Thank You

by Marinka on June 13, 2010

On Friday, I wrote a post about Abby Sunderland, in which I basically said that her parents were out of their minds.  Because I could not imagine letting my child do something like that.  Of course I realize that there are many ways to parent and I stand by my convictions, just as Abby’s parents, I am certain, stand by theirs.  By the way, did you know that there was a website where you could order Abby stuff?  Isn’t it great? Get on board!

I fully admit that Abby and her family is made from different stuff than I am.  And the world needs people like that.

The comments on Friday’s post did make me think. Which is painful, of course, because I prefer to spend my weekends painting by the numbers.  But I thank everyone who contributed to the discussion.

I do not regret being judgmental and I call bullshit on anyone who says that they’re not judgmental in some aspect.  To paraphrase, let him who is without judgment cast the first blog post and all that.

This is what we do in blogosphere. We write about things that move us, anger us, confuse us. And hopefully we do it without the filter of political correctness or pretense.

And sometimes it leads to uncomfortable self-reflection.

One year ago ...

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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Libby June 13, 2010 at 6:29 pm

Debtae is good for the mind and soul. Especially when it devolves into name calling.

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vodkamom June 13, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Thinking? Highly overrated. However, to people who make negative and judgmental comments to those of who write for pleasure and fun? I find that to be poor form.

I think we should be free to be honest- and love each other even when that honesty gives us pause now and then.

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PinkLizzy June 13, 2010 at 7:57 pm

Totally.

I couldn’t have agreed more. I’m from Australia. I’m sooooooo thrilled that hundreds of thousands of our money went to saving this silly girl from her silliness.

It’s the most horrible winter here and the south seas are well known for their madness during winter. I can’t understand what she was doing sailing it in the first place.

You have my love Marinka

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Steph June 13, 2010 at 8:25 pm

I wrote a post today on woman vs. woman hate. It kind of ties in here. I will fully and completely admit I am so guilty of judging people when I really feel like I shouldn’t and I just can’t help it. Like I said on your original post, I try hard to not judge other parents not knowing what I’d do in those situations but it’s just impossible. We’re human and humans are judgy and that’s mostly because we are raised a certain way and taught a certain way (wow shoulda said that in my post). I just get sad when I see full on woman on woman hate for things that I think maybe they just needed a little more support? This is not one of those situations though, they made their decision despite being told it was a bad one by experts so really it’s hard to not judge them here. You also have to factor in the cost of her rescue to COUNTRIES. Not people but countries foot the bill for this rescue mission. That’s pretty ludicrous and makes it even harder to not judge the situation.

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Tanya B June 13, 2010 at 10:03 pm

I enjoyed your post, but I’m extremely cold hearted. Anyway —- you need to quickly pick up the magazine REAL SIMPLE — there is a woman from Russia talking about how much she loves America. She is totally stealing your thunder w/all her “bad bad Russia” stories … what if she publishes a book BEFORE you???!!! So not cool.

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dusty earth mother June 13, 2010 at 10:29 pm

Oh man, we’re supposed to write without the filter of political correctness or pretense? I am so screwed.

It was a great post, Marinka, painful self-reflection or not. And sorry, but I still think that those parents are wack.

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Karen at French Skinny June 13, 2010 at 11:40 pm

Why did it become so WRONG to judge?
Of course, every time I make my mind up about something, the Universe goes “Really? How about this?” And then I have to get a headache thinking about the other side. Which is so inconvenient because I had already made my mind up.
I still don’t know about the 16 year old sailing around the world. All I know is that when I was 16 I “borrowed” my parents’ LTD to buy “CARS” concert tickets when they were out of town. I put over 100 miles on the car in 10 days and had the time of my life. And I FINALLY had a social life. Thanks to that and getting rid of the headgear.
I’m glad she’s safe. And I hope she had the time of her life.

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Kate Coveny Hood
Twitter:
June 14, 2010 at 12:13 am

Well, I thought your post was fair enough. You waited until the crisis had passed to comment on the news stories and you were clear about it being your own opinion. Quite frankly, you’re entitled to it, and if you can’t voice it here…

Then of course there is the fact that as a reader for the past couple of years, I read that post as a humorous take on the position that 16 is really a bit too young to be sailing around the world solo.

But in looking through the well thought out arguments and emotional pleas for tolerance, I do feel a little ashamed of my own flippant comment (I think I used the word “dumbass” – not my finest moment). Good points were made on both sides of the issue (except from me that is) – but offensive language nonwithstanding, I haven’t changed my initial opnion.

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Issa
Twitter:
June 14, 2010 at 1:43 pm

::fistbump::

Seriously adored that post. Also? I get being called judgmental and reflecting on it for a bit. Here’s what I think: we all are in some ways. Doesn’t mean we are wrong in our thinking. Nor does it make us horrible people, despite what some may think.

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Stacie June 15, 2010 at 9:19 am

I come to your blog exactly because you write without the veil of political correctness and you are so damn funny! And you are right. We are ALL judgemental about something so to get all high and mighty is just kind of stupid. Oops. Sorry. Maybe that was a little too judgemental.

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