Posted by Dinah on February 2, 2003, at 11:04:45
In reply to Re: Could you guys just answer one question?, posted by Dinah on February 2, 2003, at 9:53:33
This may sound a bit harsh, but I'm not looking to feel better about *myself*. I try hard to believe the best about everyone, that everyone means well, etc. And that takes effort sometimes. I'm trying to understand how the "sensitive" people came to be the bad guys on this thread. I'm trying to understand why no one (else) said to Oddipus that they understood his/her feelings and respected them. I reassured Oddipus that this was true. I tried to believe it. I even appealed to everyone to verify my beliefs. And all I saw was more posts about over-sensitive people, and good fun, and not to take things so seriously, etc. I am not asking that people agree about redneck jokes, I explained that over and over. I'm not saying that others meant harm, I said that over and over. I understand that the term rednecks is probably not understood in all parts of the world, I said that over and over.
But I also said over and over that people didn't mean to disparage those who were sensitive and who had certain values concerning jokes about groups. And yet post after post seemed to prove me wrong. And eventually it broke the camel's back. I could no longer believe that people didn't belittle the values of the "sensitive" persons.
I'm not looking to be asked to stay. I'm not looking for positive statements about me. I'm not looking to be welcomed back. My self esteem is just fine.
I'm trying to maintain my esteem for others, my caring for others, by asking you all straight out if you find sensitive people or sensitivity unacceptable or something to be mocked or belittled.
And if you do, I'm trying to understand why. Because understanding why people feel the way they do is how I maintain my positive feelings towards them.
Again, I'm sorry if this sounds harsh. And this isn't intended for anyone in particular. But you guys have disappointed me in your reaction to Oddipus Rex. I don't understand why people couldn't have said "I understand that your values and your sensitivity lead you to feel uncomfortable with these jokes, and I respect that, but....." instead of "some people are so oversensitive, can't you take a joke". That's all.
poster:Dinah
thread:35991
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030201/msgs/36179.html