I read Kristin Armstrong’s blog. She’s the ex-wife of Lance Armstrong turned marathon runner, and I read her stuff because she writes well, it’s interesting, and I lack good online reading material.
Recently, Kristin wrote a post about a (I imagine) common dilemma – if someone wants to join you and your friends for a run, but that time is one you have set aside for heart-to-heart girl bonding with your closest friends, do you allow the person to lace up and come along, or do you avoid inviting her to protect your special time (and risk being exclusive and a snob)?
As you might have guessed, some showed support and understanding (haven’t we all needed our girl-talk at some point or other), while others condemned her for being selfish and a snob. Then there were some who broke all decency barriers by making personal attacks, accusing Kristin of seeking the limelight and then whinging about fame, and brought up her divorce.
I always knew women were the bitchier species, but they were really setting the bar high (or rather, low). And I wondered two things: why were they so spiteful, and would they have said the same things if they had to leave their full name?
Granted Kristin does come across a little preachy and self-righteous sometimes, but come on, nothing warrants those comments. Were they jealous of her riding Lance’s family name to fame? Perhaps. Will we ever really know? No.
But will people be just as mean if they had to leave their full name? I think, most probably no. Hiding behind pseudonyms like, I don’t know, running gal or whatever, these people are just idiots (which I recently found out ranks below imbecile). If they don’t like the blog, don’t read it. If they don’t like Kristin, don’t read her blog. If they want to make personal attacks out of spite or of having nothing better to do, at least have the guts to leave a real name and heck, even a photograph and telephone number. But they won’t.
The same goes for idiots (which I repeat, ranks below imbecile) out there who think they’re funny and leave stupid comments on mine and my friends’ blogs. I’ve always believed they’re unworthy of even so much as a glance, but since I’m on the topic of Kristin, either bloody eff off or leave a name (if you have the balls). Heck, leave a link to a photograph as well so I know who to beat up when I see you.
I think there’s something like 109 comments on this post, but if you’re interested/bored, it’s quite the read. I’m usually not one for scrolling through comments but this one… they’re really something. And while I’m on the subject of blogs, I’ve become quite a fan of Sam de Brito.
Ta, I’m off for a run – winter is flexing its first icy nips but I really need to get off this ass.
