Rumors can be playful, sometimes amusing. But what happens when a rumor becomes malicious, damaging reputations and warping the truth? I’ve wrestled with this question for years, especially when it comes to Steve—or Bax—Baxter, an influential figure in the local art scene.
Bax has long accused me of slandering him in my blogs and posts. Yes, I’ve made some unkind exaggerations and released a few embarrassing facts about him. But let’s be real here—Bax isn’t exactly innocent. For years, he’s gotten away with spreading a damaging rumor that I threw a brick at my mother, a claim so absurd that the only appropriate response should be laughter. Yet, in the art world, people have accepted this as fact.
Now, let's get one thing clear: I didn’t throw a brick at my mother. The rumor is completely false, and yet, it continues to thrive. Why? Because Bax, with his art-world clout, has spread it so far and wide that it’s become part of my public persona. A brick thrower! It would be funny if it weren’t so frustrating.
The most hypocritical part of this saga is Bax’s justification. He claims that since he’s spreading the rumor through word of mouth, it’s somehow acceptable. Meanwhile, my public posts online—where I’ve aired grievances and, yes, taken some jabs at him—are the real problem. According to him, the internet makes my words more harmful.
So, who’s at fault here? Is Bax’s rumor any less damaging because he’s whispering it over drinks at an art gallery instead of posting it on a blog? Does the platform we use determine the level of harm caused? In today’s world, where word travels fast—whether in person or online—shouldn’t we hold everyone to the same standard?
Rumors, whether playful or malicious, have a way of sticking to people. And once they take root, it’s tough to shake them. Maybe it’s time we rethink the power of gossip, regardless of how it’s delivered. Whether it’s online posts or whispered words, the damage can be just as real.
Let’s be better.
by Dan and Bonkers
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