Can't We All Just Get Along?

I'm going to try to make this as less of a rant as possible.

Maybe it's because I've been going through a bit of a low period this week due to getting in a fight with a close friend of mine, but I've been seeing so much negativity in the Youtube/Blogger world lately.

Don't get me wrong, I know there's been hate and negative remarks going around for a long time. I've been a participant and observer (wow, Sociology major much? lol) of these communities for almost 2 years (and have been making videos for a little over 1 year) and I am well aware that hate will happen just because it is the internet and some people just have nothing better to do.

I just see so many ridiculous and honestly, stupid, comments all over. Who cares if someone says "um", has moles, spends their hard earned money on products that make them happy, etc. No one would EVER go up to someone on the street and say all these things to someone. I've never had someone look at my bag in Sephora and say "OMG you're buying ALL off that??" I'm sure none of you have had this either. The aspect of anonymity is a big thing on the internet. You're here typing behind a screen where you don't have to look at anyone in the face to show them just how insecure you are about yourself that you have to insult somebody.

Yesterday in particular seemed to be a big day for negativity, in my opinion. Especially with the article by an individual that condemned bloggers and youtubers because they are not professionals (I won't post a link, if you're curious please google it). What so many people forget is that for most of us, this is a HOBBY. It's something I do to relax, interact, and connect with individuals that share my passion for beauty and fashion. Who cares if I say "um", own a lot of makeup, have bad lighting...whatever.

Unless someone is saying something incredibly offensive (I don't see how anything in makeup can be offensive, really) or insulting you in anyway, why say something incredibly pointless? If you don't like a blog/channel/individual in any way, why are you showing them support by subscribing/following yet posting comments meant to hurt them? And even if you just stumbled on the video, why continue watching if you don't share the passion? I just really don't see the point.

Not only is this a hobby, it's a community. The definition of a community is "a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests". If we all share common interests and passions, why not embrace that? If you don't share this passion, why are you participating in the community?

I have been asked by people who want to start their own channel how I "deal with the hate". First of all, it's rare that I get a negative comment. When I do, it's usually from a weirdo that stumbled across my page. What do I do? I LAUGH. I think it's funny whenever someone wastes time from their life to say something that doesn't have an effect on me anyway. Like I said, no one would say such remarks to you in "real life".

If you are afraid of starting videos because you are afraid of hate, DON'T BE! First of all, it's very unlikely you will get hate when you first start out and by the time you get a negative comment, you will have so much support and positive comments from genuine viewers that they will definitely outweigh the one lone person that is looking for attention.

This post isn't directed at any one individual in particular, just a type of individual and the negativity they attempt to spread.

Thank you to everyone that shows me such amazing support (on my youtube, twitter, and on here). Your positivity and love makes this all worth it. Keep being the great, sweet, and gorgeous people you are. <3