(no subject)

[rusty_halo]

I'm really sick of being told that I'm immature just because I had the audacity to express my opinion. If someone else says something that I find offensive, I'm perfectly entitled to post my disagreement in my LiveJournal.

If someone says that homosexuality should be illegal, it's perfectly within my rights to vehemently disagree with that person's opinion, and to express my disagreement.

If someone says that my best friend is a jerk, it's perfectly within my rights to vehemently disagree with that person's opinion.

If someone says that Spike was always eeeevil and that I was wrong to ever like the character, it's perfectly within my rights to vehemently disagree with that person's opinion--even if that person happens to be James Marsters.

It doesn't mean that I think those people aren't entitled to their opinions, it just means that I disagree with their opinions. The world would be a seriously fucking boring place if we all just sat back and shrugged whenever someone else said or did something that we found offensive. Debate is a wonderful way to figure out how you feel about something and to share your thoughts with others. And ranting in your own personal livejournal is a perfectly acceptable way to express your frustration when something pisses you off.

I'm really sick of getting called names and told that I'm immature just because I happen to have expressed my opinion.

And I hope this is the last I have to say about this topic, because now I'm really sick of it.

Comments

[xanphibian.livejournal.com]

I thought you were very respectful in your disagreement with JM's comments, and you made excellent points to support your views. Some *cough* other people weren't as civil, and "they" are the ones that should be getting all the heat, not you. I'd like to apologize for being one of the ones (probably the worst by far) that flew off the handle and reflected badly on *you* as a result. I'm really, really sorry.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks; I appreciate it.

And don't be sorry; it's not your fault that other people are being jerks.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_flaming_june_/]

Word, word, word. This whole thing has gotten to be ridiculous. I just want you to know I think you're well within your rights, and that I stand behind your opinion and your right to express it.

God. Nuff said.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[mrs-marsters.livejournal.com]

honey i have never read your lj before and i don't know if you realize how big your post got in the buffy community. while i may not agree with everything you think or say in your lj you probably wouldn't with me in mine either but like you said, that's the point, it's your journal where you can say whatever you want and NO ONE should be insulting you or calling you names. I feel bad for you that your opinion has brought some negativity but obviously you have a bunch of support too. You were very clear and well written, something you should be proud to have had everyone read. As for James, I hope he doesn't mean what he said.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I appreciate your support.

[saussy.livejournal.com]

Hey you. I'm sorry you had such an upsetting experience at the con. And I'm sorry things blew up today when you posted about it.. You were simply expressing your frustration and sadness with JM's interpretation of his character, and you were eloquent and passionate and honest. No harm, no foul. Good for you for standing up for yourself.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

I really don't see why people need to attack me just because I expressed an opinion that they disagreed with. I was upset. I posted about it. What do they want me to do, just sit in the corner and keep my mouth shut whenever I have an opinion? Because I sure as hell am NOT going to do that. It's my LJ, and I can say what I want. And I NEVER bashed anyone the way that the people who are attacking me are implying.

Your opinions...

[rockgoddes.livejournal.com]

...are yours and while you know I don't share most of them, I will stand up and defend your right to them AND your right to express them till the end of time!

Chin up, babe...those who are the most threatened by another's opinions are those that are the most insecure in their own.

Love ya!

Re: Your opinions...

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Sharon. *hugs you*

BTW - very cool that you got a LJ. :)

[deadsoul820.livejournal.com]

I wish I could friend you again to express my whole-hearted and complete agreement with the above sentiments. And those you posted previously. Even with the ones I don't agree with because <you're so right, again!) everyone agreed, how boring would that be?

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Exactly. Why should I get attacked just because I expressed an opinion that some people disagree with? I never attacked ANYONE personally, and I just wish they'd extend the same courtesy to me.

Thank you.

[onetwomany.livejournal.com]

If anything I said offended you, I'm sorry! I re-read what I wrote and realised that it could be taken as an attack on you, but honestly it wasn't. I don't have a problem with people ranting or expressing their opinion in their LJs - that what's LJs are for.

However, I do have a big problem with people making personally insulting comments about JM, like the type I've been reading on several boards and lists over the course of this weekend - comments about how he's a jerk, or sexist, or stupid or ungrateful. Like the nasty comments about SMG, they tend to set me, and many others, off.

You didn't say anything of that nature, and you made it quite clear where your problem lay. You didn't indulge in personal insults. And I'd like to hope that you're not the target of most of ranting. You certainly weren't of mine.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I just wish people would stick to debating OPINIONS instead of insulting each other personally.

[ginmar.livejournal.com]

Everybody's entitled to their opinion. I'm sorry, I havne't read that far back, but I have to say it: so JM said something? Never mind that he's said all kinds of stuff in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. I just don't get fandom sometimes, I really don't.

Nobody should be making you feel bad if you disagree with them. I mean, it's not like you're advocating for human rights violation or something.

[(Anonymous)]

I thought you were very diplomatic in stating your feelings/opinions without attacking the person. I also happen to agree with your interpretation of many things....so there!

Lisa
P.S. I've read in many places that the hotel was crappy...maybe it affected everyone's mood?

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

Yeah, I think the hotel had a lot to do with it. There's nothing like sharing a room with a puddle of moldy water and a bunch of flies, mosquitos, and spiders.

[kellyhk.livejournal.com]

Laura,

You should have to explain your blogs. Hell, they are your blogs in YOUR journal! And yeah, it takes guts to go against the grain and talk about things you don't like even if the masses my be opposed. Last time I checked, you still very much hat that right. So you are hardly a joiner. You never have been. You set the bar at times. To me, that exudes maturity, and I am saddened that you were called names over this.

Do we have to agree with James? Heck no. He is just another guy with another opinion. Come to think of it, I rarely agree with his views on Spike, the writers, and season 6. As the hub pointed out, "why does his opinion have to count more?" It doesn't. And I guess that is why his comments this weekend really haven't bugged me. Granted, I may have had a different response had I been at MR.

But kudos for you for sticking to your guns. The world has enough lemmings. Glad to know you will never be one of them. See you in Tampa.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Kelly. You're a sweetheart. I'm really looking forward to seeing you in Tampa.

I never tried to dictate JM's opinion, and I never said he doesn't have a right to it. But his opinion annoys me, and I expressed me disagreement (in my LJ, no less, which is a totally acceptable venue for me to post MY opinion). I expressed my disagreement with JM just as I'd express my disagreement with George W. Bush or with my brother or with anyone else who says something that I find offensive.

If people didn't disagree and debate, we'd all be a bunch of sheep marching in line without any individuality. I seriously don't get why I'm being *personally* attacked because of my opinion, especially because I took care to comment on his OPINIONS and NOT to saying anything about him as a *person*.

[kellyhk.livejournal.com]

Meant to say "shouldn't HAVE to explain." Sigh, I need a cup of coffee. Bad.

[zyrya]

Thanks for your con report and analysis of the anti-Spikeness. I very much appreciate your intellectual approach to BtVS (and especially to Spike's character) rather than "OMG JM LOOKED AT ME AND I NEARLY WET MYSELF". As for the reaction to your opinions ... chin up - you're doing really well.

*puts a bit of ice on tha back of your neck*

[ehann.livejournal.com]

Yeah, honey, this was one fucked up kerfuffle, all right. And really, I don't think anyone owes any explanations for rants posted to LJ---maybe it's me, but I thought that was sort of the point of having a blog--take the stress off your day, general bitching and moaning, and so forth.

Express Yourself

[soulmate815.livejournal.com]

One of the things I really like about you is your ability to express yourself. You are articulate and possess an amazing mind. So, anyone who can't appreciate that can just sod off.

soulmate815 (marlaine)

Re: Express Yourself

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Thank you Marlaine. Thank you especially for listening to me ramble and not hating me for it. I'm really glad I've gotten to know you; I think you're one of the most articulate, thoughtful, and interesting people in Buffy fandom.