Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Of Insults, Apologies, and Haters.

I use the term "haters" in the least offensive way possible.

It's time for a long overdue blog post.

A few weeks ago, I lost my temper and I said something I'm not very proud of. I apologized at the soonest opportunity possible, but I ended up getting some interesting comments in my Honesty Box on my Facebook profile. (For those of you who don't know, Honesty Box is an application that allows other Facebook users to post anonymous comments to you. The question asked is "What do you honestly think of me?") Let's take a look, shall we?

"Hello *****, this is **** from English. I just wanted to let you know that what you did in class today was quite amazing. I will not inquire into the depths of what happened, but I just wished to let you know this. I always find your input into our class very interesting."


I liked this comment. I received it the day I made my apology, and I really needed it.

"wow... way to blow up at a teacher... you're a jack*** you know? i mean if you dont feel "challenged enough" then why the hell are you in school still anyways! WTF!"


This was posted four days after I made my apology. I'm still not quite sure what to think about it.

"then again you did apologise so its not to bad...."


This was posted the same day as the previous comment. I think it's from the same person.

"your not always right,you think you are. [snip]"


This is another one that I liked. I do know that I am not always right, no one ever is. I do like to think that I'm right (I'm biased, being me and all) but I know that I can't always be right and I know that I can't know everything. I'd be a fool if I thought otherwise. As an aside, I consider "right" and "wrong" to be subjective, abstract concepts.

Now I'm not going to say that the other party involved overreacted, even if that's what I honestly think. I was the person that let go of their self-control. What I will say is that some of the people that made the comments above can't know all the details either. Call me preachy, but I don't think you should pass judgements without considering all the information available. That rings true for me as well.

*Some of the quoted items have been altered for relevancy and to protect the identity of those involved.