bw9 whispered, "This is not so much a question as a response to a question posed on March 21. The post I'm referring to asserted that this blog "reeks of ableism". This was not the first time I'd seen something along those lines brought into the forum, but from what I can recall it's the first time one of the admins has responded. I feel like that question should be addressed by someone without the responsibility to the blog as a whole.
Admins, you're doing a great thing here. Every time I look at this blog I chuckle at least once or twice. To blindside you with such an assertion was totally unwarranted and, in my opinion, a bit mean-spirited. Your response to the post I'm referring to was as much as one could expect from someone whose creation is being attacked. In my opinion, the diction of the question asked of you made it nearly impossible to answer without condemning all of the Armadillo's followers who have posted as "ableists", and you managed to avoid that, so good for you.
Now, a response to eatenplacenta: What gives? Yes, there are a large number of posts that mock those whose English skills and knowledge are not expansive. The posts range from expressing annoyance to full on hate. They get a bit intense at times, but there is one common theme all the posts share: they're all made in good fun. No one on this blog really feels the urge to murder someone for a minor grammar infraction or an ignorance of classic literature, no matter what they may write. If anyone does, I think all can agree that this person is seriously deranged. One of the best parts of word and language, in my opinion, is the opportunity for humor, something that is consistent in all posts on this blog.
The way that you posted was accusatory, which totally defeats the point of your question, which was, let's be honest, an accusation. The concept of ableism, in my mind, is at its most basic one group of people grouping themselves as superior over others. Whether it be intellectually, physically, or morally, I do agree that it is wrong and is best avoided. When you put yourself on a pedestal above everyone who's posted on the blog, you put yourself into a morally ableist position.
An accusation of being ableist isn't the best way to try and disparage this particular blog. Granted, your assertion was that it is intellectually ableist, but personally, when I hear the term, physical disability is what comes to mind. The Admins and posters have made an effort to post everything in such a way so that everyone who comes across the website can enjoy its content. The descriptions below the posts, if you were unaware, is so that those who use screen readers can fully comprehend the image of the Armadillo. This does not seem like a group of ableists to me.
I hope I don't come across too harsh in this response. I see the point in your question, I just don't see the point in how you worded it and the manner in which you posted it. It's important to consider how you word things--especially on a site dedicated to English majors--because I don't think you were looking for a fight. We shouldn't mock people for mockery's sake, but as an outlet for stress and for humor, I'm sure people can agree with me that it's acceptable if it's done without a mean spirit. After all, the blog is filled with as many self-deprecating posts as there are of any other type. Finally, the beauty of the internet and tumblr in particular is that there is an endless amount of sites to waste your time on. If these posts bother you so much, maybe it would be a good idea to see what some of the others have to offer.
I feel like this is a good discourse to have if both sides stay civil. In my opinion, you straddled the line, and I'm doing my best to stay on the right side of it. I hope I managed to do that. Now I know I'm an English major, this post has taken up 45 minutes and I have a paper due soon. Thanks again to the Admins for a great site."
Admins, you're doing a great thing here. Every time I look at this blog I chuckle at least once or twice. To blindside you with such an assertion was totally unwarranted and, in my opinion, a bit mean-spirited. Your response to the post I'm referring to was as much as one could expect from someone whose creation is being attacked. In my opinion, the diction of the question asked of you made it nearly impossible to answer without condemning all of the Armadillo's followers who have posted as "ableists", and you managed to avoid that, so good for you.
Now, a response to eatenplacenta: What gives? Yes, there are a large number of posts that mock those whose English skills and knowledge are not expansive. The posts range from expressing annoyance to full on hate. They get a bit intense at times, but there is one common theme all the posts share: they're all made in good fun. No one on this blog really feels the urge to murder someone for a minor grammar infraction or an ignorance of classic literature, no matter what they may write. If anyone does, I think all can agree that this person is seriously deranged. One of the best parts of word and language, in my opinion, is the opportunity for humor, something that is consistent in all posts on this blog.
The way that you posted was accusatory, which totally defeats the point of your question, which was, let's be honest, an accusation. The concept of ableism, in my mind, is at its most basic one group of people grouping themselves as superior over others. Whether it be intellectually, physically, or morally, I do agree that it is wrong and is best avoided. When you put yourself on a pedestal above everyone who's posted on the blog, you put yourself into a morally ableist position.
An accusation of being ableist isn't the best way to try and disparage this particular blog. Granted, your assertion was that it is intellectually ableist, but personally, when I hear the term, physical disability is what comes to mind. The Admins and posters have made an effort to post everything in such a way so that everyone who comes across the website can enjoy its content. The descriptions below the posts, if you were unaware, is so that those who use screen readers can fully comprehend the image of the Armadillo. This does not seem like a group of ableists to me.
I hope I don't come across too harsh in this response. I see the point in your question, I just don't see the point in how you worded it and the manner in which you posted it. It's important to consider how you word things--especially on a site dedicated to English majors--because I don't think you were looking for a fight. We shouldn't mock people for mockery's sake, but as an outlet for stress and for humor, I'm sure people can agree with me that it's acceptable if it's done without a mean spirit. After all, the blog is filled with as many self-deprecating posts as there are of any other type. Finally, the beauty of the internet and tumblr in particular is that there is an endless amount of sites to waste your time on. If these posts bother you so much, maybe it would be a good idea to see what some of the others have to offer.
I feel like this is a good discourse to have if both sides stay civil. In my opinion, you straddled the line, and I'm doing my best to stay on the right side of it. I hope I managed to do that. Now I know I'm an English major, this post has taken up 45 minutes and I have a paper due soon. Thanks again to the Admins for a great site."
Notes
posted 11 months ago
