I can't believe the ignorance.

[mysterygal]

Has anyone heard of the halo kid? If you have not seen his video, check it out here, and check out the comments people have made:



Halo Kid - Sympatico / MSN Video

I searched through about 50 comments, and only found a handful of nice ones. The rest were very similar to your typical recess bullying: "you loser!!"

This was my response to the video:

Honestly, I can't believe that grown adults would be so hurtful, and immature. Think of how this kid feels. I've searched the net, and this video is on dozens of sites. In total there are thousands of comments ( Youtube alone has 12000), most of which, include extremely negative things such as "fag" , loser, or nerd etc. Unless he has extremely high self esteem, I'm sure he feels terrible.

Who wouldn't feel terrible if thousands and thousands of people called you a fag or a freak simply because you are little different.
Einstein was different, and I can almost guarantee that he was made fun of. And yet, the same people who treated him like crap probably accomplished nothing in their lives. Think about what you say before you speak.

Imagine what it would feel like to be called a fag by three people. Now multiply that by thousands. Put yourself in his position. Your short comment "get a life you nerd!!!" may not have very much impact. But collectively, those comments have the potential to impact this kids life forever. Every single person who posted a negative comment should apologize.

_---------

What do you think of his video? Would you post of a hurtful comment?

[Matt Willard]

It's my personal policy not to make negative comments like that. Quite frankly, people who post remarks like that disgust me. Blame my unpleasant background, I suppose.

[Dan.Linehan]

The link didn't work for me, but if you're talking about who I think you are, the kid who recreated all the Halo weapons out of cardboard and tin foil, he accidentally shot and killed himself shortly after posting his videos.

Joshua J. Nimm -- Watertown Daily Times Online - News

[Dan.Linehan]

More to the point, the ignorance on display on most youtube videos does astound me.

Just make note: This is the level of intelligence at which most of the country operates.

That has been a hard belief for me to adopt and incorporate, personally, but you won't do yourself any favors by ignoring that fact.

Also, the level of intelligence doesn't rise a whole lot going up the chain of authority.

[Holistic Star]

anonymity + stupidity - empathy + computer = idiot

[mysterygal]

Apparently the boy who killed himself (age 11) lives in Wisconsin, and the boy who is in the video (age 13), lives in Canada.

[mysterygal]

For those who can't load the above video, you can check out the youtube one:

YouTube - Halo Kid "The New Star Wars Kid"

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by mysterygal

Apparently the boy who killed himself (age 11) lives in Wisconsin, and the boy who is in the video (age 13), lives in Canada.

Oh good. A lot of people reported it was the same boy, I'm glad it's not.

[tomn8er]

Originally Posted by Holistic Star

anonymity + stupidity - empathy + computer = idiot

Hahaha. That's got to be the most relevant equation I've ever seen! So true!

[dbstraight]

I think it just shows that the WAY in which we interact with other people is extremely important. What people are willing to say online and what they're willing to say in real life is often quite different. It's not just online though. All sorts of situations make people behave differently than they ordinarily would. Consider how people behave in a protest or in a debate versus how they behave in one-on-one face-to-face conversation. It's totally different.

I think in order to truly effect a change in any of these people's behavior, you would have to get them to be introspective and consider why they are willing to say things online that they would not say in real life, as I don't suspect most of them are really complete jerks in real life. However, the likelihood seems small to me of convincing someone you don't know online that they need serious introspection about the way they treat other people based on the situation in which they find themselves.

So, I hate to say it, but your comment will probably fall on deaf ears. It's sad. I understand your concern. I've made comments like that before on various issues myself. I can't stand seeing rudeness or pointless bickering like you so often see in online debates.

[Trezker]

That video shows a very industrious kid. If he doesn't let life bring him down he'll probably be a master chief some day and get rich. As they say about nerds, be nice to them because you will probably work for them when you grow up.

People probably just post hateful comments because they fear this kid, and they all secretly wish they could do something creative like that.

[mlc82]

That puts my Europa Barbarorum (incredible game mod) inspired Celtic Warrior halloween costume to shame for sure. I'd imagine most of those posting negative comments did so in between going out to dance clubs and catching the latest reality shows*.




*Not too much offense intended to those here who like dance clubs and reality shows, maybe a little though.

[mysterygal]

I posted my comment last night, and since then the rude remarks have continued to pile up (and this was just since last night):


Congradulations, you got more weapons...

I think the best coulour for gay people is pink.

lol wow FAG

****ING NERD GAY JAJAJAJA

WOW WHAT A NERD

homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo
homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo
homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo homo
......................... fag

[ns123]

The boy shows incredible creativity and resourcefulness. Wonderful traits to have. He made really great replicas out of cardboard and tinfoil - I am very impressed that a kid did this and did it so well.

I think most people object to his preference for weapons instead of, I dunno, creations of abstract art or sculpture? If we can get over ourselves and our tsk tsking of his preferences, we can really see that he has a talent.

Instead of insulting him, we could help him channel his creativity in other ways. I'm sure insulting him and calling him names is really very productive and will convince him to see the err of his ways. Maybe if we insult him enough, he will stop his preference for weapons and start making cardboard sculptures of The David instead?

I think people in general, who insult others anonymously, deserve exactly what they generate - resistance and unhappiness. And they deserve to be seen exactly as they are - unhinged and not credible.

There are gentle ways of encouragement, inspiration, and helping others change their views. And then there are the a**hole ways of doing things. Three guesses which are more effective.

[shay333]

To b honest i was quite impressed and thoughy he was rather resourcefully creative although i know that most ppl will take the chance to laugh and jeer at almost anything. But thats humanity for you. Even the most beautiful perfect person will be criticized, jeered at. Downside of information sharing facilities, the people that use them

[Elrond]

Originally Posted by ns123

Instead of insulting him, we could help him channel his creativity in other ways.

Why? Some people collect stamps, some people party mindlessly, some people make videogame weapons "replicas". Don't worry, he'll probably find a job that suits his talents. Unless the Internet hasn't obliterated his self-esteem.

[Matt Willard]

If he wants to make replica videogame weapons, it's his business.

[phoenixxx]

Yeah, Whats the big deal?? He's cute. And that stuff must have took hours to make and looks great.

People have a lot of anger........they just need to stop taking it out on other people. It's just a kid with a hobby- they don't know him personally. Why go out of your way just to post an insulting comment?? The kid will realise that it's nothing personal. It's their problem.

[adam230]

This kid and his creations are impressive. I just think it's funny that you would have everyone apologize to him for calling him names. He's different, of course he's going to be teased. This is a great opportunity for him to get used to it, and to learn to use his creative talent in a way that adds value to society that others can appreciate, instead of relentlessly exhibiting his immaturity and self-absorption to the world. I hate that people coddle children and try so desperately to heal their own wounds by insulating them from the realities of this life, thus perpetuating the cycle of victimization. Hopefully the kid has strong parents who will use this as an opportunity to harden him and help him adjust, instead of dramatically throwing their arms up at the state of the world and showing him what it looks like when kids who never grow up become weak adults and parents.

[SomeRandomGuy]

Originally Posted by dbstraight

I

I think in order to truly effect a change in any of these people's behavior, you would have to get them to be introspective and consider why they are willing to say things online that they would not say in real life, as I don't suspect most of them are really complete jerks in real life.

I have to disagree with the last portion of this comment. I believe that when people can say and do things anonymously they are more likely to put forth their true self. In face to face situations people are more likely to apply a filter. If these people are jerks online, then they most likely are jerks, even if they "play" nice people in real-life.

[darkw0rker]

Let's be realistic. He is a nerd. I am not saying there is anything wrong with being a nerd, but admitting that he really is one.

Now why do you think people don't like nerds?

Well some are just jealous. But I think there should be something wrong with a nerd.

Most of the extreme nerds that I have seen actually are way more stupid than normal people. They may seem like they are more intelligent, but in fact their close mindedness is really sad.

[funchy]

He is very clever and cute! I think it's adorable. If i had kids, I'd love to have a kid like him. We're in a time when so many kids, even at his young age, are getting tangled up in drugs/drinking, vandalism, and other dead-ends.

That being said, the #1 rule of the internet is don't post anything you don't want others to criticize. That's just the nature of the internet. The anonymity really brings out the worst in some people.

If I was his parent, I would've insisted he make the video private and only let friends & relatives see it.... just my opinion.

[funchy]

Originally Posted by darkw0rker

I think there should be something wrong with a nerd. Most of the extreme nerds that I have seen actually are way more stupid than normal people. They may seem like they are more intelligent, but in fact their close mindedness is really sad.

That kind of over-generalization is uncalled for. Do you also say things such as "all Jewish people are ___" or "all African-american people are ____" ? That's not very kind or constructive.

[Plato]

I only see this kind of behaviour from people safely behind their computer screens. Most people are too scared to insult people to their face.

[kedzer]

Don't feel sorry for the kid!

Have you seen the number of subscriptions and video views he has, most with decent ratings? (Hint: his youtube account is fartbuttface, lol)

And as for channeling his energy into "better" pursuits.... What?

Wait, let me restate that.

Huh????

How many adults here are desperately trying to catch an audience, any audience at all, for a blog or website that's going to make them rich and end all of their troubles (usually in the name of 'helping humanity')? How many spend half their productive energy agonizing over whether or not they'll ever be able to find their "one, true purpose in life"? Or puzzling over why nothing seems as interesting as browsing the forums (searching for that elusive string of words that will finally trigger a desperately hoped for fountain of unending energy and motivation)?

This kid has already figured everything out: there's nothing *to* figure out. He does what he loves, and he shares it with others, unabashedly. He's got his audience, he doesn't need an awkwardly derived purpose, and his drive and energy are evident in abundance.

And how funny, he never had to pick up a single self-help book to come to the brilliant realization that doing what he enjoys is a good thing, the best thing. His growing fan base speaks for itself, no desperate multilevel, affiliate, affiliate-multilevel or multilevel-affiliate marketing methods needed. How much time do you think *he* spends commenting on blogs and forums to 'drive traffic' to his videos?

No, he simply creates. And in doing so, he inspires others to create.

Well done, kid!

(Not that he gives a **** if some poor schmuck lurking on a personal development forum thinks he's doing a 'good job' or not, bless his little soul.)

[Elrond]

^ IMO kedzer wins this thread.

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by kedzer

How many adults here are desperately trying to catch an audience, any audience at all, for a blog or website that's going to make them rich and end all of their troubles (usually in the name of 'helping humanity')? How many spend half their productive energy agonizing over whether or not they'll ever be able to find their "one, true purpose in life"? Or puzzling over why nothing seems as interesting as browsing the forums (searching for that elusive string of words that will finally trigger a desperately hoped for fountain of unending energy and motivation)?

This kid has already figured everything out: there's nothing *to* figure out. He does what he loves, and he shares it with others, unabashedly. He's got his audience, he doesn't need an awkwardly derived purpose, and his drive and energy are evident in abundance.

And how funny, he never had to pick up a single self-help book to come to the brilliant realization that doing what he enjoys is a good thing, the best thing. His growing fan base speaks for itself, no desperate multilevel, affiliate, affiliate-multilevel or multilevel-affiliate marketing methods needed. How much time do you think *he* spends commenting on blogs and forums to 'drive traffic' to his videos?

No, he simply creates. And in doing so, he inspires others to create.

Thank you for that illusive string of words that would trigger an unending fountain of energy and motivation. I'm being sarcastic, but I think you make a good point.

[Zenessa]

Each and everyone to their own I say. This kid is passionate about what he is doing and he should embrace it. No one has the right to try degrading what he is doing, because it doesn’t fit into some mainstream ideal.
I really wish people wouldn’t use terms like ‘nerd.’ The word has such an inferior association with it; I really hope the hundreds of comments that are floating around the net don’t really mess up his self-image when he gets older, especially when he hits his teens.

Slightly off topic, it makes me so mad when people post cruel comments without thinking of the consequences. In particular I’m referring to the recent suicide of the woman who auditioned for American idol. Before her death she was getting cruel comments about her appearance on the show and after her death, her MySpace page was full of comments congratulating her for killing herself. Her family still would be reading that and it would just break them. No one deserves that.

[Ken Troyer]

Originally Posted by Trezker

That video shows a very industrious kid. If he doesn't let life bring him down he'll probably be a master chief some day and get rich. As they say about nerds, be nice to them because you will probably work for them when you grow up.

People probably just post hateful comments because they fear this kid, and they all secretly wish they could do something creative like that.

Yes, Amen!

This bears repeating. This guy has creativity...and passion. That will take you very far in life...

Another thing...

This guy is having a time of his life and is more popular at age 11 than most people will ever be. - I love people who follow their passion regardless of what people think.

Ken

[seanner689]

There's no reason the kid should be embarassed ... I'm sure he's old enough to realize that people are going to call you names if you obsess over a fantasy world, and he's obviously fine with that. I mean, at least he posted the video up himself, which is more than I can say for some poor kids (look up star wars kid). He actually seems very mature for his age.