There comes a time in most people’s lives when they realize… “I just REALLY don’t need to take this shit, even if you ARE my ‘family.’”
So, some of you may have heard that Brockie didn’t win the Next Star. 
It was sad, and… well, it didn’t seem right, and 99.9% of the viewers who post on forums and Facebook agree, but the fact is that in the end, while the title would’ve been good, it’s not the be all, end all. The show only provides an extra 2 songs recorded, and some flashy prizes. There’s no contract or anything. Brock is a talented kid living in Vancouver (i.e. one of the top places to be in the industry in this country)– he’ll be signed in no time, I bet. So, it’s all good, and we’re sooo proud of him. 
Where the friction comes in is when certain family members of mine lash out at other closer family members of mine for certain “spoilers” posted on Facebook. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t everyone with half a brain know that if you don’t want something to be spoiled for you, you should, I don’t know… avoid social networking sites? I mean, that’s what they’re FOR.
But, whatever, these are family members that I’m not particularly fond of anyway. Whether it being them acting ridiculously at family events, or just being downright snobs, I just… don’t like them. And the absolute glory of being 21 is that I don’t have to pretend that I do. So, yes, I’m going to stand up for my little 16 year old cousin when she is being bullied by some 50+ year old woman and her 30+ year old daughter. Go ahead and call me rude and disrespectful, the facts are still that you’ve barely spoken to me since I was 5 years old– you don’t know me. And I’m not the type of girl that was raised to be pushed around. YES, I can respect my elders, but ONLY IF THEY DESERVE THAT RESPECT. And I will always stand up for what I believe in. Simple as that.
Funny how unobservant people can be, as my Dad received messages from this family member saying “I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook…” … oh, about 6 hours after I’d already removed her. And then she seeks me out writing on other people’s walls in an attempt to belittle me in her pathetic way. Where’s the “Report” button on Facebook? I think I’ll be needing it…
“I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook”, as if that is the worse possible thing that could happen to someone. I’m glad that I don’t have a very big family, so we’re all pretty close. Oh, and about respecting your elders… yeah, you give respect you get respect. Easy. As. Pie.
But anyways, congrats to Brock!! I was reading your tweets earlier about him.
I was so gutted about Brock, but second place is nothing short of a wonderful achievement. Some agency will sign him up real quick – after all he’s talented and gorgeous (like his cousin)! All the best to him.
As for mental family members… I agree blocking is a very useful tool as is reporting. You shouldn’t have to take that, family or not. Good on you for standing up for yourself and sticking by it. And mega lulz at “I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook.” Naturally, many sleepless nights of endless crying will ensue.
Oh, wow! Trying to backstab someone online? How mature is that?
.
Good job with standing up for yourself and defending your cousin! If someone is attacking you should response not stand with your head down – age doesn’t matter here. I agree with the respect part – real respect is earned.
I hope someone notices Brock and showers him with contracts
And I’m happy the insane part of my family stays off from the internet.
This is why families should never be added to your preferred social networking site – especially family you rarely see.
It’s their problem anyway. You did the right thing. They should know better!
“I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook…” *stares* *reads again* *bursts into hysterical laughter*
That’s funny Ash, I thought you were the little snob. You need to grow up. I knew you would be reporting your nonsense on your little blog.
Your responses, your dissing family members, everything about you speaks volumes about how insecure you really are.
Sticking up for your cousin huh??? You obviously don’t think Teddie is capable of defending herself.
And you reallly aren’t as smart as you think you are.
Have a great life, Bully!
Reply: Hey everyone, look! It’s my cousin! Look how I’ve managed to infuriate her! See what we deal with in this family? It’s fun. Really. In any case, Kellee, it’s not that I don’t think Teddie is CAPABLE, it’s that she shouldn’t HAVE to. So, I redirected the attention toward me, and Teddie actually thanked me for defending her. End of.
AND, YOU REALLY DONT KNOW ME AT ALL.
You think I didn’t notice that you completely ignored me at our family reunion. I don’t know what kind of assumption you think you can make about someone you don’t even know. I’ve tried numerous times to befriend you on facebook and all I get are your little snide remarks trying to belittle me, to make yourself feel so much smarter than me and everyone else. I saw through it months ago.
And you are right, I’ve always stood by the fact that just because people are your family doesn’t mean you have to like them or respect them. So the feeling is mutual little girl.
I can see right through your little facade.
Reply: Ignored you? Every time I tried to talk to you, you WALKED AWAY. After about 2 hours of that, I gave up, because I really don’t have the energy. As for your condescending “little girl” remark… sure, yeah, I’m a 21 year old little girl, killing time at school. Meanwhile, you’re a 30-something year old woman going out of her way to comment on my blog. Which, by the way, I’m allowed to write whatever I want on. I didn’t mention your name, and nobody would even know this was about you if you hadn’t drawn attention to yourself. Fab.
and STOP SLANDERING MY MOTHER’S NAME ON FACEBOOK.
Reply: Things written on Facebook are text and are therefore LIBEL. Also, I’ve never said anything directly about her at any time. I’ve made a few references to it being common sense to avoid social networks during certain times (which IS common sense, and IS true). And then, I removed her from my Facebook friends. And then SHE sought out a post I made on someone else’s status and attempted to belittle me on it. I’ve removed you two, and I was expecting all contact to cease there, but for some reason you both seem to want to seek me out? Well, fine, here I am, and you’ve said your piece, now kindly fuck off.
“I’m sorry, mum, I know he’s your brother but I really don’t like him.”
“Don’t apologise. You don’t choose your family. You don’t have to like him.”
… Now I’m starting to see the upside of having all my cousins and other relatives live in Egypt.
Funny how unobservant people can be, as my Dad received messages from this family member saying “I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook…” … oh, about 6 hours after I’d already removed her.
Lol, that’s happened to me before. Honestly, I don’t hestitate to defriend people if they’re annoying me. Some people don’t care about having 5370830 friends, half of whom they don’t even like.
That whole spoiler thing… I found it so weird how everyone was going on the Next Star page and being like OMG STOP WITH THE SPOILERS. I mean… it’s the finale. Of course people are going to write about it! If you don’t want spoilers, GET OFF THE FAN PAGE.
Oh goodness, the drama!
I had a chuckle at the “I’m going to remove your daughter from Facebook…” bit. It’s astounding that some people think having infinite Facebook friends is THE most important thing, and that removing one is an epic punishment.
Ash! Oh my gosh, so much drama! I love your blog, by the way!
So okay… She got mad because you had spoilers on your Facebook? WTF? Is that seriously a good reason to be mad at some one…especially family? I don’t get it.
I totally agree with you on the age thing… Earning respect by being respectful to others and not by being older. It doesn’t matter if your 4, 13, 21, 30, 50 or 102, it’s the way you treat others and being a good person that makes you mature. I think it’s funny that they keep mentioning the fact that your 21 like it’s an insult or something. They must not have anything else to throw at you besides that. Wow. I’m 21 too, does that make me immature?
These people may be much older than you and I but it seems like they have a lot more growing up to do.
PS: Your cousin who posted here is sassy.
SassAY
You need to say it like that for it to be fitting.