Posted by coral on November 20, 2000, at 11:06:56
In reply to Re: Boundaries of Lumptonia, posted by Dr. Bob on November 20, 2000, at 9:10:37
Dear Dr. Hsiung,
Thank you for creating this board. I've found it extremely helpful.
I'd like to comment on the boundaries of Lumptonia, especially as it relates to being a clique. Clique denotes active exclusion which I don't believe has been the case. However, I can easily understand how people would feel "left out" if they weren't involved in the original posts. In re-reading the posts, when an inquiry has been made about Lumptonia, people were quick to respond to bring others (newcomers) up to speed.
Isn't this sense of exclusion true of any thread that has a number of posts? I'm referring not only to PB and PSB, but any BB, and especially so in chat rooms. It's like walking into a party already in full swing and several conversations are going on simultaneously. It does take time to "get into the flow".
One way of avoiding anyone feeling left out would be a separate board for Lumptonia which could include a brief synopsis of its origins and a strong welcoming message to anyone who would like to participate. Someone else argued for re-combining the boards which may also work, because it would reduce the "obviousness" of the Lumptonian references. It would then be just another long thread.
Given the discomfort, hostility, and ugliness of some of the posts in the past few hours, it would be tempting to banish Lumptonia. I sincerely hope you do not take such action. Personally, I would consider another e-group a form of banishment. When I come to PSB and PB, I like the ease of being able to easily switch between the boards.
At its core, Lumptonia represents another aspect of the multi-faceted world of depression. While I'm not arguing the "misery loves company" point of view, there is comfort in knowing that things I do when depressed and which add to the sense of embarrassment and shame of depression, (there should be no embarrassment and shame, I know…), aren't so bizarre. In a very real way, discovering that others also dive for the couch, have a special blanket, wear flannel pajamas throughout the day, etc., have helped me cope with the horrific isolation and withdrawal of depression.
Additionally, I feel humor is one of the most healing elements available to us. Admittedly, Lumptonian humor can be black, but even the tiniest bit of laughter opens up the possibility of renewed vitality.
One final point I'd like to make is that Lumptonia, while not quite an acquired taste, obviously isn't going to appeal to everyone, but should it be expected to do so? The example I'd like to offer concerns the thread on the television show, ER. That show evokes terrible feelings in me. I've spent far too many hours far too many times in the ER with family members to enjoy that show and would not watch it, even under threat of bodily harm. So, when the ER thread popped up, my initial reaction was an involuntary spasm of horror. However, the thread has proven to be a lively and healthy discussion for people other than me. Under no circumstances would I want that thread censored, simply because I had a bad reaction to it.
Of course, maintaining civility and respecting the feelings of others should be maintained for every post. Keeping that in mind, we also always have the freedom to read or not read a post.
Respectfully submitted,
Coral
poster:coral
thread:2970
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001117/msgs/2988.html