Is this an apology or a sob story to make me feel bad for him?
Again, plenty of people had shitty childhoods and didn't behave like that.
You're right.
Still, he's identifying the problem and working to better himself which is better than most bastards in the world. I've always been a fan of him, and he does seem sincere (and stupid at times) at most things he does.
I don't think he's wanting you to feel sorry for him. He's just telling his story, and apologizing.
This. I moved around as a kid as well and was a jerk until I realized I didn't want to be an asshole and then voila I wasn't.
he needs to own up to it and be who he is.
Yeah, I didn't get the impression he was looking for pity. It's hard to dig into your own personal failures, and he at least seems to be trying to directly address the people he's wronged with an explanation.
Isn't Penny Arcade just some comic? Why do they create drama every few months?
Isn't Penny Arcade just some comic? Why do they create drama every few months?
This is also really bad logic. I could make it through so everyone automatically can make it through. No one grew up in the same environment and in the same living conditions and received an identical education. As such no lives the very same experiences that craft who they are throughout their life. Not everyone is adequately equipped to face every possible hardships either.
Humans are complex beings so I don't think you can compare easily what you lived to what he lived.
Ilúvatar;95550259 said:He was being who he is. Most people were fine with it - the vocal "social justice!!1" people were not.
I certainly agree that he seems to be putting forward a good faith effort to address his own faults. With that said, I feel like he spent more time making excuses than actually making any sort of a legitimate apology. I understand bullying can affect people into adulthood and I am sorry for Mike that he had to go through that, but I still feel he is naming it as an excuse. That's not acceptable for a 36 year old adult.
It is entirely possible I am misinterpreting his writing though.
and Ive spent a lot of time this year reflecting on it
Admitting your flaws is the small first step, but it's the right one.
His post is essentially a recognition that he's failed to do this.I understand the wall he put up as a kid, but people tend to grow up as they hit adulthood and do not need to lash out at people who disagree with their opinions.
Go spend five minutes on the internet, and you'll find out how wrong you are. The ones who see the problem and try to fix it are very, very rare. The vast majority just keep the cycle going.
His post is essentially a recognition that he's failed to do this.
I feel like forgiveness got a bit lost in the age of the internet and our current political climate. You see this on the right and left. You see it in this thread already. There is this attitude of "I hate you because you're wrong and I hate you even more for not being right in the first place despite a sincere apology"
Props for a little introspection.
Yep. It's a definitely a Catch 22 scenario.
I just saw it as a reflection of a really poor year he had professionally. I just don't get people getting upset at apologies. Contrition is usually considered a good thing in relationships.
If this isn't a legitimate apology, what is?
"I did this, this, that, this, and this, and that, and also did this. I am deeply sorry and take full responsibility for it. I was absolutely wrong. I realize that my behavior has had a terrible effect on my life and has negatively affected my co workers and my business, thus, I will be distancing myself from the activities of these companies and removing myself from the public sphere. I am sorry and am sincerely working on being a better person."
Context? I just went to Penny Arcade for the first time in years and that blog they keep on the front page seems pretty self-indulgent.
It gets better as it goes on but I feel like he spends the first two paragraphs painting himself with the most sympathetic brush available.
he said like...all of that
I understand that, I just have very little patience for people who tend to not grow up and act like a child well into adulthood. Reading his previous comments it is hard to give him any more chances, even after this 'apology.'
Sorta but with six paragraphs turning the issue to be about him and placing the blame on his shitty child hood instead of owning it completely.
I also realize that I carried those ridiculous insecurities into adulthood. I still see people who attack me as the enemy and I strike back with the same ferocity as that seventh grader I used to be. I’m ashamed of that and embarrassed.
Man I wonder if you made this post without a bit of irony.
Aww he was bullied decades ago? Poor baby. He definitely shouldn't get the fuck over it or anything like that.
"I did this, this, that, this, and this, and that, and also did this. I am deeply sorry and take full responsibility for it. I was absolutely wrong. I realize that my behavior has had a terrible effect on my life and has negatively affected my co workers and my business, thus, I will be distancing myself from the activities of these companies and removing myself from the public sphere. I am sorry and am sincerely working on being a better person."
Sorta but with six paragraphs turning the issue to be about him and placing the blame on his shitty child hood instead of owning it completely.
Children are not the only people who are insecure. Alot of people tend to carry their insecurities with them for a long time, an issue made worse if that person is horrible at, or unwilling to do, self reflection.
The impression your comment gives off, imo, seems condescending.
Is this an apology or a sob story to make me feel bad for him?
This is basically what I got from that.
"Sorry I've been an asshole but people were assholes to me as children so it's ok for me to be an asshole as a fully-grown adult."
It gets better as it goes on but I feel like he spends the first two paragraphs painting himself with the most sympathetic brush available.
Uh, how is this issue not about him?
I am just tired of the cycle they have introduced. Insulting remarks -> Apology blog post -> Insulting remarks -> Apology blog post
It will be great if he changes, really, and I know it is hard to do so.
It's 100% about the people he harassed.
They are far more than that, they host a number of huge conventions and a large charity, so no, they aren't just some comic.
My gift to you for the New Year, the gift of knowledge:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Arcade