opinion of removing your avatar on 9/11

[Mr. Illini]

Lol it's a way to show respect. I never said it would accomplish anything. It's simply a commemoration in the same way as sharing an image on Facebook or something like that.

But if y'all want to get pissy about something done in good faith on a day that is still incredibly important, go ahead.

[Mr. Illini]

It's simply a commemoration in the same way as sharing an image on Facebook or something like that.

Exactly, yes.

And if something like that frustrates you or makes you cringe, you need to rethink what is important in the grand scheme of things.

[Mr. Illini]

It's simply a commemoration in the same way as sharing an image on Facebook or something like that.

Exactly, yes.

And if something like that frustrates you or makes you cringe, you need to rethink what is important in the grand scheme of things.

Why? Apologies for not understanding why this embarrassing impotence is any way worthwhile or helpful to anyone, anywhere, in any way.

Making a separate thread to whine about it is of significantly less help or worth, that is for sure.

A simple commemoration of this date shouldn't be controversial. I don't know why you people have made it so.

[Mr. Illini]

I have to say when I decided to remove my avatar to commemorate 9/11 I never envisioned it being something that would cause such negative reaction.

You don't have to do it, but I don't understand why you would make a thread about it or respond to said thread with negativity. Childish and disrespectful, frankly.

[Mr. Illini]

9/11 was a good thing

Goodbye, joke or not.

[Mr. Illini]

It's your gesture, and done in a particular spirit. But it is a gesture and you have to equally understand why some people see it as an empty gesture and are calling it.

While it's a good-natured gesture - the subject matter doesn't protect it from criticism, nor should it.

outofthebox asked people to change their avatars to R-CA on the anniversary of Reagan's death. I saw no mocking threads about it, despite that being one death and this being 3,000. So no, I really don't understand, and don't feel like I should.

[Mr. Illini]

It's your gesture, and done in a particular spirit. But it is a gesture and you have to equally understand why some people see it as an empty gesture and are calling it.

While it's a good-natured gesture - the subject matter doesn't protect it from criticism, nor should it.

outofthebox asked people to change their avatars to R-CA on the anniversary of Reagan's death. I saw no mocking threads about it, despite that being one death and this being 3,000. So no, I really don't understand, and don't feel like I should.

I don't endorse the thread, nor what you perceive as mocking. But this is a democratic forum where people have the right to have their views heard.

And I am allowed to call them disrespectful and childish for it. I didn't ask for the mods to take it down. I just said it was a ridiculous thread with a lot of ridiculous comments.

[Mr. Illini]

Just because he isn't being serious doesn't mean he isn't being a giant douchebag and incredibly disrespectful.

[Mr. Illini]

Sorry, but as someone who knew people who died in the attack (albeit as a kid in elementary school), I'm a lot more bothered by shallow "commemorations" that take the form of self-absorbed online slacktivism. We're marking the thirteenth successive year of obligatory flag pins, for Christ's sake, and I'm fed up with reflection that refuses to look outward rather than inward for answers.

I get that, but I really don't understand why you would be more bothered by an honest attempt at solidarity as Americans than by blatant disrespectful trolling.

It was a very simple gesture to attempt to symbolize that we were not separated by party labels on that day and each year we ought to strip away those divisions once again in respect and recognition.

As I said, I never would have expected it to blow up in my face. If I offended anyone I am sorry, but I really wish it could be taken for what it is - a simple gesture of respect.