I have a great group of friends from which I was recently severed. We agreed to the terms of service for the venue we chose to communicate. I had built up friendships within this community for the past year. The venue had its terms of service, which I would assume is an agreed upon contract. My group decided upon this venue as a means of communication based upon careful reading of the Terms of Service.
I was recently banned from communication with my group. I had no notice, nothing that might help me in formulating a constructive approach to the problem. I just checked into my groups’ communications, and found my account - through my unique phone number - had been banned. My group members tell me my account, which previously, for the past year had rendered as my first name, now rendered as “deleted account.”
Several members of my group became concerned and rightfully so. Each saw “deleted account,” and each wondered what might have happened. I am thankful my group had members with a strong enough sense of morality to take time out of their day to reach out to me in order to ensure my safety. This type of responsibility is the very foundation of strong groups, and is important to cultural stability of a nation. It is why tribalism is a threat, and perhaps why tribalism is threatened through actions such as the banning actions enacted against me .
I can only imagine the emotional space of someone who didn’t have the support I did when I found my “phone number banned.” I honestly do not want to think what I would have thought or where I would have found myself in my mind. I spent a year with my group. A year building friendships which will last a lifetime. If this were cut from me and I had not other support, I just can not imagine where I would be. I’m lucky.
These social networks need to be challenged. An example of the intensity of thought behind litigation is something I encountered this weekend. I met my daughter, who is well of age, who booked a room through air BnB.
The room as she found it upon move-in was part of a home of TEN rooms. I became concerned when I met her and she told me no one was allowed in. I saw a few children (to me 18-24 year-olds are children). My BF espoused that Air BnB has no liability, because of their liability clause. I argued, because I know for the most part liability clauses are worthless when it come to a true argument over liability.
I did a ton of research over only maybe a day. My BF was calling me a Karen, but I didn’t want my daughter staying there. I felt Air BnB liable if there was a fire, and I did feel I needed to report the potential for a fire hazard (ten rented out rooms in a 2700 square foot space, in a residential neighborhood, in a place that had been remodeled w/o permits - I checked - and this means electrical inspections were not done, nor were fire hazard). I found the only reason Air BnB wasn’t found liable in most - if not all - cases against them is the corporation is quick to act against threats. In other words, if they didn’t know, then they are not responsible. So the hiatus is on me to report the problem to AbnB… guess certified letter to their legal. This, unfortunately is the way the world works now, wasn’t so much this way ten or fifteen years ago.
I know many of us are redefining our politics, but we speak in terms on individuals… the home my daughter rented is owned by a corporation, and one which is required through zoning to have someone living on the property - no one is. I hate regulations, but for goodness sakes, these children are at risk for no being able to escape should there be a fire, so good reason for regs. Civil litigation requires notice.
Difference is we haven’t reported. I feel I should send Telegram a certified letter as to the emotional impact of having been banned. I know, makes me sound like a whiner, but if anyone is harmed as a result of these bizarre, unjustified actions…. might help.
I feel threatened, but while I wish I had a claim, I don’t know that I do. If I were suicidal and acted, my family would have a claim. But loss of friendship isn’t a claim. However, maybe my sending them a letter, which would place them on notice, about my loss of support — and how it might lead to emotional problems… maybe that is some form of notice???
BTW, thank you MC for everything you do, your creations are important - way more important than you realize, and hopefully these most important contributions will have a prominent place on your grave stone.
Also, I have appealed to Telegram. As much as I have loved being a part of the group, and as much as I would do a lot to still be with you all, I do not want to go through the phony stuff I would have to do to get a new phone number and disguise my devices. It is just feels like a bunch of lies. If Telegram reinstates me, I will be happy, but if Telegram does not, I’m not willing to do the disguises required in the work-arounds.
Thank you for the blessings of having known you.
I like Signal better anyway. I’m so relieved we were able to reestablish contact. Don’t ever forget you’re loved.
I’m grateful for much of MC’s work but bringing us all together is the biggest personal benefit.
We’re still cranking away at the SoS project. More coming soon. Love you.
It’s ironic and evil, isn’t it? A social media outlet that tries to rupture a social connection?! As one of our friends commonly observes — “the world is crazy”! Telegram will have to try harder, we are here for you as you have been, will and would be for us. Lots of love to you. Please keep writing and analyzing.