A Reader Asks is a feature on this blog where readers who do not have problem solving skills or access to Google can send in questions and have chronically unhappy people on the Internet, many of whom wear their emotional instabilities on their sleeves, talk at them and/or express outrage. 

A Reader Asks: 

I’ve been using Twitter for some time and made some great connections on it. I’ve been able to communicate with like-minded people, find reinforcement for my views, and make some actual friends. 

Recently I met a girl through the service vis a vis a mutual conversation we were having with the same difficult person. We struck up a kinship in our common battle and I started following her. Although conversation did not extend past that friendly discourse, I quickly developed a bit of a crush and became smitten. 

There’s a slight complication, though: we don’t talk as much as I’d like and she’s considerably younger than I am…by about 26 years, young enough to be my daughter. 

So here’s my question: should I send her a picture of my erect penis? 

- Check Out My District  

===== 

Dear District, 

What is wrong with you? No, no, a thousand times no! 

Actually the question isn’t just a matter of personal choice or judgment. Myself, and many others, have no right to judge how people freak. It is, however, a matter of right and wrong. 

If the object of your desire was giving you some indication, flirted, or otherwise expressed romantic interest or interest in simply seeing your nether-regions, that’d be fine. The issue here isn’t the action, it’s a question of consent. 

Imagine that you met this girl in a coffee house, and you only had passing conversation. Then, one day, you dropped your trousers right in front of her. You’d be arrested for it, and rightfully so. 

A lot of people would write off your action and say the comparison is moot because of the nature of the internet, but that’s not the case anymore. With social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook, we’re no longer an anonymous string of characters entering rooms to discuss fringe topics. We’re easily identifiable and often recognized in public from our digital persona.The veil of anonymity has been consciously lifted, and our digital persona has become not just an extension of, but indistinguishable from us. At best, the act you propose would fall under the realm of unwelcome harassment. Some would go so far as to call it sexual assault, though I’m not quite comfortable myself crossing that line. 

You would have no shortage of supporters if you did send that unwelcome image and were somehow caught in the act . Some if that support would come because people simply don’t realize that  your sexual advances were unwanted and unwelcome. There’s also the possibility that you could be, say, an elected Democrat and many outspoken liberals are like obnoxious sports fans and are pathologically unable to get off the bus for even a moment to take someone to task for bad behavior. But bad behavior is bad behavior, regardless of party affiliation or prior voting record. 

So the next time you or anyone reading this wants to send a sexual photograph of yourself to a much younger college co-ed, you better make sure this person won’t be offended. Or blog about it. It’s the last you could do.

 

6 Responses to A Reader Asks: Should I make a move on Twitter?

  1. Mick says:

    Simply fantastic! And it’s not just pictures of penis either, consider the reprecussions on any pic you post.

  2. HomeTownGirl says:

    Reader,
    Although I generally agree with the local legend that is Kevin Marshall, I adamantly disagree with him on this particular situation. Do it! Think of the possibilities. You could end up starring in ‘Dateline’ with Chris Hansen!! If you are fortunate enough to be known publicly or know someone who is known publicly or have spoken to someone who knows someone who is known publicly, this could be huge! Radar Online, TMZ, Showbiz Tonight, and the NY Post are on your doorstep. I urge to you reconsider if you’re having the urge to follow Kevin Marshall’s advice. Better yet, just send HIM the photo if you really want to make it big. You are welcome.
    -HTG

  3. Suzanne says:

    “A Reader Asks is a feature on this blog where readers who do not have problem solving skills or access to Google can send in questions and have chronically unhappy people on the Internet, many of whom wear their emotional instabilities on their sleeves, talk at them and/or express outrage.”

    HA! I think this is the best part of this post! It is soooo true! Certain blogs on here have all the same commenters (I have noticed they are like a really inane cult) responding to some of the STUPIDEST questions I have ever heard. I love the ones where people are asking where to find the best “something or other”. Seriously folks?! If you can find your way to certain TU blogs, I think you can manage to do some google investigating and find the answer yourself!!!

    Could it be that people are so desperate for fame these days, that even seeing their name on a TU blog is 15 minutes enough for them?!?

    Anyway, thanks for always pointing out the ridiculously obvious, Kevin! :)

    Oh and as far as this idiot Weiner is concerned, he’s a social piriah now. He isn’t long for the political world. And I bet the Clintons are moritified to be dragged in to this!

  4. Brad says:

    I voted for you for Best Local Blogger, and this is the reason why. Thank you.

  5. Ed says:

    #2…”make it big” LOL> Great pun, even if it wasn’t intended.

  6. jakester says:

    Someone like should send a pic of their A-hole for obvious reasons…

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