Kevin Marshall's America
In my first week of blogging here at the Times Union (it seems like years ago but really it’s only been three weeks), I wrote a post that got a lot of attention calling attention to the level of schadenfreude behind the website People of Wal-Mart (HERE). I asked if it was too mean, and if we should really engage in such negativity without thinking of the possible circumstances behind the pictures posted to the site.
Fellow TU blogger J. Eric Smith has written a post on Fashion Bullies that is somewhat along the same lines – calling those out who are far more apt to blog observations and judgments at the expense of others rather than actually blogging about the topic itself.
The fact is that it’s a lot easier to contribute snipe, ridicule, mock and judge than it is to write something that’s constructive, thoughtful, and positive.
As I said in the “People of Wal-Mart” post, I’m not better than most people that post these sorts of things. I’m just as guilty of the sort of negative humor and ridicule that seems so pervasive. That said, I wish there were more bloggers like J. Eric Smith, who provide insightful commentaries and give us pause over what we perceive to be acceptable entertainment.
Folks, it’s Sunday. It’s the end of the week. Write in the comments section about some sort of positive experience you had in the last week.
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15 Responses to Stay Positive
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This probably is NOT what you are looking for in a positive experience, but — hey — I’m counting it as one for the win column:
I was groped in a very x-rated manner by an older woman at a bar last night.
Dude, I’d forgotten about your good Walmart post . . . now I feel like I unintentionally/subliminally copped your topic. Sorry ’bout that! (And thanks for nice words).
Ain’t no thing, JES. Like I said, only somewhat similar; the People of Wal-Mart post dealt with a more specific brand of negativity on the internet. So there’s certainly no infringement and no need to apologize.
I’m loving my new apartment.
My almost-7-year-old son would shoot me in the butt with tiny foam darts that were puffed off these air puffers shaped like ducks; the Easter Bunny left them in his basket (he wanted a Wii)…every time he’d hit me I’d fall down and yell “You’re a terrible boy!” and he’d laugh and laugh. Extremely positive.
Gman, your son is awesome.
3 hour intelligent conversation with a good friend = mind stimulating great time.
I went to the Empire State Book Fest on Saturday. 2,000 people there for the love of literature. Gregory Maguire said I had a pretty name.
I agree with what you’ve said. I, for years, followed the blogs on the Cheezburger network. I started noticing the laughs directed towards serious things, like car accidents, disfigured people, ethnic people, poor people..basically anything that was outside the norm. Then, it wasn’t funny anymore.
I guess my most positive thing this week though was finally starting my blog, which signifies a major change in my life. It’s holding me accountable for all the little changes I’ve been wanting to make for years but keep putting off, and it’s allowed me to network with some really great people-in only a week! I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
I’ve had a few good experiences: I got a 2 hour massage for $30 which helped fix my lower left sciatic. I have a new idea for a short story when I thought I would suffer a drought. I went to a really good Pakistani restaurant. That and the weather has been awesome. What’s to hate?
I fell in love with eggplant pizza.
I am loving living in our house & getting my furniture from Kansas within the next month or so! :)
I saw people with satellite dishes but no running water. Made me realize I can live pretty well without satellite TV…
In other words, you went to visit the folks at WNYT.
Jesus is my homeboy.