You read. You comment.

I wrote a post last week about media pressures on women to look hot.  It went out into the internet and all I got back was the sound of crickets chirping.  I said to H, "I really thought that would generate some discussion, some comments of some sort at least and it was like, nothing."  He replied, "Look, you are an intelligent writer but you are very moderate. You write something like that and it is as if the reader reads it and thinks, "Right. I can agree with that point of view."  There is no controversery, nothing inflammatory to get people riled up.  That is what generates comments most of the time." 

So basically I need to start saying stuff like this to get comments?

People who own cats are dirty, filthy beings.

or
American Idol is for losers.

or
Women who have had disabled children are being punished by God because of past life events. 

Oh wait, someone already said that and besides I think they are an ignorant jackass. 

I can see H's point though.  However, I feel like this-

The internet, blogs, websites, in general, are all free services that allow us to take advantage of loads of free content.  We gather information, ideas, thoughts and opinions from others for free.  It's a pretty sweet deal.  I for one provide stories, reviews, and all of the above for free on a daily basis here and in many other places.  It's a sweet deal for the reader.  Not so much for me who gets to hear the sound of crickets though.  I don't put this stuff out there and expect to hear silence. I want other peoples thoughts, ideas, opinions and comments.  I value my readers (all three of you) thoughts and opinions a lot.  I think commenting on a blog post or anything online that you have read is a matter of common decency.  Manners if you will and I'm all about the manners.  I shouldn't have to pose a question to stir up discussion or garner comments either.  To me that it too simple. It is spoon-feeding and I think it is rather lame.  Sure, I can do it sometime but comments should be there regardless. 

Otherwise, it gets to be rude.  I don't like associating with rude people either.  It's like being friends with people who keep iguanas. 

Rednecks vs. White Trash?

The other night while awaiting the opening act at the DC Improv H and I got into the discussion, "Is there a difference between being a Redneck and being White Trash?"

Initially, I thought no. I'm a Yankee with a side of WASP thrown in for good measure so what do I know? I don't talk through my jaw or anything but I've been known to get all in your face in the nicest most conflict-free, passive aggressive way about manners, the importance of thank you notes and general day to day etiquette.

H, who admits to having a nice chunk of Redneck in him (the man cleaned his shot gun twice this week.) says White Trash can technically be anywhere location-wise (W.T. goes global!) but Rednecks are typically a southern only thing. White Trash constitutes a lack of manners and is prone to fighting. So wait, what was the movie Road House about then?

So you tell me? Are all Rednecks about Nascar, gun racks and hunting? Does all White Trash live in trailers like we often hear in jokes? Am I perpetuating a stereotype and really pissing you off?


Win a cute reusable shopping bag! Sure! Why not- they're global now too! I'm giving one away this week at MPR.