It’s Official

Yesterday something completely amazing happened!! Something that brought a smile to my face and alacrity to my heart. Something that makes me want to press forward. Something that was simply awesome. Do you want to know what it is? Of course, you do!! Here we go…….

I was bashed as a writer.

Yup, I received my first random internet criticism. Not the constructive kind. The kind where there’s no rational thought process behind it. The “I hate this author because he doesn’t agree with my opinion” kind. You know what I’m taking about. Read any comments section and there’s a 99 percent chance you’ll see it.

That is completely awesome!

For those of you who are wondering if this is dripping with sarcasm, I can assure you I’m dead serious, and here’s why. Outside of being recognized by prominent bloggers, journalists, or authors, getting criticized is one of the highest compliments I can receive as a writer. Why? It’s simple.

My writing moved you.

I don’t care if you don’t agree. These words still evoked emotion which was expressed for me to see. Every writer/blogger wants to take their readers on a journey. For A Fresh Voice, I write about hard subjects. Some of these subjects induce love, thankfulness, and joy.  Others incite anger, bigotry, and hatred. It all depends on the person and where they stand regarding the issue. The goal of my wiring is to put some truth into an all too heavily opinionated world. Sometimes that truth hurts.

And sometimes people can’t handle it.

Yesterday’s occurrence took place in the comment section of a Brock Turner video. For those that don’t know, Turner sexually assaulted a girl behind a dumpster. He was found guilty and given a six-month sentence with a three-month credit for good behavior. Corey Batey was found guilty of aggravated rape receiving a 15-25 year prison sentence. Both guys are star athletes. Both guys accused of sexual assault and rape. Yet, one gets a light prison sentence and the other gets a solid sentence. One huge difference between the two is Batey is a black man, and Turner is a rich white man. The video compared the two crimes and basically asked why did the white guy get off easier.

The proverbial can of worms was effectively opened, and the comments section filled up with the regular hostile remarks. The subject of black on black crime was brought up to which I posted my blog. One reader took a gander and flew off the handle. I got cussed out and told the author of the article didn’t know what he was talking about.

That was the PG version.

The great thing about it was the guy didn’t know I was the author. I didn’t know how to feel at first. I mean I’m certainly not excited about getting cussed out. These facebook attacks expect a response of vitriol which I was not going to give the man. Still, he was disrespectful. That can’t be taken lightly. Then, I thought about it, and it donned on me.

I am officially a writer!

This is what writers and bloggers go through in today’s world. People are so opinionated that they must share their thoughts. When they encounter the truth, they get mean and nasty. That is the Internet. What I wrote made ugliness come out of him. That wasn’t the purpose. However, the truth can make you mad if you don’t want to accept it.

Many of us don’t want you accept it.

Nonetheless, I will continue to write about these taboo subjects. Hopefully, it will bring about change in one’s heart. I know not everyone will agree, and I’m ok with that. However, this piece is for the irrational. I appreciate the kind sentiments.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a writer. I’m am thankful, and yes, there is more to come.

Much more.

[Image Credit Flickr via Dave Morrison Photography]