Liz, it sounds like you got hit hard. Since this is the first time I’ve read your work, learning you were 60 years old held my attention. I read your piece three more times to see if I could figure out what might have provoked so much criticism.
In your defense, you woke up to politics a bit late in life and innocently walked into a volatile period of time. You had no idea politics was so heated and don’t have enough background history, or experience, to understand the reasons the stakes are so high right now.
Clearly, you were shocked and very hurt to discover how many people were feeling the same, powerful, even overwhelming emotions as you.
Liz, you did not ask for advice, but I am offering it anyways. When writing about politics, it’s a good idea not to use trigger words or language (simply avoid characterization, accusations, exaggeration, hyperbole, pejoratives, adjectives and adverbs). Trigger words are also called fighting words, confrontational, judgmental, even provocation for a reason - they trigger emotional reactions – not thoughtful responses.
I’m trying to be gentle with you, but you used a lot of trigger words and language in this piece. I suspect your innocent use of trigger language backfired, and the responses triggered your own, personal trauma history. As you said… “I had no idea people could be so hateful, and I'm an abuse survivor! That toxic 10-year relationship paled compared to the acid spilled on my comment page in a matter of days.” I seriously doubt your Medium experience was anything like the experience of abuse it triggered. Nonetheless, trauma survivors need to remember they are trauma survivors. For that reason, you might find a civic organization is a better fit than politics.
My civic life has been a lifelong passion for me, and I am well known for my colorful language. However, politics is not my hobby, sport, chance for fame, fortune, likes or claps. Politics is a very serious part of my country’s past, present and future. I’ve been engaged in civic work – including nonprofits, public policy, activism, organizing and political work - my whole adult life and the stakes have never been higher, than they are right now.
Liz, I applaud your awakening and strongly encourage you to remain an active, engaged citizen. The rewards are many and profoundly satisfying in ways nothing else can provide.
