A week or so ago, the Internets were in an uproar because of the news that Ben Affleck will be the next actor to don the Bat suit (albeit in the Superman sequel).
A few days ago, the useless spectacle known as the MTV VMAs happened and Miley Cyrus apparently shook her nonexistent ass – much to many peoples’ horror.
As per usual, I was critical of the Internet’s response to both incidents – and by “Internet” I mean Facebook since it’s the dominant platform. My specific problems with the Internet, of late, have run fairly parallel:
- Re-sharing unfunny images/memes – like those “Some eCards” or the Joker meme.
- Sharing shock posts that a simple Snopes search would reveal to be fake.
- Posting links to Upworthy/Buzzfeed.
- Talking about inane things – such as who Taylor Swift broke up with or whatever.
- Linking to some group’s rendition of a popular song on YouTube.
I made a mistake and decided to utilize the events in Egypt and Syria as a counterbalance when referencing the Affleck/Cyrus nonsense, figuring that these Facebook cretins wouldn’t be able to connect to what I was saying without some sort of topical reference. What I should have done was simply stuck to my original intent, the heart of this web site, and (in honor of R. Kelly) done some real talk:
I’m trying to make you feel stupid for talking about the casting of a movie character or what some worthless entertainer did at a wholly pointless awards show performance.
Someone sent me the image I attached to this rant in response to my multiple bitch-fests, and it helped me to clarify my position. So I thank that person for helping me to state my position more clearly. I don’t really care whether you feel bad about ignoring/glossing over the events in Syria/Egypt/wherever else. You’re an idiot for caring about Ben Affleck as Batman, Miley Cyrus shaking her booty, and sharing those un-funny images/YouTube videos/Upworthy articles/hoaxes.
And that’s what’s important. If you happen to also feel bad as a result, all the better.
Dumbasses.