 2008
One of the things that I try to show the teens in my coven, is that every experience, is a learning experience. If they learned something from a hurtful situation, then they are ahead in life. Its when they stop learning, or refuse to learn. As LordV pointed out, we do try to get our teens to write with intelligence. As this is a first impression that they can't take back.
Diversity is the name of the game and part of that diversity, is how people respond to different stimuli.
If attacked, do you attack or just ignore? If a friend criticizes you, do you take it to heart and learn from it, or do you get defensive? Every little action and reaction, is learned from life's experiences, if you are open to them.
Nightgame
14:43 May 28 2008
It's very hard to remember that we're not all on a level playing field while online. The teens try so hard to be included it's hard not to admire some of them even if they're making little sense. Some do need a good smack down but I think the majority need someone to say I'm listening, keep talking.
Joli
18:54 Jul 09 2008
You never fail to inspire me.