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By mattjelly (registered) - website | Posted June 01, 2011 at 20:05:18 in reply to Comment 64410
Thank you- I just don't get it when people attack me for the nature of my employment. Am I broke? Do I make a living in unconventional ways? Sure- but that's nobody's business but my own.
Anonymous commenters on the spec's website have gone further on several occasions and claimed that I'm on social assistance, which is not the case- those services should be reserved for those who need them.
What's frustrating to me, considering I haven't cost the public a dime (I haven't even access grant funding as an artist) is that the lack of cash in my bank account has been the subject of ridicule directed towards me over the past year, instead of those same commenters arguing issues on the merits of the issues alone. I've learned over the years that it's inappropriate to attack someone personally when you have political differences- I've learned that the hard way.
Sometimes, it makes me feel like I shouldn't live the semi-public life that I do, that I shouldn't stick my neck out when I know I'm just going to get a whole boatload of insults hurled at me for speaking out. Sometimes these things seriously do get to me- as much as I like to tell myself I have a thick skin.
But if I gave into that feeling even for a second and allowed that to change who I am and what I do, the people making these statements would get what they want- to shut me down and make me not want to be outspoken on issues.
It's hard, but I have to remind myself of this time and time again.
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