Go Read This and Think About It

As I was laying in bed not sleeping last night, I came up with a most excellent post about bullying.  (Yes.  Again.  Because the world wasn't paying attention last time... and even though it still won't be paying attention, it still needs to be said.)  Of course, I lost most of it between then and now.  Thankfully, Sarah A. Hoyt says it better - if only in part of where I thought I was going.  So go read this...

Sticks and Stones

...and then think about it for a while.

Then think about this bit that I've said before: The only people who have the power to make you feel bad are the ones you give that power to.  And then realize that if you don't care about what someone thinks, then their opinions don't really mean shit.  (Unless, like Sarah points out, their opinion slathered around the internet might lose you sales. Of course, being an author means you give a boatload of people you otherwise wouldn't have given a damn about power to hurt you, but it's the life we choose when we seek publication.)

And yes, I feel really bad when my acquaintances get their feelings hurt - even if it's because they gave someone else power they shouldn't have.  And I'd really like to poke those mean ol' bullies in the eye.  But then I remember what I said above and then I feel bad for those hurt people, that they can't just say 'Fuck you and the horse you rode in on' and then completely ignore the words coming out of the fingers of people they should consider fucktards.

Okay.  'Nuff said about this for the day.  Expect it to crop again - probably with more eloquence after a full night's sleep.

Edited to Add:  After I posted this, I came across another pertinent blog about the subject.  (Must be something in the air.)  So, go read Why Bullies Bully, too.

(Note: I've only read one of Sarah's books, but it was most excellent, so check her stuff out.)