I've always thought it interesting that there seems to be a link between how popular someone becomes and the amount of contempt and hatred they have for their fellow man.

I'll admit, I've found myself slipping into a similar pattern on occasion, however I have had friends that I have encouraged to speak to me, to tell me when I'm about to cross the line, and they've consistently pulled me back when I am wrong.

We have debates, and I'm so very, very thankful for that, as I've been proven that, at times, I'm motivated by the negative emotions that plague me, such as anger or avarice, even though the core of my activity stems from love.

I feel the difference, though perhaps I -know-, is that when you become more popular you become less able to forgive those around you, reason being; You no longer are able to hold something over someone else's head if you forgive them.

So there comes the question: Is it worthwhile to forgive. And I would say yes, it is worthwhile to forgive. However, in doing so, in forgiving someone, you're not giving blanket allowance for behavior in the future. Those whom are popular, believe that if they've been forgiven then that means that they are insulated against being accused in the future, sort of an inoculation proof against criticism.

And they get upset if they get caught, again, with their hand in the cookie jar.

And the fans they have endorse their actions, because figureheads draw people that are willing to accept their behavior, right or wrong, in an attempt to catch some of that stardust.

So when I look at the people who are no longer my friends, people I had attempted to be actual -friends- with, not just a commissioner and an artist concluding a business transaction, it is fairly interesting in how, as they've become more popular, the joy present in their craft has become absent and they've become less happy.

And their hatred for others more forthcoming.

I'm going to avoid making this a callout journal.

One such person I thought was a friend now supports and is an apologist for pedophilia. Their income goes to someone that raped a child.

But if you state you don't agree with that? You try to provide some life advice, when requested, to toughen up because life itself is difficult? Bans are given. Your message is deleted. They remove any form of contact with you. Because you're 'being mean' to the pedophile who raped someone.

It is a form of hatred and disdain to do so, to escalate mild disagreement. It is a form of ignorance to remove someone from your life because you disagree.

I hope that, in reading this journal, you will agree that we need to talk more, as a community. And part of doing so is to resist the urge to go with those that follow you, to stick to your morals, to evaluate each point given to you and to, if possible, discuss it with those that confront and converse with you.

Otherwise, you'll end up like the person above, supporting something terrible.