In a “kids and their darn technology” story sure to be griped about by parents everywhere, it seems that Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams is receiving some constructive criticism for not congratulating new mom Beyoncé on Twitter. Commentators are doling out pearls of wisdom such as, “YOU BETTER CONGRATULATE YOUR KING ON GIVING BIRTH TO HER CHILD. (Unbelievable)”. Indeed.
Williams responded to the criticism like a sensible human being, asking why she needed to congratulate someone who she speaks to regularly, and who isn’t even on Twitter:
“Let’s get ONE thing straight. I do NOT have to say congrats to someone when they’re NOT on twitter…ESPECIALLY when I talk or email them all the time….or when I’ll be physically present as well…so harassing and stalking my timeline to see if I’ve mentioned something is POINTLESS!!! My friendship with people aren’t always for twitter display. Respect that and get a LIFE!!! Enjoy this FINE day!!! God bless!!!! [via E! Online]
Michelle, you bring up a valid point. But this is also the Internet, where crazy roams wild and free, especially when it comes to godlike celebrities. Are you really that surprised?
For me, social media is incredibly important when it comes to friends’ important days. Meaning, Facebook tells me it’s someone’s birthday, so I call them and pretend I knew that all along.
Actually, the idea of wishing someone well online just seems too easy. I hardly remember who posts on my wall for my birthday, but I do remember who took the time to call me. Everyone knows you’re just pleasantly-but-halfheartedly posting that “congrats,” because it takes two seconds but still makes you look kind of good. Heaven forbid picking up the phone.
What do you think of social media and events like this? Do you call, tweet, Facebook, visit, or all of the above for special events?
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whoooa, and I thought I had too much time on my hands. People be nucking futs.
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I don’t understand the generation of trolls. People are fucking dumb.
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When I first read the post title, I thought the person being referred to as a terrible friend was actress Michelle Williams. lol! Anyway, I use FB to wish someone (I haven’t talked/seen in a long time) a Happy Birthday or Congrats message. Other than that, I call him/her up.
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Yeah, it’s kind of a shame how technology has changed how a lot of people interact…sentiments about birthdays, deaths, births (concerning people you care about) and any sort of announcements given online should not be enough to suffice if you truly mean it. It’s so lazy and whatever happened to social etiquette?
Although, on the other hand…I wouldn’t know a lot of my old friend’s birthdays if it wasn’t for FB : P. guilty as charged.
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I just text people to tell them Happy Birthday. When I was in high school, I’d also wish them a Happy Birthday in person at school but I can’t really do that now that they’re all going to college 5+ hours away. On another note, I initially thought this was about the Michelle Williams who played Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn.
dahlia / 2382 posts
@Whatsthat@momaroo - I agree. I may say something online but nothing replaces a call or card for me!
Here’s a good one for everybody: when my grandpa passed away last summer, I found out via text on my lunch break in school. The defense was to let everyone know at once. First off, it was poorly worded. “Good morning, letting your know your grandfather passed away this morning” is NOT a way to deliver news. I’m still pissed at my aunt for doing that (yes my aunt of all people). Second of all, I’m immediate family. A phone call is more appropriate. A better worded text to other friends & such would have been better. I ended up breaking down in the cafeteria & it didnt help I couldnt go to the funeral due to no money & classes.
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Bitches be crazy.
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If I am much closer to someone and they’ve had a baby or it’s their birthday Ill call them. I don’t put up my entire life’s worth of conversations on the internet cause I’m, well, sane. So she is pretty much getting shit for not displaying what should be a private conversation to those with no lives..wow…
rose / 937 posts
Imo, those types of messages online kind of show that the person doesn’t care too much unless they actually cannot do it any other way at that time. Or if you know that you’d be making plans anyways and just want to post on their wall just because you can, then that doesn’t really count. But I dunno, that’s just me.
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THANK YOU MICHELLE WILLIAMS! i always tell people i have a phone call me.. it irritates me when people say i should get a facebook or i need one.. when in reality i really don’t need one.. if people are gonna use social networking sites they may as well not have a cell phone just an apps phone.. michelle williams proved my damn point! THANK YOU!
orchid / 184 posts
Funny how the article is about Michelle Williams but has a picture of Beyonce and Kelly Rowland.
Anywho, I say that I agree with Michelle. Giving congrats in person beats doing it online anyday, IMO.
orchid / 184 posts
@Rebekka Holman@facebook - LOL
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I wouldn’t have even acknowledge those people.
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OMG Praise Michelle Williams, just because its not on social media platform, its like you don’t talk to the person? its called a personal phone call or text, or physical appearance? hello? People are crazy. I fear for the new generation growing up.
daisy / 598 posts
seriously, i don’t wish anyone happy birthday or whatever on facebook, because if i really wanted to, i’d do it in person or through phone, but i’m sure everyone thinks i’m a bitch cause i don’t. i understand how you feel michelle…
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good for her!
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People are going way to fucken nuts over this Beyonce baby.. I say WHO CARES! OMG someone had a baby?!?! You mean like many people do daily in the world? Why is this such a HUGE deal? Im personally sick of hearing her baby stories ect..
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@x_damaged_yet_unbroken_x@xanga - I was thinking the same thing…”isn’t that Kelly Rowland?” And yes, I agree about close friends–best to congratulate IN PERSON, or at least give a CALL.
I don’t blame Michelle Williams for not wanting to “shout out” on Twitter. For big news like this, I CALL my friends, or tell them IN PERSON. That shows you care more than just typing something from your phone in your PJs in bed. Besides, she can choose to send her well wishes how she pleases, a card, a visit, etc. I think each special event requires consideration. For a big bash, maybe Facebook, e-vite or email is practical. Small gatherings, I tell my friends in person or call. For very special events, I would most definitely not utilize Facebook or other social networks to get my message across. While I love the internet and all, I still very much value face time with my friends.
hydrangea / 77 posts
@x_damaged_yet_unbroken_x@xanga - @Rebekka Holman@facebook - @babybug329@xanga - Good eye, ladies! Can you see that I was perhaps not a Destiny’s Child fan?
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@akinnison - It happens! We’re all allowed to make some mistakes
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I thought you meant Michelle Williams, the actress with the Heath Ledger kid and the Marilyn buzz. Nevermind. I’m not reading this lol.