Dear Friends, I know it has been quite some time since you've heard from me. I would apologize for my absence, but I know there have been plenty of Circa-related accounts all over keeping you well-informed. That's the thing about the internet... There's always something new to replace something old. Though you haven't seen my posts, I have been around from time to time. In my quiet moments, I check in and I read your messages. I reply when it seems appropriate, send love to those who may need it. Most of the time, it's a half hour of my day and that's it. I can go dark and know this community is thriving, continuing to build off the love we have all shared. Creatures. Campers. Fans. Friends. Family. We are strangers who don't feel like strangers because we are bound by common love. This band gave us a home. They adopted a symbol, a beacon that very truly screams, "You are safe here." No matter what you look like; where you live; how you love (as long as you do, in fact, love)... You are safe here with us, in this community, in this family. This can be your Haven. So you can imagine my... I suppose disappointment would be the most fitting word... Yes, disappointment. You can imagine my disappointment when I logged in the other day to see a slew of messages over Circa's hacked Instagram. I was aware of what had happened so I had expected one or two, but I had messages from individuals I have not been in contact with for close to a year. While some were simply informing me of what had happened, quite a few were shockingly vitriolic. I actually had to stop and take some time to myself to process it all. "When did the community I have held in such high regards become so inflamed?" That was my initial thought. Hatred and intolerance of any kind immediately make my brain a little crazy, and this was making it downright explode. I calmed down and realized it wasn't fair to throw all of us in the same ring. In fact, it's not even fair to throw most of us in there. But I combed through a few of those posts and there were enough of us replying to feel an overwhelming sadness take over. (To be quite honest, one is enough for me and there were far more than one making remarks I dare say would never be made if not for the safety of an electronic screen.) I have seen responses all across the board. I've seen the messages of hate. I've seen the messages condemning the hate with more hate. I've seen everything we, as a community (and I hope as individuals), strive to put an end to in this short, precious life of ours. I have also seen the love. The glimmers of hope. The beautiful things that make our family the positive, resilient force we are meant to be. And those outpourings of love and acceptance sealed the cracks that started to form, sewed the seams that were beginning to rip as we spiraled down a dangerous path. One hacker, one troll on the internet should not break us. We are stronger than that. We love better than that. As I said in the beginning of this 3 AM novel, there is always something new to replace the old. Circa Survive's IG account is no more and the circumstances are unfortunate, but there will be another account. And in six months, some other form of social media will emerge and there will be another. It is the world we live in. I will never claim any of you to be untrue Circa fans. I believe your actions do not change whether or not you enjoy their music. I will, however, question your understanding of this community. I will challenge you to take a good look at the band you love and the messages they broadcast and ask yourself, "Is this how they would act? Is this something they would be proud of?" While your actions do not tell the world what you listen to, they do tell the world what you believe. They tell it who you are. They also, and maybe most importantly, affect other people. So be conscious, especially in the tough times. Remember that you have the ability to change someone's life and that is a powerful responsibility which should not be taken lightly. Think in Love. Speak in Love. Live in Love. With all the love in the world, S P.S. To those who have continued to spread unconditional love throughout our community and beyond, I thank you. I really do.
romaincrisis
izzy806
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
dailybridgerton
2087
kianamaiart
