Harper Lou wrote:
<<If people are going to threaten to quit the list at the slightest hint of
wit, parody, sarcasm, criticism, belligerence, political opinions,
disappointment, upset or even stupid little outbursts of anger, then I guess
I have no choice but to threaten to quit this list! >>
First of all, it wasn't a threat. I wrote writing my feelings from the heart,
which is the only place I know to write from. And those feelings certainly
were not from "the slighest hint" of anything. It is from being on this list
for many, many years, and seeing many, many posts from people just being
plain mean. I am tired. Tired of reading them, tired of the feeling in my gut
when I read someone being unkind.
<<Now Ashara has hinted at leaving because of Marcel's tongue-in-cheek
reference to Julia Roberts' decidedly bimboesque performance.>>
Again, my feelings stem from many previous posts over many years, not from
one post from one person. This is the second time someone has refered to
Julia Roberts in this fashion. I agree with Jerry who said:
<< Maybe you don't see the difference between giddy and bimbo, but one is
definitely sexist and insulting. >>
Colin said:
<>
Maybe I am just a very sensitive soul. I also cannot abide these kind of
"jokes." We wonder why children shoot their peers at places like Columbine.
If everyone would be more embracing to each other, and more accepting of all
that we bring to this world, maybe, just maybe, it would be a better place to
live in. I'm sure some people here may think I am a "Pollyanna", or another
Kathy Lee, but frankly, I'd rather align with those two women than someone
who needs to put others down for whatever reason.
Victor wrote:
<<There is big difference between insulting listmembers and taking jabs at
celebrities. >>
I disagree. Insults are insults no matter who they are aimed at.
Meanspiritedness is the same no matter what language or package it comes in.
I am all for free speech, and I certainly honor Les's decision to make this
an unmoderated list. I simply stated that I missed the JMDL community I have
grown to know and love, and I am so tired, so very tired of the petty wars,
and unkind comments no matter who they are aimed at. We have had many
discussions and disagreements in the past without being nasty. We are all
capable of expressing our feelings without putting people down. For me, it is
the preferred way. I realize that for many of you, it isn't. I honor that. I
choose to be in a different space.
Hugs,
Ashara
