Hmmm …
Didn’t expect to see that.
Did I tell you I’m on Twitter? I’m on Twitter: if you didn’t know.
Like most of us, there, I try and be polite: and keep my use of bad language to a minimum. Hard work, sometimes, but I usually manage it.
Which doesn’t mean I’ve not been on the wrong end of it.
I’m a Dr Who fan, as you know: and have a Twitter list about the subject. Saturday And Sunday? Was busy, obviously. And usually? Usually, most of the people I’ve got on it are polite, and happy to talk: including, I should add, the people who aren’t enjoying the Moffat era of the show.
Some, on the other hand? Some, like one chap I talked to, yesterday, definitely aren’t interested in being polite.
I’d innocently — and politely, I felt — suggested to one group that, if they were seriously not enjoying the show, then maybe changing channels — or turning off the TV — would be an idea.
And got … well, not a torrent of abuse: but certainly got replies with seriously offensive language.
Now I’ve worked in pubs. I’ve used, and heard, all sorts of language: especially when kicking people out at closing time, on Fridays and Saturdays.
I’m used to strong opinions. I’m used to offensive language.
I’m used to hearing offensive language: in a pub, after the user’s had a few, and getting kicked out. I expect it, in that context.
I might expect to hear that sort of language, in private, from friends who are seriously angry about something.
I don’t expect to get it in a public forum, first thing on a Sunday morning. Not my local newsagent. Not in a supermarket, while I’m shopping.
And certainly not on Twitter.
~≈®≈~
