No bueno

Today there was a message waiting for me on MySpace from a guy that I don't know. This is not unusual, but his email was. Simply put it read:

"Aww, it's kind of sad when an average-looking girl is trying really hard to be a model. I don't think it's ever gonna happen for you, champ..."

I don't know this guy or anything about him, and after I got over the initial sting of an insult (or maybe what he intended to be just really harsh constructive criticism??) one question was nagging at me. I wonder why people feel that spreading negativity is productive and/or necessary? Insults never improve anyone's life or thinking. So what compels someone to think and voice hurtful things?

Lately I've heard a great deal about haters, and I just don't understand it. One girl I know won't shut up about how much she can't stand a certain actress and her dress at the Oscars, only for the reason that she feels she prettier than that actress. Another friend of mine has had to deal with rumors started about her that are filled with malice and dishonesty, while yet another friend of mine who models (and is quite successful) deals with hate mail on a daily basis. Even friends in the Bay Area who are plugged into the music scene have to deal with this seething abhor-ation.

Really folks??? Is your life that empty or lacking focus & direction that you want to inflict pain and negativity on people around you, and also on people you don't even know??? I understand if you're not a fan of someone's pictures, or music, or art form, but there's no need for anger and negativity.

Support what you love, don't tear down others for doing what they love just because it doesn't appeal to you. Isn't that what humanity is supposed to be doing anyway - doing what makes you happy as a person (so long as it doesn't harm others)?

I may not be a successful model, or even a great one, but who am I hurting by taking what some people might call mediocre pictures? Right now, I'm enjoying what I do and I'm happy with my life, and I'll walk my path because it's mine... no one else's.