November 15, 2009
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Xanga Trigger Post
For the Alcoholic
For the person suffering from bulimia
For the person with nicotine addiction
For the person with drug addiction
For the kleptomaniac
For the gambling addict
For the depressed
For the ana
For the porn addict
For the person with Zoophilia (practice of sex between humans and animals)
Do you think we are responsible for what response our photos may cause to the viewer on xanga?
Comments (111)
umm yeah.
No. I don’t think people should have to hide their opinions just because it will hurt someone’s ego or “feelings”. they don’t have to read your blog or look at the pictures.
Well you were intentionally trying to be offensive.
Oh Dan. There’s a difference between putting up photos that inadvertently trigger something and doing it on purpose.
Perhaps it’s time to let the dead horse lie.
There is responsibility for the person writing the entry in the message they send. There is more of a responsibility for every individual in the ways in which they react to hings (not only on xanga but also in real life). So, is there responsibility in the sense of what is being created? Yes. Is there responsibility in the sense of blame? No.
What about those of us who are addicted to Xanga? Why did you not put a trigger photo for people like me who are addicted to Xanga? I am so angry that I’ll make empty threats to never read your site again, then I’ll keep commenting on your every post.
@AibellFaeire - obvious and true.
If its something more blatant like this, yeah I’d say you’d be somewhat responsible if you didn’t put any kind of disclaimer first.
I think we are responsible but then so is the person who chose to read it…I been thinking on this after that post you wrote…both is responsible the blogger and the reader. THe title was dead give away…if they think its a trigger then they shouldn’t go and read it.
Not if you do it inadvertently.
Even with a warning, if you do it on purpose, something in your post is going to connect the two ideas. For example, I can look at razors without thinking about cutting normally. However if someone mentions self-harm with the same picture, it’s much harder to not think of cutting. Yeah, you can’t help the reaction, but you could help the person avoid it.
you can’t help what happens, inadvertently; but if triggering that particular response is your intent, in the first place, you’re not so innocent for claiming you had no idea.
I am going back to my sick bed and just hoping all this is over by tomorrow.
Sometimes, just sometimes, I view your entries and wonder, “WHY????”
I like the zoophilia photo, though. :3 Puppies~
DDD
Hmm. I think it’s a good idea to put a warning on the post if it’s something you don’t normally blog about.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - *gasp* You wouldn’t!
LOL
That puppy is so fucking hot.
It’s your own blog.
You don’t have to make everyone happy.
Yes. But I think it isn’t a bad thing to upset people sometimes. They blog about it. Make others aware. etc.
Sometimes, It depends on the photo. We all have chosen Xanga and we all should try to make it the best place for everyone. If it turns out to be like some TV or movies or magazines or radio then I’d just have to change the channel or shut it off, but I hope it doesn’t. I hope Xanga will be better than all the rest.
Hell No
i’m with nancy
No.
Depends on if it has anything to do with the post, and not bringing attention.
and i don’t attack anyone personally, nor do i address the person. just the blog or post. i like you, dan. you’re smart and provocative. but some things i have to take a stand against, even if it criticizes those i respect and even like. like dear ricky, for example.
@The44thHour - I would. I might even write a response blog where I talk about how Dan is the worst person ever because he did something that I didn’t approve of.
Okay
wow you’re being kind of a douche bag today.
Dammit, Dan! I’ve been porn free for over thirty minutes, and you just screwed that up… Thanks, asshole!
No! Don’t molest the puppy!!
@Rob_of_the_Sky - I might just have to randomly block you for that. Oh yeah, I’m evil, dig it!
put up hard liquor
It’s about intention. And if you know how people are going to react, you should prepare for it and at least try to adjust so you get the best feedback as possible, unless you really want a bunch of people mad at you…
No, we are not. I think it is common courtesy to warn people of a post that you already know may be offensive and if you are referring to your last one I think you did that. Then if they open it and read it they have at least had the chance to choose to do so. Obviously we can never know for sure what everyones reaction will be to every picture we post. I think society in general has become way too sensitive and always on guard for possible insults.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - lol lol lol I second that!
well, I’d say that if there are obvious triggers involved, you need to put a disclaimer in the blog-entry title. because people are sensitive and knee-jerk and will always blame everyone but themselves for their issues and addictions. that’s just the way people are.
none of this offends me…and I am a klepto…lmao I just laughed when I saw thattt
No, I don’t think so. It goes beyond what emotion the picture triggers to the person’s self control. Contrary to popular belief, many people are capable of rationally controlling their own actions even when tempted to do something dumb like cutting. Or at least, I’m capable, so I figure other people should be too. You can’t blame someone else for your own dumb mistakes.
maybe. possibly.
@logicalemu - I agree with you for the most part, except for your immature jibe “something dumb like cutting”. maybe you ought to read my latest blog entry.
and, btw, I had no problem with Dan’s ‘Cutter Porn’ post.
the person with the disease is responsible for their own behavior. but putting up triggers is not such a nice thiing to do.
Huh? I don’t get it. What’s the point of this article. I feel like it’s offensive, but I don’t understand it.
Short answer: Yes.
Longer version: Never EVER play with triggers. The terminology is significant here; there’s a reason they’re called triggers as opposed to buttons or keys or magic words or some other alternative: they’re destructive. And I don’t mean the kinds of bad things we can all laugh about later (nor, for that matter, immediately). I know people who suffer with all of these things (with exception of the animals thing, to my knowledge, at least) and cutting, and when I say suffer, I mean suffer.
Do you have the freedom of speech to put pretty much whatever you want on your own blog? Certainly. Are there any legal repercussions to posting triggers? Likely not. Do you have to answer to God for all the harm you do? Yes, and believe me that you have gravely underestimated the amount of power that your words have and the damage they can do. I know people who have come very close to dying because of a number of these things, have permanent scars and injuries, and have a lot of mental and emotional scars.
Did you know that xanga is a refuge, an escape, a safe place, a place for friendship and support for a lot of those people and a lot of other people who suffer through similar things? I’m sure you do know. Have you ever actually seen or talked with someone you cared about while they were being triggered? I doubt it, or else you wouldn’t be so cavalier about this.
Some people say that because it’s just a joke, it’s okay, and everyone needs to lighten up. But they’re not laughing when their best friend just got triggered into a suicidal episode, and they’re praying that they can talk her out of it before she decides it’s time and hangs up. They’re not laughing when their loved ones are in the hospital.
Others go with the “no such thing as bad press” approach, but you can’t justify a trigger with “awareness”. There are good ways and bad way to promote awareness. There are responsible and irresponsible ways. You’ve just provided a number of examples of the latter types. Don’t expect anyone to applaud you for championing the cause.
@grammarboy - <3
now THAT was funny…..
I see your point.
@grammarboy - true, but then again some people’s triggers can be unknown. for example, triggers for people suffering from PTSD could literally be ANYTHING, depending on the situation and the person: they could even be words. its virtually impossible to keep ALL “triggers” off peoples blogs.
I do see your point though.
Triggers are nonsense.
There is not one person on this planet who hasn’t suffered, dealt with their appetites, and currently endures nightmares in the form of memories. Only certain people get to cry “trigger” to excuse their weaknesses or claim more attention. The people with the trendy problems.
@greenbird321 - I don’t give a shit what you thought about his cutter porn post and I have no intention of reading your latest blog entry. I happen to think cutting is a very dumb choice and I’m not going to shy away from saying so.
holy hell, so if I wanna post a pic of my pet I now have to warn anybody into bestiality with a disclaimer?
“but I read this blooooog and *weeps* there was a picture and it’s not my fault”
Absolutely not. That’s ridiculous. They can click away if they want. This is free speech,baby!
I think you have every right to post what you want.
If people have a problem with it they should grow up and either:
A) ignore it
B) not read it in the first place
I’m a fucking teenager and a former cutter and I can be mature, come on adults, grow the fuck up.
Stop bickering like the teenagers at my school.
No one should have to hide their opinions. Its supposed to be a free country but with everyone being so judgemental then there is no such thing as free as long as we have to worry about who we might insult.
Everyone should be free to have their own views, own thoughts, own feelings, whether it triggers or insults someone.
I guess it depends what it is. With the photos you have above, probably not. But their are somethings that need to be treated with caution as they can be insightful to the wrong sort of person.
@raspberryjade - That’s true, and I’ve known people to be triggered by a lot of things. But there’s a definite difference between stumbling across things on accident when trying to help and doing them intentionally to make a point.
@TheModernBunny - They’re not nonsense. I’ve seen them in action plenty of times. If you haven’t, consider yourself blessed.
As for using psychological problems as an excuse, sure, some people do it, and sure, it’s not healthy. But that doesn’t make the problems any less real.
There are amputees who use their lack of legs as an excuse to feed off of other people’s sympathy for life, and there are those who run marathons on prosthetics. It is indeed up to every individual to take responsibility for himself; it’s not healthy to just let oneself rot away, and there are alternatives, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t major obstacles.
@logicalemu - *shrug* keep right on at it, for all I care lol; you’re only embarrassing yourself by showing your ignorance.
@TheModernBunny - i want your kittens!
@grammarboy - Sure they’re nonsense. This is a big wide world full of STUFF- “triggers” everywhere for every taste! Or is blogging the only thing on trial here?
They sell razors in the grocery store, they advertise razors on TV, pretty much everyone keeps a razor in their bathroom and isn’t obligated to keep it hidden just in case a guest has secret cutter inclinations. If someone is seriously going to surrender to self-mutilation just because they see a pic of a razor on somebody’s blog, they need to stay off the internet till they get some help.
I do like the puppy =)
@TheModernBunny - I wasn’t talking about blogging; I was talking about triggers, and they aren’t nonsense.
Razors themselves likely aren’t a trigger to a lot of people; they’re a method of getting to a result and generally not a cause. Talking about cutting, however, quite often starts the itch, so it should be done with great care and caution.
As for staying off the internet because it’s full of all kinds of things that might be triggers, there’s some truth to it, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. People who cut or have eating disorders or addictions or whatever else are quite likely to hide them because of stigma and various other reasons, but the internet, especially xanga, is a place where they can talk about their problems and get the support they need. On the other hand, that often turns into the blind leading the blind, and both fall into a proverbial pit. People trigger each other or encourage unhealthy behavior as much as help. This is why great care must be taken in how such things are addressed.
I think when you have a large audience like yours, you’re responsible for maintaining a certain theme and personality. Tossing in dark humor for an audience that’s not expecting it can be dangerous. It’s like a priest reenacting a scene from South Park in the middle of a sermon — not everyone’s gonna get onboard with it.
No
There really is a difference between being an asshole and being provocative. You should feel responsible for the feelings you invoke through pictures you post just as you should feel for the words you use. Being kind and understanding is important, just as much as being funny is, if not more so. Think before you speak, my father always said.
@TheModernBunny - The point isn’t that they saw a picture of a razor, the point is that it mocks the day reserved to pay respect to those trying to stop cutting. A picture of someone in Blackface may or may not be funny. If posted on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it brings on a whole new meaning. A mocking, unfair, and surely hurtful meaning to some.
Rape has been a big issue on Xanga recently. For example, if one Xangan was to post a picture of another Xangan with the title “Raper’s Porn”, surely it would evoke some emotion from people. Although the post was meant to be funny and direct, without proper foresight, one is subjecting themselves to possible ridicule and surely acceptance that they have offended a mass. Period.
Set no wicked thing before your eyes…
I’m not sure because I’m not a -holic or a -philic or an addict of anything, so I dunno the effect of these photos…
@Josh_Gist - Dan: Do you think we are responsible for what response our photos may cause to the viewer on xanga?
Me: Triggers are nonsense.
Grammarboy: Triggers aren’t nonsense.
Me: Sure they are.
Nobody here was discussing the alleged sacred ground of TWLOHAD. We were discussing triggers themselves. Way to jump in and change the subject.
@breaking_expectations - I was gonna say something like that.
You know, minus the personal bent.
@QueenOfOreos - Agreed.
I think I speak for everyone when I say, “Awwww! Wook at de wittle puppy!”
No
@FoliageDecay - mmhmm….
Depends on the photo. As long as it isn’t too graphic who cares.
This is really what the Ratings system was put in place for to begin with.
definitely..
visualizations stimulate reaction…
Phew, I was afraid you would put something up about Xanga and my addiction to that would be triggered…
There isn’t anything for me!
YAWN.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - Hah! Hah! Hah! to your xanga addict comment
————-
Having not been around for a couple of days, I am reading top down, so here is my comment to this one.
as to the original question asked here, I detest censorship of my blog, so I’m not gonna tell you what you should and shouldn’t put on yours.
if I’m an alkie and I see a glass of beer on your post and it makes me damn thirsty, that’s not YOUR problem, not your fault. I will see glasses of beer everywhere, I don’t expect the world to accomodate itself to my little situations, whatever they may be
You give the pictures context, that affects someone’s view. Also, the lives they have lived affect personal views.
depends on if you believe putting what you say you believe into action- even on a blog…since God holds mature christians accountable for making the weaker one stronger… does your post do that? does it lift up or provide a stumbling block? i wouldn’t care either way, but you asked and i know that you want to be a man of God… just consider this your Sunday am sermon and do with it as you like…. for those who aren’t christian- it’s a personal moral issue. i just think the consquences are a bit harsher on ppl who want to glorify God.
So what in the hell happened these past couple days? I definitely missed something, and because it revolves around you, Dan, I feel like I should as the Main subject himself lol.
i think we’re responsible for our actions and words, in that, it was our actions/words that caused a negative reaction
HOWEVER i don’t believe we’re responsible to the extent that we should be penalized for it/change our actions; everyone has the right to free speech and no one’s thoughts should be oppressed to spare others’ feelings. you never know what’s going to be a trigger and walking on eggshells everytime you write a blog is no fun and doesn’t allow you to express your opinion, fully. if you are still in the stage that you can get triggered by a blog, than you should be getting some help
I used to enjoy reading your posts.. and thought you were creative and insightful. What are you trying to accomplish? Because it certaintly is not humerous. You’re sick.
@afireinside_me - I think it’s a money issue. If I remember correctly, he gets paid from the number of hits his page gets, although I could be wrong. The more controversy, the more people show up to his blog, the more money he gets.
You made a good point that we are not responsible for others actions. I don’t know if more people are angry at the issue of triviliazing something serious such as cutting or mad because you may actually make people cut themselves, but the concept of triggers is rather frightening. Good point some people even see women as “triggers,” even though there is a difference between inanimate object vs human its a relevant observation.
@TheModernBunny - I’m not jumping subjects, I’m talking about the subtext of this debate, not the surface entry that was created to start the discussion. It’s clear this entry was created as a defense, and I don’t think that’s a terrible thing. I’m glad Dan wants to show people what he meant by comparing it to other examples. I just think it’s important we also talk about what started everything.
Possibly. It depends on the circumstances. A porn site has the intention of helping get a response, but and could promote abuse, exploitation, and degradation of women and men. All the advertising using skinny models is sometimes blamed for contributing to the thin culture that leads many young women to eating disorders because they just don’t feel they can meet society’s standard.
We should also be careful of our words on line, too.
LOL @ the picture for the kleptomaniac!
i don’t get how razor blades or even blood could be a trigger for cutters.
No.
okay. i agree with people who are saying there should be a disclaimer. because for this post, it effortlessly grabbed my immediate attention, but I eventually scrolled down to one photo that triggered upsetting thoughts for me, and I didn’t necessarily know that kind of picture would be shown. so in that sense, you would be to blame, because you intentionally put a commonly disturbing picture for those who have that specific condition, and i didn’t see it coming. on the other hand, i also wouldn’t really blame you in particular, if, oh, let’s say i was a nicotine addict and i started smoking again. you didnt force me to smoke again, it’s my own action that i would have to take responsibility for. so in that sense, the readers are also to blame. thus, my point is: i think the safest way to go is using a disclaimer! because some people are way too easily offended, take things too seriously, and will blame everything but themselves. so then when they freak out, you have the right to say, there was a disclaimer at the top, so you should have taken note of that and not continued reading. though the disclaimer should be kind of specific enough, too, in order to effectively get people to avoid reading something that will personally upset them.
Intentionally offensive religious beliefs, intentionally offensive political beliefs, intentionally offensive blog. You’re a profession troll masquerading your post as thought provoking. Im surprised your audience actually finds you offensive sometimes. Are you responsible for the things you post, yes. Are you responsible for how people will react to it, no, but don’t have to be and you know that. You can just drop a bomb and walk away regardless of what occurs…
CHICKEN!!!!
People with addictions are responsible for thier recovery, and for the person who is addicted to having sex with animals should be shot.
If people are going to complain about pictures triggering their addictions, we should hide all the ultra-skinny people in the world, all the razors, all the alcohol, etc.
When I quit cigarettes, every time I went out I was forced to walk through clouds of smoke on campus. Was it a trigger? Yes.
Did I ask all of them to stop smoking because they could possibly trigger me to smoke? No.
I don’t see the difference in this situation.
I like this post (especially if it’s a response to comments from the previous post). If you have a problem with something in someone’s PERSONAL blog then you shouldn’t read it. Plain as that.
I would write more but the only thought I can hold onto right now is “People are lame.”
So there it is =]
<3Angel
Hardly. We can’t anticipate everyones f-ed up problems. ♥
Ugh,
why did I even read this?We’re not responsible, for eveything, but this was blatant and intentional. Not to mention extremely messed up. Jeez.
That is actually a very good question… Perhaps you might rephrase it and ask yourself, “How ought I take responsibility for my posts.” Sometimes it is difficult taking responsibility for someone else’s actions, but the fact is, often we are responsible and might need to be aware of the effects our actions have on others. I wouldn’t waste too much time worrying about it though, ultimately each individual must hold themself accountable for their own actions, regardless of the cause.
My father often reminded me to think before I speak. This may be one of the many meanings behind his advice.
Yes. Definatly
That doesn’t mean cencoring one’s self though.
Like, this entry for example. Unlike your other post regarding ‘Cutter Porn-TWLOYA’, which many people could find triggering or hurtful or whatever, and there is no notification of that, this entry you put ‘Triggering’. By doing that, you are acknowleding that “this is something that may be offensive” and “if you continue, it’s at your own risk.
Is it wrong that I thought this post was funny?
The klepto pic is funny,they should give her all those phones,they are the crappiest phones.
i think reader and writer both have a responsibility. the writer to warn readers of any particularly triggering content, and the reader to ensure they choose what they read carefully. certain things do have a trigger warning – for example, this post would not be considered a G rated post. movies, games and cds have ratings so that consumers can choose what they want to watch. i believe that blogs should be the same.
Maybe.
It’s your blog! lol
You crack me up, Dan!
Yes, to a certain extent.
Next time, could you post a picture of Oreos…?
No, No, No
PICTURES DO NOT FORCE ANYONE TO DO ANYTHING….
That puppy is adorable. :3