I have changed on a previous post the name of the virus for the scientific name SARS-CoV-2. These are the reasons behind the change.
It all started at the time of writing a text on pens, as I do not write about politics or religion or sports. Typing the draft on the computer I thought the ending would be better with a third reference to the current situation in a way that matched the title. So I added those two words now corrected.
Everything happened very quickly afterwards. I first received some comments demanding the change in the wording. My family background on journalism interpreted that as a form of censorship I could not tolerate. Then someone said I was a racist. Some screenshots of my comments were posted online inciting to keep on commenting. The messages went from demanding to punitive, and the name calling continued—racist and Asian hater. Really? I chose Tokyo as my home, and have been here for almost half my life!
I stopped replying to the comments and that would have been it. However, the situation became even more difficult. A big number of insulting messages from people I do not know arrived on my inbox as a result of the instigation on some platforms. And the campaign was reaching some friends I admire and love, pushing them to cut all contact with me. My efforts to explain my words and my situation had the opposite effect.
The following days were very hard. Is this what Social Media are about? That is not so different to an Inquisitorial process in the 1400s, with the additional element that everybody on Social Media can participate without any repercussion on themselves. Difficult and sleepless days these are.
I am changing those words for two reasons: For the sake of some people who are receiving an unjustifiable pressure because they have not cut ties with me; and to clarify that I never had any intention of slandering or blaming anybody, or hurting anyone’s feelings.
Finally, I want to express my wish that anybody who might be going through a similar experience on Social Media was as lucky as I am. A group of friends and family members have always been by my side. Their support was key to go through the situation. Thanks.
Bruno Taut
Nakano, July 23 2020
etiquetas: metabitácora
Nakano, July 23 2020
etiquetas: metabitácora