I, personally, detest the personal attacks and insults that are hurled at persons featured on blogs, websites, social media platforms etc. As the owner of several sites, categorically, I don’t condone or permit such attacks hurled at my audience or myself. I realize that I am losing the sensationalism which attracts “mad traffic” online. But I am content with what I have. Most importantly, if I was online for traffic, I would have quit a long time ago. Running a legal business then having to run a publishing business that has taken a life of its own is simply a lot. Accordingly, I blog because I have something to say and truly believe it has and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.
The comments and attacks that are hurled at artists, talents and fellow commenters are just simply “wow!” In the case of bloggers, I think blog site owners should regulate these comments. I stopped reading comments on some of the more popular blogs, both Nigerian and American blogs. I just read the articles and keep it moving because the comments . . . what do I say?!
Until now, there haven’t been much repercussions when commenters attack and/or push really terrible rumors. However, in a very litigious society like the USA, those whose reputations are injured and/or those who suffer emotional damage or distress , from the weak-minded who get behind a computer and go off, are being made to face the music through criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Legislators nationwide are also, now, discussing and considering strong measures for these cyber bullies.
If you would never think to go in real life and spew deep hate, gossip and vicious propaganda against someone, even if you hated their guts, you don’t get to do it online and get away with it. Also truth be told, it amazes me that those who can’t stand one’s guts think they are the only ones capable of that. For example, I can’t stand most of the people that can’t stand me, honestly, and I know that they know it even though I have never voiced it. But, I’m just too busy to be bothered telling them. Like who has the time? In any event, I am glad to see the legal field catching up to these cyber bullies. You can have a strong opinion but there is a distinction with personal attacks, abuse etc.
BET Networks just wrapped up and aired, over the weekend, the BET Nigerian cypher through its subsidiary BET International. In my opinion, in watching the male version (I am yet to see the females), the fellas simply did not rise to the level of the trailblazers gone before them, the BET Ghana Cypher. I do, however, think there were some standouts primarily Modenine, M.I and Saucekid.
Needless to say, we all have our opinions about the performances of the artists who participated in the cypher, but it should not result in personal attacks on social media platforms or otherwise. Over the weekend, I’ve read all kinds of comments on twitter laced with heavy personal attacks directed at these talents. The most offending for me were personal attacks on Sasha of Storm 360. You don’t think Sasha is talented, fine. Feel free to state it and move on. Clearly she has a market that believes she is and purchase her music. She also has a label that thinks so and keeps her signed to their label. To call her “fat bitch” and other really derogatory names, among others, because she is “not talented” is like “what for?” Some of these comments have been very “ouch!” to read and I am not even the talent. I understand “celebrities” should have even thicker skin than the rest of society. For the most part, they all do. But, what gives?
In addition to Sasha and others, Naeto C has been the recipient of attacks on twitter about his performance on the BET Nigerian Cypher. It appears he reached his boiling point and snapped back responding to one commenter whose comment was actually non-offending, see the image above. The commenter stated that he/she felt Naeto C did not try with his performance. Naeto C responded “Na Ur Papa Wey No Try.”
Obviously that is a very strong response to the commenter because that comment, to me, was actually neutral. I also happen to agree with the commenter that all of the artists could have done much better and like that commenter, I was not impressed.Accordingly, I would not expect whether me or that commenter to get a response like that if I voiced such opinion.
Nevertheless, as to other personal attacks and vicious comments hurled at these artists, is there ever a time talents, in general, are justified in losing it? We all have our days and we expect people to tolerate us when we lose it. What about our talents? Aren’t they humans too?Do they lose being humans and reacting because we happen to notice something they are gifted at; and put them on a throne so we can worship them?
I have written article(s) on how to handle this from a talent perspective but I am just curious from the fan and the non-talent view. Our education, what we do, who we kick it with, our fancy houses or the lack thereof etc., does not change the fact that we are all human beings and can only deal with crap for so long . . . before we lose it.
What say you?
Cheers,
Uduak
Frankly, I think celebrities are trying to be able to take some of the flak that comes to them. Nigerian commentators are especially hard! They take no prisoners… But neither do the celebs! My people say; ‘Cunny man die, cunny man bury ‘am! In other words, it takes a cunning person to deal with another cunning person! I think that Naeto C was just fed up of pple that don’t know jack, being up in his face about not representing hence his retort. And you have to give it to these guys; most never thot they would get far so to be on the cypher rolling with the big cats must have been quite an experience. But on a personal note I felt the ladies performance more… They nailed for me! Their outfits and hair was on point and their verses off the hook! Now, look at what I’m noticing… But I’m a girl so I would see that, ok?! Lol! Overall Naija did good… Much better than the UK rappers!
Some of these personal attacks at celebrities are unwarranted but I think some need to take a tip from Wale on how to handle the “haters”…he just retweets some of them, or engages them for a few with getting aggressive, like Mode9 said in the Cypher, definition of a heckler is an unintentional fan..lol. And when it gets too much, block them. Most of all show your appreciation to the true supporters and critics (there is nothing really wrong in someone saying you can do better)…As I was taught in Sunday school growing up, our gratitude is riches, complaint is poverty.