Given the activity of the past week, with one KNOWN fraudulent cry for help post, and another that many believe (I am holding off on judging) was fraudulent (Buffy), it seems that we as a community have fractured over the meaning and impact of these things.
I doubt that most will see this, as it will disappear quickly, but who knows.
"My Housemate in the hospital" was an exposed fraud. Who knows the diarists true intent, but it brought out some personalities. There are at least four that I saw, and will welcome other thoughts.
1) The caring and concerned. These people held out positive thoughts and supports for both the diarist and the potentially ficticious victim. This showed the humanity in all of us. Those did not judge the act, only passed on good wishes for the injured.
My take: I think this is the best in all of us, showing concern for people.
2) The skeptics. This was the crowd that asked for more details and wondered at the veracity of the diary. It was this crowd, through diligent sleuthing, that found out the diary was a fake (at least it appears that way).
My take: Skepticism is good and valuable, but, IMHO, should take its place behind concern.
3) The "KILL THE BASTARDS WHO DID THIS!!!". The ones that wanted to arrest the wrong doers and make sure they paid.
My Take: Law and Order is fine, but this appeared too much "lynch mob like" for my tastes. Especially since it was immediately used to insult "The South". I hope that this is what the Skeptics were trying to put a stop to.
4) The "Oh My God, what is the world coming to?" folks. In all fairness, if this were true, it would be an outrageous occurrence. However, is it any different than dragging a black man behind a truck, inviting a gay man to a "coming out party" only to beat him senseless?
My Take: The US has lost its sense of civility, and I blame the NeoCons, Republicans (most), and GW Bush in particular for this loss. We (the Democrats) are supposed to be the nurturant party, so when we see things like this, we are horrified. BUT RIGHTLY SO!!!! That so many people could believe this story is an amazing testament to where we are as a society.
So... I don't want to cast aspersions on any of these groups, nor put one above any other.
I want to restate a sentiment (signature line I think) I have seen here.
"Take care of each other, it matters"
So - flame on...