Why I’m Proud to be a Keyboard Warrior

First off, let me be clear. There are two main “urban dictionary” definitions of “Keyboard Warrior,” and I am not referring to myself as “a person who makes abusive or aggressive posts on the Internet, typically one who conceals their true identity.”

I’m super transparent about who I am, and, while there may be an argument as to whether some of my posts are aggressive, they certainly are not abusive. Though, as the other definition – person who uses social media to express outrage or criticism – I am certainly on the receiving end of plenty of that.

If the pen is mightier than the sword, how much might is there in typing 60 words per minute? If those words actually touch someone, the power is immeasurable.

And this is why I won’t shut the f%& up. Ever.

My blogging and social media platform has a relatively small audience. But if I can write something that changes even one person’s perspective or makes even one person feel less alone, then you bet your ass I’m proud to be a “keyboard warrior.”

I’m not hiding behind a keyboard. My name and address are public. You can see what I had for dinner. And there is nothing I have typed on social media that I will not say to your face. It’s just that I have a bigger microphone from my bed than I do yelling in the middle of a Wal Mart. It’s just efficiency.

I am a “keyboard warrior” to normalize my own life experiences, whether I’m talking about parenting, illness, anxiety, or anything else.

I am a “keyboard warrior” to amplify the voices of the people and causes you may not be following, particularly the work of women of color, the LGBTQ community, and other marginalized people.

I am a “keyboard warrior” to spread the word about easy actions people can take for social justice.

I am a “keyboard warrior” because I can’t be all the places at the same time and I know you don’t want to hear about this in the schoolyard.

I am a “keyboard warrior” because I spend more time than I’d like to in bed when my illness flares and my writing connects me to the outside world.

I am a “keyboard warrior” because Congress won’t take my phone calls but they occasionally check their Twitter.

I am a “keyboard warrior” because a well written social media post can be impactful.

I am a “keyboard warrior” because words hold power. They are my weapon of choice, and I am always ready for battle.  

---