I was thinking about the role of social media host and their responsibility to call things for what they are. Labelling content with authenticity. Indulge me in some free form thinking.
Social media hosts can get into hot water if they are using statements that may not be accurate to define a situation, skill or how they feel.
For someone experienced in doing handstands and gymnastics, they could probably get into this position pretty easily. Myself, I don't have hope in hell as I am overweight. So if this gymnast ever claimed it's easy, it's her perception based on knowledge she has gained over time. Maybe it is, I see it as impossible for myself with my body and frame of mind.
Myself, I can get into hot water pretty easily and be the target of someone's abusive language when something I demonstrate isn't resonating with the person. People need someone to blame. So someone in my position becomes the verbal punching bag when, in fact, the problem may never have been me but may be so many factors that are beyond what I can control.
The frame of someone's mind is dictated by the moment. If I am having a rough day, I will read a thoughtful comment in a derogatory tone in my head because of my own situation, when it was never intended. Sometimes, stepping back is necessary, especially if you are feeling emotionally compromised as Spoke would say.
Being Authentic
This year, I am trying to push myself to do more on YouTube in skill sets that I would normally avoid as they are harder and sometimes teaching them can be a real challenge. I am taking time to think about the skills needed and presenting them.
One of the worst habits that people in my position can find themselves are saying, "Oh, it's so easy!" You know, sometimes it's a somersault while balancing an apple on your nose. It's not so easy for someone or maybe the host struggled and overcame and is presenting it seamlessly and claiming is as easy.
I have found that being authentic to the skill set is the best medicine I can ever give out. If all patterns I touch and say to everyone, this is easy, this is easy, this is easy... Well... what is hard then? RIGHT!?
When I walk into a furniture place and this may be mean girlish, I ask the host that volunteers to be my guide. "What in this store don't you like?" Many times, I will find the salesperson will claim to love everything in the store though the styles from one show section to another may be completely different. To me, it blows their objectivity because they are not willing to share their personal flare. Maybe they do love everything but it's highly unlikely.
Call it Out For What It Is
I have learned on YouTube what I would define as easy versus harder in skill set. To call it out for what it is. What do I have to lose right?!
There are people who claim the interlocking traditional method is easy! Umm, whatever! For me, that concept is impossible for my brain to comprehend. My brain doesn't think in three dimensions as another mind can. Isn't it better to give an opinion than to fake it?
It's argued that a host can ruin someone's joy by sound discouraging for giving a rating or opinion on a skill set. That may be true. But like anything in life, an opinion is just that, an opinion. What is harder for me, maybe a walk in the park for another.
I refuse to change the idea of staying neutral on crochet patterns. It's better to show where I tripped and fell in the pattern than it is to fake my way through it. I think people generally want an objective point of view. I have found where I trip, others will as well. So call it out, be real... be authentic.
How do you feel about this? What's your opinion? Share with me in the comments below.
Bobbi Miller says
I agree. I would rather know up front that this maybe a harder pattern. I also find when the moderator/instructor says where they had problems and this is how they overcame them makes me understand the pattern better plus I don't feel so discouraged when I am having a hard time with something.
Carol aTaylor says
It’s always better to give your opinion or assessment of pattern skill level. Not everyone can do everything. We all have something to learn although what’s easy for some will be “impossible” for others. Without some challenging patterns it would soon get pretty boring to me. I love a challenge and so I only rarely repeat a pattern, once it is “conquered”
Thank you again for your transparency.
Vicki Jacobs says
Mikey, I think you are on the right track. In the interest of being encouraging, it is easy to fall into the trap of saying that any pattern is easy. All you can do is describe your experience with the stitch or pattern and acknowledge that everyone's abilities and experiences are different and that you hope the tutorial works for the user. You can welcome constructive criticism but not blame or anger. I can't envision a situation where crocheting should provoke either.
You would think the fact that everyone's abilities and experience differs is a given, but I think some people forget that and may get upset or angry when they can't get the hang of a particular stitch or pattern. Given the stress level in our society right now, I think it is easy for some to cast blame on others when things don't go well. Some people need a scapegoat. It's unfortunate, but I do feel sorry for those folks.
In short, all you can do is approach each day with authenticity and enthusiasm, which I think you already do, and let the chips fall where they may.