Kitchen Note: Social Media, Plum Liqueur

Some time ago Shauna James Ahern wrote a long post about negative commenters, including some of the most vicious and/or irrational remarks she’d received. These were startling in their ugliness. Yet the piece was remarkably level-headed, even kind. Ahern wasn’t seeking revenge or attempting to expose certain commenters. She wanted to shine a light on one of the ugliest parts of social media.

This was long before I had any notions of blogging myself. Yes, I run into the occasional irate commenter on Popmatters. But that’s rarely personal. I’ve found not responding usually halts even the angriest troll.

When I started here, I ruefully wondered whether the authors I’d reviewed critically would crawl out of the woodwork. They have not. Obviously they have better things to do.

Surprisingly, my harshest critics have proved to be those who know me personally. Some strongly object to my writing about Ehlers-Danlos. One person expressed outrage at a post but refused to be pacified when the offending material was removed.

Why write about this now?

Recently both of us have been on the receiving end of jibes regarding our political views. These remarks are coming from people who, if nothing else, should have better manners than this. It’s also safe to say that adults pushing fifty are unlikely to abruptly reverse their political viewpoints, least of all when taunted.

As neither of us are inclined to provoke others regarding their views, I’ve no idea where this behavior came from, or why. That is to say, it arrived without provocation.

You could argue this has nothing to do with food, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But  this exchange–over social media, of course–soured our weekend and put a pall over what should have been a nice Sunday dinner. To what end? This must be what Brexit felt like for many U.K. families with divided views.

It’s going to be a long three months. I doubt we are alone in this experience, which is why I share it here.

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In more pleasant–or at least, succor-bringing–news, while putting away groceries this morning I came across my jars of plum liqueur. I’d love to say incredible organizational skills meant I remembered they’d be ready today, but I’d be lying. Never mind: they’re ready to be decanted. I personally can’t think of a better time to sample one.

(An hour later)

Friends, I’ve found a way to make the next three months considerably more bearable. In moderation, of course.

If you haven’t yet made plum liqueur, I’d advise your doing so immediately. If, like me, you have made plum liqueur, it is advisable to make more. Gallons more.

Maybe tomorrow, but more likely Wednesday: red pepper chicken wings. In the interim, may others be nice to you, accept you for who you are, and leave you the hell alone.

Thank you for being here.