Discussion: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Hi everyone! So, it's been awhile since I've done a discussion post, mainly because I've been busy, but also because I haven't had anything to say that hasn't already been said.
Well. Today I've got something to say. And I don't even care if I piss people off because of it.
Today I want to talk about something called RESPECT.
In light of a certain book's release this past week, it comes as no surprise that social media has been inundated with reader opinions. And you know what? That's great! There's nothing more exciting than discussing your feelings over a book than with other bookish friends!
HOWEVER. There has also been a lot of negativity and belittlement over those who may not share your opinions. Instead of maintaining a respectful 'agree to disagree', we have passive aggressive tweeting about how ridiculous you are if you read and judge a book based on the 'ship' or romance.
EXCUSE ME?
WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TO JUDGE ME?
My reasons for loving a book are my own and no one else's. And to make others' feel shamed or afraid to express their opinions is absolutely WRONG and that makes you a damn bully.
Yeah, I said it. YOU. ARE. A. BULLY.
Fuck that shit.
If I don't agree with an author's direction in a book that is my right. I don't have to explain myself to you. And I don't have to defend my reasons for disliking it either. My opinion is my own and that's that. I would never tear someone down or make someone afraid to speak their mind just because they didn't agree with me.
We need to learn to agree to disagree and stop making others feel like shit because they may not be a part of the majority.
21 comments
Bam! Drop that microphone! :P
ReplyDeleteHaha. I was so angry writing this one. But I love Pitch Perfect!
DeleteYou may love or hate a book because of something silly, something philosophical or for reasons only you understand. It's no one's business. People can choose to ignore it or let it affect their own opinions or disagree with it. But purposely making someone feel bad because their opinion is different than yours? No freaking way.
ReplyDeleteExactly. It's just not cool and as book lovers you would think we would have more tolerance of that...
Deleteyour gifs are PERFECTION. I love you.
ReplyDeleteHahah. <3
Deleteexactly. I listen to a lot of kpop and watch a lot of Korean dramas and i HATE it when people judge me for it. I'm not ashamed of saying I watch/listen to that but it PISSES me off when people question (ridicule indirectly) on why I enjoy that. So I just can't seem to understand why people think they have a right to tell you what you can and can not like.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Why is it any of their business anyway?! We like what we like and we are all different. It's so funny that people are all about embracing diversity, yet the minute someone goes against the grain, they are judged.
Delete*slow clap*
ReplyDeleteWell said.
Thanks Kim. And thanks for letting me rant to you!
DeleteThank you for writing this! I could not agree more. :)
ReplyDelete<3 I'm so glad we could talk about it further last night!
DeletePRAISE YOU, MY QUEEN <3
ReplyDeleteI hate how people are hating on others over their OPINION of a book. Who cares if someone doesn't like a book because of a romance?! That is their opinion, and they have a right to have that opinion. It's saddening that we can't share or have our own opinions if it's considered a "wrong" opinion. And a lot of this is totally just perception. Someone rates QoS 2 stars. Oh it MUST mean they just hated the romance!! Well maybe it's other things too. This all just sickens me. I took a day off Twitter because of this QoS stuff, the ARC envy, and the diversity/Maggie Stiefvater stuff. Twitter is just too much for me right now... :(
Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books
Exactly! Rachel, you just hit the nail on the head. And now I know some people are wary of posting their review because they'll be discredited by saying 'Oh that person is just mad about their ship.' That is not cool. Not to mention there are other factors that people have been taking issue with, but the haters aren't even adult enough to acknowledge that.
DeleteI hate how it seems like this book could possible tear the community in two. but well said, Love!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what Tonya said about the book tearing the community apart. There are bound to be so many varying opinions about it (because duh, there is no book that every single reader loves) but when people be little other people's opinions about it, that crosses a line.
ReplyDeleteNo one should be told their opinion is 'stupid'. In fact, I remember last year when a book came out and readers weren't happy and an author accused readers of not 'getting it', people were PISSED. It makes no sense that some people think it's okay for them to make statements like that a year later. *sigh*
Fantastic post, Jessica!! :)
I haven't even started this series yet, so I have no opinion about that, but why on earth would people attack other people for their opinions? So juvenile and frustrating!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I have no idea which book it is you're talking about, (I'm intrigued) but regardless I LOVE this topic! So so much! You know me, I like to drop an opinion every now and then but it's always in regards to ME (mememememememe) and if people disagree, hell all the better! Debate! So the idea of people tearing each other down, over a book...sheesh! Preach on sister, Preach on!
ReplyDeleteAMEN! Respect, girl! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteSHE FEELS BAD FOR US, JESS. SHE PITIES US BECAUSE WE CAN'T SEE ALL THE AMAZING THINGS SJM HAS DONE WITH HER BOOK AND WE JUST DON'T GET IT.
ReplyDeleteI love you for this post. You are the best. <3
So much YES to this post!! Book shaming and people attacking others for not sharing the same opinion makes me SO FREAKING MAD. I don't understand how people think this is okay. Some people either just like to argue or don't care that they're not being respectful of others. The best part about reading is that there are so many different types of books and genres, so there's something for everyone. Opinions are going to be diverse too, and that's okay. Why so much book shame? :( Gah, I could go on and on about this topic, but I just read and commented on another post with a similar discussion, so you guys have said it better than I even could! Awesome post, Jessica! :)
ReplyDeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.