I can’t believe that someone said that I was “closed minded”. Ha, me? My mind is very fluid…. ummmm ever evolving I mean.

Funkopatomus: I was wondering if someone would catch that! *lol*

Amber: Thanks! This latest guy just made me want to scream. First, he tells me I’m wrong about what the word “homosexual” means when HE is wrong. God. Obviously he knows nothing about word etymology or how to crack open a dictionary. Then he keeps saying things like, “the BIBLE- you should read it sometime!” (OH, no, honey, nobody takes that attitude with ME!) and then, in the end, I’m just a false Christian. How on God’s green earth he thought that such an attitude my win me over is beyond me. Perhaps someone in his life would bully him into submission?

Jaklumen: All wonderful points, which is why I always assume someone is well-meaning initially, regardless of how rude they may come across. And sometimes I discover people are indeed well meaning, and it feels like unwrapping a brown paper package to find crystal inside.

I was getting irritated and annoyed, too. The latest troll just kept ignoring everything I was saying, as if he was completely focused on going in for the kill. But now, it seems amusing to me, in an odd sort of way. I admire the sheer tenacity, even if I think the energy could have been better spent. He replied just a bit more than the others.

Just a couple of additional thoughts…

1. This comes with the territory– which I’m sure you’re well aware of. Controversial subjects will always draw a few trolls and similar ilk out of the woodwork.

Of course, I’m sure they totally ignore posts like these. More than likely, they are cherry picking (how ironic that I use such a phrase) so-called flamebait, as if they are the juiciest morsels to fight over. Very doubtful they will read this (or… this… my comment).

2. This point is a little apologetic– I imagine that it’s hard when you’re an outsider– and the trolls do seem to be outsiders. They’re outsiders in that they’re not regulars, and they don’t experience such things in their lives, or have close friends that experience such things.

I’ve heard some don’t understand when they really think it’s no part of their world at all. It usually takes an event where it suddenly becomes a part of their world before paradigms start changing.

3. On that note… well, I am passionate about my side of the issue– I will acknowledge that, and your thoughts are still a reminder.

But things are as they are– I’m right in the middle of a lot of things. I’m neither gay or straight– I’m somewhere in between. I’ve had (or still have) friends that are on opposite sides of the fence. I have felt like leaving my faith at times, and yet I remain. These seeming opposing perspectives– I admit they are a part of my world. Therefore, no matter how strong HULK SMASH, so to speak, there’s always a regretful Bruce Banner afterwards. When I go off the deep end, I do come back to my senses and see that people are hurt. I come back to empathize as I remember I have hurt as they have hurt.

4. Remember always that you pleaded as such not to let personal pain become others’ pain.

5. I must confess so many of these controversial subjects– I was terrified to discuss any of them much at all. I’ve been very afraid I would be scrutinized. Very slowly, I’m starting to let myself post about them a little bit in my own space, if not make friendlier comments concerning them in my general blogging experience. Where trust was once shattered, it has been restored somewhat– because a majority of people here have respected my views– even when they didn’t agree, or still found them confusing.

Isn’t that exciting? There’s always some that will harden their hearts, but… there are still those that will soften. I don’t want this to sound melodramatic, but… you’ve changed my life in small ways.

And you still have a greater balance of love and support from the majority of your readers. Those that are angry and breathe out mostly pain and suffering are definitely in the minority.

6. It’s possible that the trolliest of trolls are in pain and suffer, no matter how fervently they deny it. I’m sure you would agree there is still love for them too

7. Oh yeah. Y’all put up with my ramblings

I find it hysterical that you found the need to write such a post. The ignorance/aggrogance/rudeness of people is astounding!

I am always interested in other people’s points of view, but that is only if they can debate it in a respectful, logical, and yes, thought out way. Bigots and people who are plain ignorant deserve no response or respect.

Good for you… this post was awesome!

subtle.

C