Desolate

I’ve always thought the word ‘desolate’ meant a place that was devoid of almost anything.

I Enjoy A Good Debate

The desert is a ‘desolate’ place, that kind of thing. However, this past week or two, I think I’ve found the true meaning of the word. My very soul has been left desolate and let me tell you why. Before I start, I want to make it clear that it is not my intention to upset anyone, after all, it’s what makes the world go around, everyone having different thoughts and opinions. Usually, I enjoy listening to people debating what they think is right or wrong, in a sensible, adult way.

Conspiracy

Enter the ‘Conspiracy Theorists.’ My oh my, they can drain a swamp with their ear-bashing techniques. Once again, I was over on that other social media, Facebroke, you know the one I mean and the main topic of discussion was Corona Virus or Covid19. I had made a comment or two saying how fortunate I am living out in the sticks and seemingly unaffected by this horrible virus. As always, I finished by wishing others all the best for the future and hopefully we will all come out the other side as good as we ever were.

The Comments

Then the comments started and bit by bit, every cell in my body felt like it was being removed and placed in a jar on a shelf that I could never reach:

‘You do know Bill Gates wants to vaccinate everyone with a transistor so they can control you.’
‘The first person who took part in the vaccination trials has died, I knew it wouldn’t be long.’
‘Crona virus (not my spelling) is man-made and they want to keep us in home arrest.’
‘It’s all the money people and those bankers that cause this virus so we will all be broke.’
‘Bill Gates wants to spy on everyone so he wants to inject everyone with electronics, innit.’

And on and on it goes. Me being a nice guy and with still enough positivity left in my soul at this time replied to everyone in a gentlemanly manner. Boy, was I wrong? I should have put my foot down at the start and told them all to clear off. My second mistake was to try and debate this stuff with these people. They don’t want to do that, all they want is to reel off lots of ‘wishy-washy’ sentences and demand that you believe it as the truth.

Replies

One of the first replies I got was that I must be totally thick and a sheeple to believe anything other than what these guys had to say. “I’ve done me research, mate, I know what’s going on, it’s all on youtube. If you don’t believe me have look for yourself, it’s all there.” More replies followed: “Don’t have none of this vaccine stuff, they want to turn us all into zombies, just say no!” or “If you stay a sheeple and stop in, they’ll always control you, go out, nothing’s going to hurt you as the virus doesn’t exist.”

Why Oh Why?

So it was, by next morning my messenger was filled with more messages, replies had filled up on the conversation I was supposed to be having and not one reply was in a positive vein. The more questions I asked, the more threatening came the replies. I consider myself to be a fairly mentally robust guy, but these lot just drained the very life from me. I wonder what makes them so distrusting? Why would I listen to someone who’s carried out his research mainly using Youtube as opposed to a scientist who has spent years working on a thesis?

Fear

What is the big fear that these people have? After all, if the CIA wanted to find out what I was up to, would they really be interested in me painting my garden fence a lovely shade of sea green? What would the White House make of that? If they want peoples DNA, they only have to go on Ancestry Com and there are probably millions of freely given samples. I’m off to regain my will to live. Gosh, there are some strange people on social media. Stay safe everyone.

Desolate is the perfect word for how I felt after listening to these Conspiracy Theorists and I’m pleased that Desolate was also a prompt on the excellent weeklyprompts.com page.

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66 Comments
  • SueW
    May 3, 2020

    Oh, Trev! As you probably have gathered by my posts I gave up on Facebook some time ago, though I do visit occasionally to be nosey. But People are always including me in bulk messaging and lately with ridiculous conspiracy theories.

    Some are just too far fetched for words . Some could be true, who knows, but either way I don’t want to be included.

    I lost it last week and told someone ito stop making a fool of himself by sharing nonsense. Then I blocked him plus a number of others that I don’t need in my life.
    Ooh, I felt so ruthless, but oh so good. ????

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thank you, Sue. Ridiculous is the word, but there’s no reasoning with these people. I must learn to live and let live more instead of getting sucked into crazy, soul-destroying arguments. I know that feeling when you block someone, it does feel good. Stay safe. 🙂

  • Invisibly Me
    May 3, 2020

    I don’t mind a good conspiracy theory. I’m up for a laugh, after all. But these sorts of things around a current crisis? They only serve to create more divides within society, more fear, hate, prejudice. My other concern is with China-related theories that are leading to racism and honestly, if such people think the truth can be found on YouTube then I feel sorry for them. They shouldn’t be allowed out on their own.
    Hunker down and stay away from Facebroke theorists, the lack of brain cells is dangerous! x

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thank you, Caz. Most of it was around the current crisis and yes, you’re spot on about the division in society. I’m glad they are in a minority.

  • azurea20
    May 3, 2020

    Hay un ruido inmenso en las redes. Una jaula de grillos. Salud, amigo

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thank you

  • Peter's pondering
    May 3, 2020

    I’m with you all the way Trev, apart from one minor point, deserts are most definitely NOT desolate, they are beautiful places and instil a desert fever in most that begs them to return!
    However, conspiracy theorists have obviously all been got at by the aliens who often land to probe our nether regions. (ONLY JOKING!)

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thanks, Peter. I think I was trying to think of a desert as a vast amount of sound as far as the eye can see. 🙂

    • Maureen Helen
      May 6, 2020

      I absolutely agree with you Peter. I lived and worked as a nurse on a remote Aboriginal community in the Australian desert for a while. The desert filled my soul with its beauty and the wonder of the life it sustained. Far from desolate!

  • Herb
    May 3, 2020

    Still more reasons I am glad that, except for my blog, which I don’t really count, my wife and I abandoned social media, especially farcebook. There’s no need to be rude for these people except they know they can get away with it.

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Wise words, Herb, thank you.

  • Rosaliene Bacchus
    May 3, 2020

    Conspiracy theorists abound! As you’ve discovered, it’s futile to argue or have a meaningful discussion with them. We live in crazy times, indeed.

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thank you, Rosaliene, crazy times indeed. 🙂

  • Yetismith
    May 3, 2020

    What it is, Trev is that they are trying to divert our attention away from what’s really happening…the invasion of the aliens…oops, maybe I wasn’t supposed to say that….they’ll be after me next.
    I am so confused at this point I can’t even figure out anymore who is supporting who and I sure can’t figure out what the truth is. I have had two email/blackmail extortion attempts telling me that if I don’t pay up they are going to release the dirt about my sex life to all my friends and acquaintances. Now that is really funny.

    • Trev
      May 3, 2020

      Thank you, Yeti. I’ve had a couple of those emails. I just deleted them. I can imagine them creating a lot of worry for some people though. 🙂

  • jimflanigan
    May 4, 2020

    Hang in there, Trev. I was being tracked by the CIA through a chip slipped inside me by Bill Gates when he open-mouth kissed me unexpectedly at a cocktail party, but they stopped tracking me due to being too boring.

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Lol, thanks, Jim. ????

  • smzang
    May 4, 2020

    This is absolutely on target! take a bow!!

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Thank you, Sarah ☺️

  • Jude
    May 4, 2020

    I think what you have to accept Trev is that there are them out their whose brains are wired in a different way. People who are generally mistrusting and who will be convinced that every conspiracy story is true. Maybe you should see all those raving comments and thank goodness that your brain is a logical, un-paranoid one! Social media seems to draw the type of people who can’t air their paranoid views any other way.
    The squirrels around the house here have recently been whispering, congregating in the branches of the oak tree. I just know they’re planning something evil! ????????????????

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Thank you, Jude. Watch out for them squirrels, crafty so and so’s ????

  • I don’t mind reading a conspiracy theory but I do pull what’s left of my hair out when people immediately start believing them without ever checking the facts.

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Thank you, agreed, they repeat even the most unbelievable of stories without checking. ☺️

  • conniejjasperson
    May 4, 2020

    You get a big hug from across the pond, my dear! The world is full of people who just want to blame someone for this, and they’re willing to “drink the Kool-aid,” lol. They’ll eagerly join the cult and drink it, no matter what poison it contains. Stay sane, my friend–you keep me laughing.

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Thank you, Connie, and thank you for the hug ????

    • Trev
      May 4, 2020

      Sorry, I’m not looking at anything concerning Coronavirus or vaccines.

      • The Hinoeuma
        May 6, 2020

        Wow. Ok. Sorry to bother you with information that might be relevant and helpful, especially involving a Kennedy. You brought the subject up with your blog post.

        And, here’s an idea…if you don’t like the responses you get when you put yourself out there, don’t go on social media.

        Sorry for the delay in responding. I didn’t get the notice that you replied.

  • Craig White
    May 5, 2020

    Your a goodman my friend ????????????

    • Trev
      May 5, 2020

      Thank you, Craig. ????

  • Maureen Helen
    May 6, 2020

    Love the idea of your sea-green fence, Trev. I once painted an outdoor setting in the most wonderful green-blue and enjoyed it for a couple of years before I was ready to try another experiment.

    • Trev
      May 6, 2020

      Thank you, Maureen. Yes, it gives a coastal flavour to our rural setting. ☺️

  • Ruth
    May 6, 2020

    One time I received the most hateful comments on a seemingly innocuous photo of my bookshelf. I still think about the ugliness and hate from time to time. You got a glimpse into the minds of people I can’t understand.

    • Trev
      May 6, 2020

      Thank you, Ruth. Strange people indeed. Stay safe ☺️

  • Crystal Byers
    May 6, 2020

    Speaking of deserts, I’m reading The English Patient, and the end is near. (I’m trying to read more and Facebook less).

    • Trev
      May 6, 2020

      Wise words indeed. Thank you, Crystal. ????

  • KINDNESS
    May 6, 2020

    Good evening Blessings ????????

    • Trev
      May 6, 2020

      Thank you ????

  • theburningheart
    May 6, 2020

    Well, my friend, welcome to social media!
    Do not waste your time arguing, just humor them, or ignore them.
    Best wishes, Trev. 🙂

    • Trev
      May 6, 2020

      Thank you and you are right. I need to ignore them otherwise I will lose the will to live 🙂

  • Hope
    May 6, 2020

    Great words by a Great writer! ????Well said! Or should I say well written! ????
    It’s just too bad people of the last two (2) generations,???? don’t listen to some of us who have lived a few generations back. ????
    We were probably the same way when we were younger.????

    • Trev
      May 7, 2020

      Thank you, Hope, I appreciate your kind words. ????

  • kungfupreacherman
    May 8, 2020

    It is indeed so draining pointing out the truth in the face of stupidity. I think you have correctly identified the cause, “Fear.” People who are afraid often lose their ability to be rational, and usually capable people make themselves appear stupid. Don’t give up.

    • Trev
      May 8, 2020

      Thank you, Nigel. ????

  • blackbird212012
    May 8, 2020

    I think that there’s a loony bin somewhere in Wiltshire where they all come from. 🙂

    • Trev
      May 8, 2020

      Thank you ????

  • mitchteemley
    May 8, 2020

    Thanks so much for your heartfelt thoughts, Trev. Let’s keep greening up that desert with truth and hope every chance we get!

    • Trev
      May 8, 2020

      Thank you, Mitch, agreed. Stay safe.

  • Desirée B. Silvage
    May 9, 2020

    I personally don’t believe in any kind of theory, but I have laughed with the comments. As a saying goes, the worst enemy of humanity is ignorance. And I would add that this is managed by Mr. Money. So Trev, it is better to block certain types of people than the only thing they bring you is discomfort.

    • Trev
      May 9, 2020

      Thank you, Desiree for your words. 🙂

  • Ramazan Dengiz
    May 11, 2020

    I really enjoyed reading the article, dear Trev,

    I think you shouldn’t believe people who doing research on youtube 🙂

    Just laugh, you shouldn’t tire yourself with such people

    Life is too short to listen to these people,

      too long to be exposed to these people’s insults.

    As for conspiracy theory, conspiracy theory never runs out …

      these conspiracy theories are spoken in Turkey too, the choice is yours 🙂

    I hope you will continue to publish articles summarizing such an agenda, I will follow your articles.

    Please stay healthy

    Ramazan, from Turkey (not holy bird, just country)

    • Trev
      May 11, 2020

      Thank you, Ramazan. Thanks for your kind words and I will continue blogging. I enjoy it too much and the people are great. 🙂

  • singhpiyush6089
    May 12, 2020

    The thing is most people on social media, profess like they are telling the ultimate truth and they are nothing less than God… Empathy and respect are rare.hate rules them. I simply don’t react.. Silence is your best reply!

    • Trev
      May 12, 2020

      Thank you. I do try and not react, but then I think why should they get away with their nonsense. Then I react. 🙂

  • Lara/Trace
    May 12, 2020

    I was smart to quit Facebroke in 2018. (now youtube does entertain me often). 🙂

    • Trev
      May 12, 2020

      Thank you, Lara. You made the right move, quitting Facebroke. Once this lockdown is over and I don’t need it to keep in touch with my kids, I’ll be leaving too.

  • BillboardVagabond
    May 12, 2020

    Hi Trev, I had the same feeling when it was the elections in India for the parliament. My feed was flooded with propaganda and absolutely absurd stuff. Realised then and there to steer clear. I hardly access it any more. Stay Safe.
    Thanks and much appreciated for sharing

    • Trev
      May 13, 2020

      Thank you ????

  • growingupfra
    May 13, 2020

    Conspiracy theorists seriously baffle me like 99,9% of the times…

    • Trev
      May 13, 2020

      Agreed, it’s very baffling. Thank you ????

  • PARROT IN PINK
    May 15, 2020

    I must say this post is so well written. I would like to say everyone has their own truths,rights and wrongs and one must focus on happiness 🙂

    • Trev
      May 16, 2020

      Thank you and in part I agree. I disagree with opinions that have no proof whatsoever and are dangerous. Thank you again for your kind words. Stay safe

  • vhealing
    May 26, 2020

    You’ve made me smile out loud again Trev, you’ve penned my thoughts entirely.

    The trick that I have found in response to the conspiracy’s theorists are to reply to their comments with “Yes you are right’ (tongue in cheek) that shuts them right up. They don’t know where to go after that. Case closed 😀
    … and as you and my hubby say: “if we’re doing the right thing, why should we care?”

    • Trev
      May 26, 2020

      Thank you, vhealing for your very kind words, very much appreciated ????

  • caahli
    August 28, 2020

    I couldn’t read it to the end because you were talking about things I hate the most n therefore I avoid FB. That place n that kind of people are a real intoxicated virus of society. To be left alone!

    • Trev
      August 28, 2020

      You are right about FB and also some of the other social media platforms. There are some good things on there, few and far between I know, but the majority of it is evil. Thank you for commenting and reading my blog. ????