Posted by Todd on June 16, 2000, at 19:34:43
In reply to Re: I agree Cam/note to ToDD, posted by KarenB on June 16, 2000, at 12:37:14
Hi, Karen. I must say I don't recall reading any of your posts, so I have no idea where you are coming from and what your struggles are. Again, I am writing as a human being who is struggling to unearth his beauty so that it may shine, and in doing so, I recognize that you are also struggling with the same task. That task can be an absolute bitch, and I write these words to you only because I hold myself to the same standards. If I didn't, then my words would be empty, self-serving, and truly arrogant.
Nowhere in my previous post did I ever suggest that anyone posting on this board was small-minded and incapable of forming their own opinions. Nor did I state that boBB was the only free-thinker on this board or the only one who has opinions of his own. I was merely stating what I consider to be the obvious, as I see it. The obvious meaning that boBB, despite his shortcomings, is a human being just like the rest of us who is worthy of respect.
It is almost impossible to convey tone in the written word. That said, it is human nature to read tone into a page of words. It's almost impossible not to in some way or another. But the tone we read into each other's posts comes not from the writer, but from within us - the readers. You read my post and call me arrogant; you read boBB's posts and call him arrogant. I can tell you that I am most sincere and speak from the heart. I can't tell you if boBB can say the same, because I am not boBB. But no matter how arrogant boBB's posts may come off, and I can see why you may get that impression, we are the perceivers and our perceptions are colored by the very belief systems that we must allow to be challenged. If I or boBB is hitting a nerve and upsetting your sensibilities, one of the best things you can do is ask yourself why you feel that way. You could gain a deeper understanding of yourself if you give yourself permission to ask that question.
None of us is better than another, and none is worse than another. Deep down inside, we are all the same. I have to constantly remind myself of that. A final thought - You may consider boBB to be arrogant, and he may very well be. But arrogance is just another shield against insecurity. Remember that once boBB hits the "submit" button, boBB is the one who has to live with boBB, warts and all. He is the one who has to battle his insecurities, as much as he may try to hide them from the rest of the world. HE knows they are there.
Peace and Love, Karen. From the heart.
poster:Todd
thread:36179
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/37583.html