I posted something on facebook yesterday that was on a touchy subject in the US today.
Abortion.
Yes we are talking abortion before we get to the recipe.
I did not go into detail on the subject on facebook. Just simply shared an article on my page about Late Term Abortions.
I do not have a clear cut opinion on the abortion topic. It's not black and white for me. I am not pro choice nor am I pro life. I think there are instances that abortion may be necessary.
What I do not support is aborting a 20+ week old baby. As a mother of 3 I can not wrap my mind around it. It breaks my heart to even think about it.
I received a couple comments that didn't agree with me. I expected that. It's a controversial topic after all.
But then, there were a couple private messages that hit me hard.
One women could not believe I would post such "garbage" on my FOOD blog page. How disgusted she was in me and us "Christians" and "republicans".
The "Christan" and "Republican" part of her email made me chuckle. She assumes I am Christian and Republican simply because I posted an article on late term abortion.
Friends I will share something with you.... I am not religious. I do not belong to a church. In fact I can count on my 10 fingers how many times I have even stepped foot in a church! I am what I like to call "Spiritual" I am open to all beliefs. Much like abortion... religion to me is not black and white.
I also am an Independent. I actually will not be voting Republican this November even though I did in the NH primaries.
I am naive in thinking you can share thoughts on a controversial topic without people being angry. Why can't we discuss like adults without pulling out the insults? I respect everyone's opinion even if it is not something I agree with. We all have that right!
SO my question is to anyone who cares to read this little rant...
Would you stop reading a food or mommy blog based on someones political affiliation or religious beliefs?
NOW what most of you really want to read.......
Peanut butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars!
These are amazing flipping awesome.
The recipe is adapted from a cookie recipe that I just adore and have made a couple of times from Brown Eyed Baker.
I love making a cookie bar instead of dozens of cookies at a time simply because it's easier. Press the cookie dough into a baking ban, bake. BAM done. No scooping several dozen balls of dough onto several cookie sheets. Less dishes, quick on time. Bars are awesome!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
(Recipe adapted from Brown Eyed Baker)
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Directions:
In the bowl of your electric mixer cream butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla together. Add in the egg. Mix until combined.
Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
Fold in oats and chocolate chips.
Press into a greased 9x9 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until a tooth pick is inserted and comes out clean.
Allow to cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
All of my favorite ingredients in one bar! Love these!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica!
DeleteI personally would not stop reading a food blog if the author's viewpoints were different than mine. In fact I follow several blogs where I'm pretty sure their religious and/or political views are different than mine. It doesn't bother me, I think it's interesting to hear other people's viewpoints as long as they don't attack others for having a different viewpoint. I think we should be able to have different viewpoints from others without being judged for it. So I don't think there was anything wrong with you sharing that article. You were just trying to express your opinion. And I agree that we should be able to discuss things rationally like adults.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!! Glad to hear you won't jump ship just because we may not agree on something!
DeleteI give you mad props for handling this situation in such a graceful way Carrie. I'm an independent as well, and I'm more spiritual than religious too. But harpooning people like this woman did is just uncalled for - like you said - we should all be adults. I read blogs that differ from my opinions because I like their writing and our differing opinions in no way mean that they are a "bad person" because we don't see eye to eye. Discussing things with people also helps reaffirm my beliefs and changes them too - that's what discussions are meant to do.
ReplyDeleteAnd the more opinions out there means we are more educated and able to make concise and informed decisions based on what we believe is best for ourselves.
Thanks for asking this question and opening up a dialogue.
On a happier note - I think I totally 110% need a pan of these. After the wedding though - I can't afford to devour them just yet - still have a dress to fit into!! haha
Exactly! Opening up the topic and hearing other peoples sides sometimes makes me change my opinions on a topic. After the wedding you really need a cookie binge. Bad.
DeleteKeep doing what you are doing, your true friends, fans, and supports will shine though in the end. People get pretty confident and loud when they can sit behind a computer screen and screen name but if they were face to face things change ;) Great recipe as well. Very solid
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you thank you!
DeleteLove the brownies here. I tend to follow those people that I have similar commonalities with so I don't go out looking for controversial blog/friends etc. with that said I wouldn't stop following you for an opinion! If it became a political blog I would quit since I'm not interested in hashing that stuff. I agree with you I hate that people can't discuss anything anymore without the personal insults! I hate it why does someone else's opinion makes some lash out just stupid to me.
ReplyDeleteRight! I agree with you. If the blog was based on politics or religion then I would probably stop reading it. But an occasional opinion here and there won't stop me from reading!
DeleteWe discussed this over Facebook (I'm Saartje Olde Bijvank-Adriani, although in blog-land I just go by Sarah or OldeSarah, so much shorter!)
ReplyDeleteAnd I must admit that I usually think that if someone posts an article on their Facebook page or blog they do agree with the article. Unless clearly stated otherwise.
(that will teach me to not assume things!)
I do agree with you that it's not a black and white topic.
I think it is a difficult subject, everywhere, not just in the US. And that's only logical, I mean, it IS abortion. And I think a lot of people (me included) will have a strong emotional (gut) reaction. I might even be concerned if we didn't care so much!
That being said. Yes, I have unfollowed or unlike bloggers if their opinions differed too much from my own. It kind of depends what the subject is. (The usual: religion, abortion, gay-marriage, women's rights, you get the drift.)
Sometimes it's because it gets so "bad" (probably not the right word, but I couldn't think of an other word) I just can't stand it any more (if it's something that comes back again, and again, and again.. It's often in the comments section where things get really bad/heated..). Or if the opinion stated is just so different (agian, depending on the subject) than what I had imagined that person to be like! Like the people who assumed you were Christian and a Republican. Silly; yes! But I think a lot of people do this.
I read blogs for fun, for relaxation. Sure, it doesn't have to be ALL fun, ALL the time. Sometimes life isn't fun, and I do like bloggers that blog true(ish) to life.
Unless it's a blog about "controversial subjects", but then you are sort of prepared (if that makes any sense).
Oy! What a long comment! Sorry!
I'm happy to agree and to disagree with you (I even think we might even agree more then we disagree)
And I'm still here! You're recipes are just too yummy!
Now, I'm glad it's dinner time over here, cause otherwise I would be too tempted to make these bars :p!
X!
Sarah
(aka OldeSarah)
I Love your openness! You can state your opinions without being rude and insulting to other people! Thank you for sharing and your responses on facebook as well :)
DeleteI applaud you for having the courage to share that article. And to talk about it here. There are SO MANY TIMES I want to get political or talk about an issue on my blog. But I don't. Let's just say I grew up in San Francisco, so I have a radically different view than a lot of the country on many things. I wish I had the courage to do that! And no, I would not stop reading someone because of it. Everyone is so different from one another, that is what makes our country great; that we can think differently and coexist. What I would stop reading would be someone who was judgmental, like the woman who messaged you. THAT is the problem - when ideas are not allowed to be talked about or shared because someone things that only their opinion is right. :) Oh, and these bars totally rock, girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! I get ballsy from time to time and share something on my facebook. There are always a few haters. I've learned no mater what the subject someone else will always think their opinions are right. There is no getting through to those few people!
DeleteThis is so great Carrie. It's never easy to discuss these topics but I am of the opinion that this is YOUR space and you can honestly say what you want. Readers can either read, or they can leave. I am a Christian and I often post about my beliefs and my faith on my blog, I've lost a few readers for it but I've gained a lot of readers for just being me. I think the internet gives bloggers and writers their own platform to be themselves so I wouldn't necessarily stop reading a blog if someone talked about religion or politics. I might not agree with them but that wouldn't really deter me from reading in the future, as long as I like their content. I love getting to know more about bloggers and when they share this intimate stuff, it allows readers and bloggers to connect on a whole different level!
ReplyDeleteThese bars are wonderful! PB + oats is always a good idea!
I've come to realize the ones who stop reading along because we differ in values or opinions are not worth having here anyways. The true friends will stick around!
DeleteNo, I wouldn't stop reading a blog of someone who has different beliefs than mine. I would however stop reading if the blog was trying to push those beliefs on me or if they were disrespecting my beliefs because they were different than theirs. I feel that everyone gets to choose what to believe in and should be respectful of others! I hate it when adults are rude to others based on feelings, beliefs, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'll be making these. And soon. I need them in my life!
Make them! They are the best cookie bar EVER!
DeletePeople forget that argument can be done politely -- and is GOOD for us. It is how we learn and grow, change our beliefs OR decide we want to stick with them. I am a Christian, yet I follow many bloggers who are not and are open about that. Who cares? Just as I wouldn't not be friends with someone who isn't, right? But then again, maybe some people would cut out those friendships as well... which means they will miss out. You have your beliefs, whether black or white or gray, and you shared them. Good for you. Our first amendment allows you do to so. So do so. And then enjoy one of these cookies ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is good for us! I wish more people could look at it that way rather than... "I am right and you are wrong!"
DeleteNo, I wouldn't stop reading a blog for their affiliation or religion or anything of that sort, what would make me stop reading is if they talk about it all the time. It's one thing to be for something but it's another to be blabbing about it all the time, that's just my opinion, but then again, freedom of speech. Anyway, there will always be haters so I'm glad you aren't being all down about it and defending yourself :) these bars look amazing and definitely should shut up those haters!
ReplyDeleteRight I'm the same way. They have the right to post what they want. An occasional opinion won't steer me away. If it becomes based of religion or politics on a daily bases... then yeah I'd stop reading because it's just not my cup of tea.
DeleteIt's a hard question, If you were to continue talking about abortions I would go someplace else for food blog. I find peace and comfort from all the politics and attitudes in reading and cooking blog.
ReplyDeleteNo worries it's not a topic that is likely to come up again! But an occasional opinion or insight into who I am is a good thing right? Readers can identify with my blog more if the know more about me.
DeleteI know what you mean...the way people react (immaturely) makes it so people are afraid to ever say how they feel on a topic. It sucks! It shouldn't be like that, but it happens all the time to everyone.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, this dessert is calling out my name! :)
Thanks Ashley. It's sad really but what are you going to do? There are so many people like that out there!!
DeleteAll right, you want to talk controversy on a food blog? Sure, let's do it.
ReplyDelete"Spiritual" is the worst. You're nothing but a fence-sitter who can't make up your mind. It's intellectually lazy. People (sadly, mostly females) who call themselves "spiritual" tend to be a bunch of noncommittal morons who would rather hide behind a BS new-agey term than actually use their critical thinking skills to study up on the history of religion, its atrocities, its finer points, etc. And no, "agnostic" is NOT a third option to "atheist" and "theist." A link for your edification on the subject: http://freethinker.co.uk/2009/09/25/8419/
On the topic of abortion, that is wholly a personal choice. While you as a mother cannot fathom aborting a fetus, I personally would have no qualms in aborting one myself if I were unfortunate enough to have my birth control method fail.
You have to realize the social pressure that revolves around a subject like this and how it can wildly color your perception. It's the exact same thing with rape. When people find out a woman has been raped, they tend to treat her like she's a fragile being who's been broken and needs to be repaired. It doesn't even cross their minds that she could get past that so-called "traumatic" experience fairly quickly depending on her personality and her mental strength. I know rape victims who absolutely still love sex and don't really have any traumatic remnants from that event. Everyone reacts differently; it doesn't make one less legitimate than the other.
In that same vein, some people (like myself) just don't see much wrong in abortion despite the heavy social stigma surrounding it. In fact, I consider it to be the socially responsible thing to do in the unlikely event that pregnancy occurs.
And since we're talking about personal opinions here, I 100% support the choice of the guaranteed living, breathing, sentient mother-to-be to abort her fetus at any time, as it is her body and her choice. If she wants to keep it, fine, let her contribute to the overpopulation of our planet. Her body, her choice. And if she wants to abort it, then that's fine, too. Again, her body, her choice.
Being "pro-choice" isn't necessarily being pro-abortion; it just means that you believe a woman should always have the CHOICE over matters of her own fucking body no matter what that choice is. I myself identify as pro-choice AND pro-abortion; I believe that we have too many irresponsible would-be parents, scarce resources, and a huge overpopulation crisis at hand, so it would be good for people to make the right decision and NOT bring more kids into this world when they themselves are fuck-ups and/or not ready to have children and/or unable to financially provide for them.
"Would you stop reading a food or mommy blog based on someones political affiliation or religious beliefs?"
Yes, I would. I vote with my money every day. I do not support Christian organizations like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out. Me-me-me Libertarians like Ron Paul (AKA psycho right-wing evolution denier), war-mongering Republicans like Mitt Romney (AKA "fuck the poor" Mormon asshat), and spineless Democrats also don't get my support. And yes, I am immediately turned off from a food blog (no matter how beautiful the pictures) if I see "faith," "god," or "bible" mentioned anywhere in the profile description.
Religion and politics are personal choices--choices you made for yourself, of your own volition based on your values and your thoughts, ideas, etc. Along with your actions, what you agree with and what you believe say a LOT about who you are as a person. Why shouldn't I be allowed to judge you (and anyone else) for that? And while some people can easily overlook disagreeable facets of a person, others have a much lower threshold for that kind of stuff.
Ok... Lets chat.
Delete1st: You post under anonymous because you get the balls to speak out like this while you hide behind a computer screen.
2nd: Spiritual= Intellectually lazy? Really you want to go there? That is the biggest crap load out of what you just wrote.
3rd: "On the topic of abortion, that is wholly a personal choice. While you as a mother cannot fathom aborting a fetus, I personally would have no qualms in aborting one myself if I were unfortunate enough to have my birth control method fail."
- WHERE DID I SAY I CAN'T FATHOM ABORTION?? I said LATE TERM ABORTION it's 2 separate topics.
4th Please refrain from using the *F* bomb on MY BLOG.
5th: People like YOU are what is wrong with our country. You ZERO tolerance when it comes to someone who doesn't agree with you. You can't have a discussion without being rude and insulting. Learn to have a debate or discussion like an adult.
Anon, you said you would stop reading if you this type of stuff was brought up? Then, good, stop reading. Problem solved.
DeleteAnonymous, you are truly the moron here! Religion and politics are two subjects that people have disagreed about forever in time. Wars and great loss of life have been brought about by these 2 subjects. Why do people have to kill or maim others because they disagree with views such as ours or even yours??! You can believe what you want to believe but don't force your beliefs on others if they don't agree! I agree with Carrie that abortion is a choice if it is done early. There is no reason in my mind for late term abortions except perhaps for medical reasons and it would still have to be extremely justifiable.
DeleteAs for your politics, we are forced to vote for candidates who are crooks and worse crooks. I am so fed up with the candidates we are subjected to. I think Obama has failed us terribly but Romney isn't much better. It seems that whoever has the money and power gets their candidate in the election and we invariably have to choose from the one we think who will do less harm. Politics has been so corrupted that I don't think we can recover. They have managed to set up laws that benefit them and not the people...and I am speaking about individuals across the line...not republicans or democrats. There are many fine independent candidates but they have no chance against the influential rich and powerful forces that dominate the political scene.
I don't have a problem with people who post their thoughts about the political or religious scene as long as they don't force their beliefs on me or are obnoxious and bullying, such as your post was.
So...ANONYMOUS, please go peddle your BS somewhere else!! There are plenty of hatemonger websites where your comments would probably be welcome. You obviously aren't Christian but don't mention what your faith is...why do you feel the need to belittle someone who believes there is a higher power but doesn't feel the need to specify a particular religion? You appear to be a hater and God knows we don't need any more of that these days...yes, I said God for this is what I believe in! You don't have to agree and that is your right...just don't force it down my throat!
If you lose a few readers for sharing your beliefs, then good riddance! Your space, your words, your ideas. Their loss.
ReplyDeleteKeep doing what you're doing, we all love it.
Thank you!
DeleteGood morning...short and to the point...I will continue to read your blog...love most of your receipes...do I want to read rants and opinions on any thing else but food? Nope!
ReplyDelete=)
DeleteTo be honest, I usually read the heading and glance at the pictures, then I scroll to the recipe part to decide whether or not I can make the item. It's a food blog, I read it for the FOOD. All the other typing is lost on me because I don't always have a ton of time to sit down and read the commentary. With that being said, the recipes are usually fairly simple and appear to be delicious, so I'll continue to read (in my own abbreviated way) even if you sprout 3 heads or some other such ridiculousness :o)
ReplyDeleteLol. I think most people do the exact same thing Sarah!
Deletethese look dangerously perfect & utterly divine!
ReplyDeletexo
http://allykayler.blogspot.ca/
I sure like you, agree with you on this, but think the same as a lot of other people. I wouldn't stop reading just because we are different. And we are different. I'm Mormom which means I don't drink, curse, or even use alcohol in recipes... you do a little of the above but that is just something that makes you different. If you had a full on potty mouth or only had cocktail recipes then I'd move on, but that's not the case. New view points are a healthy way to see the world aren't they?
ReplyDeleteI like to think people with all different values can still be friends right? I may not be a Mormon, but I still <3 you and your blog! Thanks for the great response Melissa and for not judging people who have different lifestyles.
Deleteif someone stops reading your blog because of your believes, well, it's their loss.
ReplyDeleteThe abortion subject will always be grey (nor black or white) and I think we shouldn't judge others for their decision. (to keep or not the child) Just my 2 cents
I'm with you on that I don't want to judge anyone for their decision, I just don't think late term abortion should be legal anywhere.
DeleteLove a healthy discussion, but can I ask what temp to bake these at? 350?
ReplyDeleteYes! So sorry 350. I will add it into my post. Thanks for catching that :0)
DeleteNo trouble - I have them in now - they smell delicious!! Thanks for the recipe & quick reply:-)
DeleteCarrie, I love this post for two reasons: 1) your bravery in tackling a sticky area for all of us and 2) these bars! Love the texture and combination of flavors and I really just want a plate to snack on ;)
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question you posed, I detest politics but I love opinions (and I see a distinct difference between the two). I really don't subscribe to a political party or mantras because I don't really agree with any of them! However, I believe we should all be free to share our beliefs and convictions. I know my opinions and convictions will be very different from others, but that doesn't give me the right to bully or badger others and vice versa.
For me, that's where I draw the line - as soon as someone starts to bully or badger myself or others regarding their opinions or mine, I feel compelled to call them out on their behavior and to end the conversation if the behavior persists. I would include hateful behavior by companies or organizations into the bully camp as well (such as funding agendas that encourage or promote discrimination or alienation of specific groups of people). And yes, if someone (or an organization) continues to persist in bullying behavior, I would choose not to subscribe to that person...
Oh yeah, I forgot to say this before, I'm featuring this post in today's Food Fetish Friday (with a link-back and attribution). I hope you have no objections and thanks for sharing such amazing creations...
DeleteTrying to make these, anyone know what the oven setting should be? It doesn't say
ReplyDelete350, I will fix the post! Sorry about that.
DeleteIt's your blog. Say what you want. If they don't like it, there are a baziliion+ other blogs for them to read :) I've started sharing non-food stuff on mine, and have seen unsubscribes come through on feedburner because of it. But I decided it's a personal journey, personal record of my life... which usually involves food. But for times that it doesn't, I'm blogging anyway. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog and think that we'd be friends if we met. Good ones. I'm looking forward to making these amazing looking bars!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Have these baking in the oven right now! I substituted peanut butter chips instead of chocolate because it's all I had on hand. I also used almond butter for the peanut butter and tried it with half WW flour half white - I'll let you know how they turn out! But they look delicious either way! I will be posting pictures up on my page tomorrow and will definitely credit you for this great recipe!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great!! nice to meet you
Delicious! Keep on sharing!
ReplyDelete