To [Rant] or Not, That is the Question. But Not Really.
So over the weekend, something rather upsetting and disappointing happened over on Facebook. A Plusser whom I admire, and whom I believe absolutely qualifies as an Influencer, when challenged about a claim that involved science, not only immediately unfriended me, but even left some rather derogatory comments about me to which I could no longer reply. In point of fact, the person called me an Internet Troll and bully.
I have refrained thus far to allow myself time to cool off and not respond in anger, but I confess that I was both disappointed in this person because I expected better, and I was personally hurt. I had thought there had been sufficient interaction here on G+ that some benefit of the doubt would be given, including an opportunity to present actual scientific research to dispute the erroneous claims that were made. But no – personal insults were thrown at me with no opportunity to reply.
I confess openly – I have very little tolerance for pseudo-scientific bullshit. At times, I could certainly do a better job of communicating, especially when in difficult conversations. However, not once have I EVER been called an Internet Troll and bully.
Sadly, my primary thought is that a [Google+ Rant], however emotionally satisfying in the moment, would be pointless and accomplish nothing except satisfy a brief urge to “get back” at this person. Having previous experience with people who also believe similar pseudo-scientific bullshit, I am aware that my chances of bringing about even the slightest change in opinion is almost non-existent.
It’s also possible I would alienate other people on G+ whom I respect greatly for many other reasons, even if we strongly disagree on this particular point. In that case, my momentary egotistical need to be right would actually only reinforce the opinion of this Influencer and (in that person’s mind) justify the actions and insults against me, and could hurt my standing on G+.
In the end, this will probably be the closest thing to a [RANT] on the subject that I post, although it should more properly called a [LAMENT] at the sad state of scientific understanding in the US today, which allows *snake-oil saleswomen and salesmen to get away with lying, distorting and misrepresenting science, and just plain making shit up.
In the end, I just choose to walk away in sadness. I’m sad that it seems 1, possibly 2 people on G+ whom I like a great deal, and with whom I really enjoyed interacting, will no longer count me as even an online friend, and who now believe that I am a troll and a bully, which quite frankly, they should know better. But there’s just not much I can do about that except to bid them farewell and to wish them happiness, and to hope that one day, they will reconsider and ask why I am perfectly OK with certain things, perhaps because I actually know what I’m talking about based on legitimate scientific evidence, rather than the bullshit that has poisoned their understanding.