Let's Get One Thing Straight...

So I just got back from D.C. after helping a friend chaperone a group of 8th graders around our nation's capitol and was greeted by this rather long anonymous comment on an old (and what I thought was fairly harmless) post entitled Conversate.Is.Not.A.Word:

"Perhaps you should do a grammar check on Shakespeare. Many of the words he used would not be accepted if it were up to you I suppose. Besides many classical authors put strange endings on traditional English words. I have heard many English people of high education use the word conversate. You may perceive me as being somewhat abrubt, but the truth of the matter is that I don't like you very much at all. As a matter of fact I don't like you as a person whatsoever. After looking at your website I have come to the conclusion that you have a serious identity crisis. It's just my observation but I think you made your website the way you did to scare off any black people who may make you feel bad about being a brainwashed white woman (you figure it out) trapped in a black woman's skin. Your website should be called: A Wannabe White American Black Chick in Europe. You are an insult to black people and white people. It really pisses me off that most black girls are either ghetto or psychologically damaged like you. Please stop trying to represent a black woman while you are in an identity crisis. Go through your crisis and make up your mind to be either black, white, or neutral. None of which you are. Most of the American black girls I meet here in Europe make me sick. I am an American black man living in Europe."

And just because I'm tired from running after 8th graders for the last few days and pissy after helping my friend drive overnight to get them back to Atlanta, resulting in my getting 2 hours of sleep (thereby increases my feelings of pissiness), here's my response:

"@ Anon - Nice to meet you too anon. A shame you don't like me based on one blog post that you (rudely) disagreed with. Please don't make assumptions about me, especially as you have neither met nor know me. What I choose to put up on my blog is just that: my choice. It's fine if you don't agree with it. I welcome different opinions on this blog, but next time you post a comment do so with respect or I will delete it. And that thing about my blog purposefully scaring off black folks: I see you haven't done your research. Check out my followers. You can get to it via the little box on the right which reads "Followers."

Now in response to your comment about Shakespeare, I'm well aware of the fact that languages grow and change over time (especially English). But there's a difference between the evolution of a language and what is simply (and obviously) horrific grammar. I actually do listen to quite a bit of rap and view some forms of rap as a type of poetry put to music and for that I completely understand taking some liberties with the grammar. However, too much of the rap is simply grammatical murder, as evidence by how some rappers continue to slaughter the English language when giving interviews.

And on a completely unrelated note, you seem to have some serious anger issues towards black women. You might want to look into why that is. That type of bitterness, anger and resentment really isn't good for you. It tends to eat you up inside. And coming after me on my own damn blog like you even know me isn't going to help you.

Have a nice day. And remember, if you can't say anything nice (or at least respectfully disagree) then shut the hell up."

Y'all, I love the fact that so many of you enjoy reading my blog and I love reading your (for the most part) respectful comments even if you disagree. I don't expect y'all to agree with me all the time and rather enjoy a good, spirited, respectful debate...not an "I'm right/You're wrong" slugfest, but a genuine exchange of different and competing ideas. And as always, I love reading and will happily respond to your e-mails. What I'm about to write is not directed at you guys and gals. It's directed at the handful of folks with no home training. Y'all know the old saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?" Well I'm taking it one step further and updating it: If you can't be respectful, whether you agree or disagree with me or other folks who comment,  shut the hell up and sit the f*ck down. I write this because over the last few months there have been a couple instances of rather rude comments directed at me and I want to nip that in the bud before it starts and lay down the above basic ground rule (which in all honesty, really shouldn't even need to be said).

Please remember what I choose to post on this blog is just that: my choice. I chose to share a very small part of who I am and my life. In the future, if anyone feels the need to come at me like I murdered their favorite childhood kitten, please e-mail me directly and I will happily attempt to address your concerns. If you instead choose to post a rude comment, I will either delete it or put you on blast depending on my bitchiness level for the day.

Let's get one thing straight: I'm. Not. The. One.

Thank you.