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Before You Leave That Nasty IG Comment, Read This

if you want to understand someone's perspective, be open to their perspective and ask to understand not to prove them wrong

Maya Vadell

Apr 08, 2020

Rutgers University

Before You Leave That Nasty IG Comment, Read This

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I follow this art account on Instagram that showcases various art accounts. The day I happened to be scrolling around Instagram, one of their posts was from a taxidermy account. Being a vegetarian, the aspect of killing animals and removing their fur just to make a fake version of the animal sounded outright horrid to me, so naturally I had to check out their page. I looked around on the page a bit and, of course, went to the comment section and oh boy was there some drama. You had a mix of triggered vegans and animal rights activists, die-hard hunters and, as usual, trolls. One thing I didn't see however was the why. What was even the purpose of taxidermy and why the heck where these people even doing it? So I did what no one else seemed to do: I left a comment asking them.

I asked them!

Instagram comment screenshot

Maya Vadell

The thing is though, I asked with a desire to understand. Being the hardcore vegetarian I am who is taking strides towards being vegan, I could have literally filled this question with so much hate and bitterness. But you see, that's not really a question at that point. In my opinion, when people ask questions like that, they are not going to listen to the answer. Only when we seek to understand can we truly understand. So I put my emotions aside and shot my shot.

And they replied

Instagram comment screenshot

Maya Vadell

Shout out to racks_n_tracks_taxidermy for kindly answering my question. I went from quietly hating on them to being BLOWN AWAY by what it is they do. Even though hunting doesn't exactly jive with my beliefs, I 100% respect the idea of hunting for food and then bringing the animal "back to life," as a form of respect and appreciation for the animal. Compared to the horribly processed meat most people buy in the store today without a second thought to animal welfare, this is a breath of fresh air.

The take-away here, if you want to understand someone, be open to their perspective and ask to understand not to prove them wrong. I'm willing to bet that, more often than not, you'll be surprised by what you learn.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Before You Leave That Nasty IG Comment, Read This

if you want to understand someone's perspective, be open to their perspective and ask to understand not to prove them wrong

In This Article:

I asked them!

And they replied

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

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