Messages from readers sometimes even surprise me
There’s nothing unusual with someone:
- Purchasing Storyworthy – my book on storytelling
- Reading to the end of chapter 2
- Downloading The Moth app
- Listening to the latest episode from the organization where I told my first story
That happens a lot. I know so because I’m told similar things by many of my readers. If you read Storyworthy, you’ll probably also become a fan of The Moth if you’re not already.
But I’m also sure that some of my readers listen to Moth and are disappointed by the content. I don’t think it happens very often because if you’re interested in storytelling, The Moth is one of the best places to listen to stories, but stories told on The Moth probably aren’t for everyone.
Also, not every Moth episode is equal. Perhaps the first episode listened to was a bit of a clunker, thus turning the listener off to the show entirely.
Unlikely, but it probably happens from time to time.
But it takes a very special kind of person to read through chapter two of my book, download The Moth’s app, listen to an episode, and then write to me, saying they “listened to one WOKE hour of two lesbians, one black woman ‘victim,’ and a Guantanamo sad soldier” and are deleting the app and “sticking with my own brand of storytelling.”
His own brand of storytelling? I wonder what that could be?
Stories told only by heterosexual white people who gleefully rejoice in the existence of overseas detainment facilities and the absence of due process?
While a particular segment of the American public might tragically think like this man after listening to the episode in question (which I enjoyed very much), it’s still astounding to me that he took the time to write.
Why spend even a second of your time firing off a message of racism and bigotry at me?
That takes a very special kind of person.
Probably a perpetually angry, persistently lonely, deeply ignorant person.
Probably someone whose “own brand of storytelling” is listened to by very few.
I recently told a class of Texas A&M students that if you’re making people angry from time to time, you’re probably doing something right. When you occupy a position at the tip of the spear or choose to operate in the public arena, you can often do the most damage, but you’ll also be the target of many slings and arrows, too.
I certainly receive my share of slings and arrows on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. Regardless of how insulting and unkind they may be, I always remind myself that if I’m not making people mad, I’m doing something wrong.
Still, I’m astounded when someone takes the time and effort to put their racism and bigotry into words.
Is this man expecting a reply? A spirited debate? An angry retort?
Sadly, he received none of these things. While I certainly enjoy engaging in arguments, I am also wise enough to know that in situations like these, the non-response is the best response.
Arguing over email or other forms of messaging is fruitless. It allows my opponent all the time in the world to respond, negating my advantages in knowledge, wit, and speed.
Also, if this man was hoping for or even expecting a response, each moment he fails to receive a response will sting, while I will quickly forget this entire incident and move on.
I often advise people to walk away from the fight while their opponent remains poised and anxious for a counterpunch that never comes.
If you’re lucky, they will feel ignored, slighted, and maybe even disappointed.
I hope so.
