Dear Slam Family

[jwbaz]

I'm pretty disgusted with all this bullshit.

The saddest part? The fact that my friends ("family") are in the middle of it, on either side of the numerous debates.

Let's check ourselves, people. All of us.

Comments

Re: Really?

[jwbaz]

Honestly, I'm kind of torn on the whole thing. I agree that debates are occurring that need to be had. However, the fact that it has devolved into such petty name-calling and off-topic postery makes us all look bad. The climate right now feels like an unaired episode of Jerry Springer.

Re: Really?

[jwbaz]

I agree with you: Race is an important issue. Boundaries are important. I also hope we have at least some basic template of how we critique.

I just don't see much positive happening. Sure there are nuggets of good stemming from a lot of threads, but it feels quite a lot like everyone's talking and no one's listening.

Further, I feel like it's reached a (relative) point of no return. Once a fucking youtube video gets made, any semblance of meaningful discussion goes right out the window for me.

Yes, we all have strong opinions. Yes, we all want to be heard. No, that doesn't give you license to be a douche about it. A little civility would be appreciated. From here on, I'm bowing out. I'm remarkably disappointed in the actions and words of people I once held in much higher regard.

Re: Really?

[sirenoftitan1]

Hey, at least nobody has godwinned the debate!

As I've said elsewhere, the discussion has honestly made me rethink some of my behaviors, like making fun of stage names, which disproportionately means making fun of black poets.

Re: Really?

[ioncedreamtyou]

Yes. lack of godwin, ftw. I'd hate to see someone scream "NO U" and then drop a fifty hitler post.

Re: Really?

[coffeehousemt]

Whatever. Julie Peters is a stupid stage name. And she's white.

Re: Really?

[mojgani]

it has been filled with a LOT of bullshit, but often bullshit is fer reals shit, if someone is honestly affected by another's actions. but yes a lot of bullshit. BUT, there has been some good talk to come out of it. i feel that if one returns to sonya's post on facebook, there is some good things being spoken between folks on there.