Since deciding to reduce the amount of time I spend on Twitter, I seem to have caused some confusion because the reasons I put forward were rather vague. Unfortunately, that failure to be more specific has caused some to imagine they (they know who they are) might have influenced my decision and I regret causing that impression.
Accordingly, although trivia, political-correctness, and a tendency for some to present images which aren't entirely true were factors, a reluctance on my part to cause unneccessary controversy prevented me from being more direct (and truthful) by admitting that the real reason was a poor reaction to a suggestion that I had behaved in bad taste. What I had thought was a play on words was considered to be worthy of criticism because of the circumstances in which they were made.
Paradoxically, although causing offense was the last thing on my mind, I have to say that, in my opinion, Twitter reveals far more disturbing behaviour - often from those of whom society would have expected better. However, I agree with Saint Matthew when he said something along the lines of, "Judge not lest ye be judged." and, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."
So, to sum up, it should be no surprise to learn that my views pretty well coincide with those expressed by Barry Cryer in this article. I believe humour can be an antidote to grief. For example, when my mother died - leaving me a small legacy - I bought a much-needed new car; explaining that her dying words had been, "Brian, I'm dying for you to get a new car." To this day I can't quite understand why there were some who couldn't see that my reaction was a sort of defense mechanism. I know - with absolute certainty - that she would have seen the funny side of it.
