Believing Quote by Jessica Valenti
“When I started blogging in 2004, I responded to every comment no matter how nasty the reader was. I was generally polite, believing that these critics would be so charmed by my professionalism that they would see the error of their misogynist ways and swiftly run out to read a bell hooks book. Ha!”
About This Quote
Source Blog post, 2004, personal blog
Responding politely to hostile comments aims to model civility and hope to change attitudes, though it may not always succeed.
In simple terms: Polite replies to rude comments try to change minds.
Key Takeaway
Maintain professionalism, but set boundaries.
Themes
civility
online discourse
gender
self-care
boundaries
Mood
frustrated
hopeful
determined
Type
advice
reflective
personal
When to use this quote
- blogging
- customer service
- online harassment
- community management
Key Concepts
digital etiquette
empathy
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Can civility transform hostility?
- When should you stop engaging?
A Different Perspective
Politeness may be exploited; not all critics will change.
