You've Kept Your Hands Clean

First, I would like to say that no one should feel bullied or endure verbal or mental abuse by anyone. What we also need to realise as a society relational aggression still exists and is very real. Oftentimes we ignore relational aggression because it is more emotional and verbal abuse as oppose to physical bullying.
I find it more disturbing when this behaviour comes from individuals my age and older because at that age I feel one is more aware of their actions and the repercussions of what words etc can do to another individual.
  Being a performer receiving hate is something to expect anymore these days because not everyone is going to like what you do as a performer. I never allowed what others say affect me too much someone will always find something to criticise about.
  For the longest I wasn't certain if I wanted to make these messages and posts public more out of ignoring it maybe it will stop yet it continues. I also decided to come out about this to let others know a) this behaviour is not okay and will not be accepted and b) maybe it will emcourage others to speak up about bullying. No matter how we look at the situation it is bullying. It can be embarrassing, yes but if we don't start making changes it will continue.
  Burlesque can be a beautiful art form and it should experienced by all cultures and gender. I got into burlesque because was inspired by my experience in dance and wanting to show girls and women it is okay to be different and still be beautiful.
  I know that won't always happen but at least if you are in a position of leadership be professional and don't have to like me not everyone will but can at least respect one another as performers and individuals.
  Speaking of being performers and "public figures" we should take into account that people will follow whomever they like and that is fine. But I have had this done to me and seen other performers insult each other or will purposely send their "fans" to send hate towards others.
  Social media has fuel relational aggression more than any other outlet. Sure we can't control what people say about others but when you purposely go out of your way to make horrible and disrespectful remarks or when it resorts to threats etc then it is a problem.