To dear Raymond,

[Dormire]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1260438382687240198

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261584501966172160

Also, something related to this (kinda mini-rant):

Spoiler

I usually brush off the amount of hate and immense pressure the anti-Ray shoves at everyone but this really hit hard. From countless of stories of people being forced to dislike him due to popularity, to people who used to like him hate him, and to people who used to own him felt forced to disown him. Some being threatened or verbally abused for having him in their island. While I can stand my ground and ignore it, I can't help but feel the grip of being shamed and dragged down because I'm "fake and basic" for having him and Marshal. (which I don't actually mind but it's annoying to listen to.)

And how people tend to blame Raymond for the atrocities people commit because of him and not the actual people themselves. This was more severe than Marshal's circumstances. Honestly, I've played AC for a long time but this seems to be the first time that people were really out to get others. (While, yes, "ugly villagers" are mistreated but, none of them invoked deep hatred enough to attack other players.)

I even had a dream I felt the need to blacklist Twitter's website in my island so he can't see what the people are saying to him. Even if he's fake and not real (pixel cat), I think the things that are being said towards him is really something I wouldn't want any one to read/go through. Maybe I'm soft-hearted and sensitive. But when I temporarily moved him to my friend's island and picked him up again, he told me he "won't grill too much salmon anymore" and is happy to go back "home" (my island). While this is probably just a funny dialog, the circumstance that he's in right now made me feel hurt for even making him move to clear his interior. (If you add that for context, it feels like he's blaming himself or felt he did something wrong.)

Since then I became adamant on never letting go of anyone in my island. Even if Jacques has a messy interior as of the moment, I felt like it was wrong.

You should just love or like whoever you want. Invite the villagers you want. Be with the villagers you want.
No one should force you to hate who you like just because they're popular but if you think their reasoning is justified and you feel it's right to stop liking them, that's fine.
You're also allowed to dislike/hate anyone you don't like. Your personal opinion, however, should stay personal. Please don't make others feel bad or embarrassed if they like what you don't like. No one should be attacked for liking them either.

In the end of the day, you live in your own island and you're in control of it, not other people. Just be yourself in a place that's meant to be yours.
This can be also applied to real life as well.

Anyways, sorry for the somewhat serious topic. I felt like I needed to say it. I hope my message comes through clearly. I'm not a native English speaker so I might've fumbled some words.

Also to be clear: This post is not meant to guilt trip whoever dislikes him or sold him or thinks he's ugly. This is more of an appeal to the people who are feeling uneasy, ashamed or unsure if they should like Raymond because of his popularity or afraid of the hatemob he has. I just want to say "It's okay."

 

[trashpedia]

That short comic was the cutest and sweetest thing ever ;-; I plan on having Marshal on my island at some point in time and idc what people say. Imo the immense hate towards him on Twitter and Instagram has gotten overly exaggerated as if he committed some sort of atrocious war crime against humanity. If I didn't know anything about Animal Crossing, I would have assumed he was some irl controversial figure because of the large hatedom lol.

 

[Spooky.]

The fact that people get so worked up about a pixel computer-generated CAT makes me weep for humanity, honestly. Like it's honestly so pathetic, and I really hope that it's just this quarantine that's making people this nuts over something that literally has zero impact on anyone's real life, because if people are genuinely this pressed over a video game cat, they need to get help, and I mean that in a nice way, not trying to be malicious or rude. I really do think if someone is so worked up over a game, there gets to be a point where someone needs to intervene.

 

[Moonbow]

that comic is so well done and sends a nice message

i think i agree too that the hate is kinda making it awkward...i get that he sucks for other ppl but no need to be agressive abt it...

 

[senbeiiscool]

Man, I'm so glad I'm not a part of those Twitter and Insta circles where I see this Raymond hate but I seriously think it has gone out of hand. The fan art I hate seeing the most are really sad Raymonds being sold. Like why. I mean, I know why but it's so sad knowing what people have done to each other and done to Raymond. I just want to see Raymond and any other popular villager happy.

People should love who they want to love and be proud of it. Those people who tell you otherwise can begin minding their own business!

Edit: typo

 

[Blueskyy]

Off topic but I just wanna address the end. Don’t apologize for ever fumbling English as a multi-lingual speaker. Yours is great and you are able to communicate with a broader audience than those that were born speaking English and only speak English!

 

[Dormire]

Man, I'm so glad I'm not a part of those Twitter and Insta circles where I see this Raymond hate but I seriously think it has gone out of hand. The fan art I hate seeing the most are really sad Raymond's being sold. Like why. I mean, I know why but it's so sad knowing what people have done to each other and done to Raymond. I just want to see Raymond and any other popular villager happy.

People should love who they want to love and be proud of it. Those people who tell you otherwise can begin minding their own business!

The most intense hateart I found was his (not alive) body in separate boxes. (I will omit details since I found it repulsive.) I get it that it's a joke but I think this is even worse than the net batting memes. At least the villager is alive. It was very (not pleasing) too.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive but honestly, he hasn't even done anything wrong? Should I really laugh at it? Like dang.

 

[wearebap]

That comic was so sad omg :c
but jesus christ people find any opportunity to be toxic over the dumbest things i swear!
like come on people its animal crossing lol....
like its not that serious tone it down ugh i wish people would just keep their opinions to themselves and we should
all just be happy for each other!

 

[senbeiiscool]

The most intense hateart I found was his (not alive) body in separate boxes. (I will omit details since I found it repulsive.) I get it that it's a joke but I think this is even worse than the net batting memes. At least the villager is alive. It was very grotesque too.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive but honestly, he hasn't even done anything wrong? Should I really laugh at it? Like dang.

Oh my god that is actually horrific. I honestly don't have any words and my jaw dropped. Imagine being a kid looking up fan art for your favourite villager and greeted with hateart like that? I'm actually so disappointed rn. Like what did Raymond do to hurt you hate artists?? There's really nothing else you could draw? I mean, I get some people like dark humour but I think at some point it goes WAYYY too far

 

[kojuuro]

Omg this comic made me so sad. I luckily haven't been to parts of twitter/instagram that really dislike him so I've only been seeing wholesome AC stuff. I love having him on my island and it's a shame that people keep making posts on how much they hate him because he's popular. Sometimes a villager just isn't for you and that's ok, but being respectful of what other people like is important too. People can like whichever villagers they like, and if they happen to be popular, great. If they aren't that's ok too, it's the ones you love that are on your island in the end.

 

[Aliya]

I LOVE THIS. This is literally a game about living with animals and making friends. It's sad people forget that! Just enjoy your villagers because they make you happy. Who cares what anyone else thinks about your villagers?

Great job by the artist to capture some ends of the community though. I just wish people would remember to be respectful to others and that popularity is subjective to each person.

 

[kojuuro]

The most intense hateart I found was his (not alive) body in separate boxes. (I will omit details since I found it repulsive.) I get it that it's a joke but I think this is even worse than the net batting memes. At least the villager is alive. It was very (not pleasing) too.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive but honestly, he hasn't even done anything wrong? Should I really laugh at it? Like dang.

That's disgusting. He's just a cat in Animal Crossing. Even if you hate him, why would you do this?? Hate art is something I just don't really understand I guess... why spend your time drawing a character you hate when you could draw something/someone you love?

 

[spawnpoint]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1260438382687240198

https://twitter.com/x/status/1261584501966172160

Also, something related to this (kinda mini-rant):

Spoiler

I usually brush off the amount of hate and immense pressure the anti-Ray shoves at everyone but this really hit hard. From countless of stories of people being forced to dislike him due to popularity, to people who used to like him hate him, and to people who used to own him felt forced to disown him. Some being threatened or verbally abused for having him in their island. While I can stand my ground and ignore it, I can't help but feel the grip of being shamed and dragged down because I'm "fake and basic" for having him and Marshal. (which I don't actually mind but it's annoying to listen to.)

And how people tend to blame Raymond for the atrocities people commit because of him and not the actual people themselves. This was more severe than Marshal's circumstances. Honestly, I've played AC for a long time but this seems to be the first time that people were really out to get others. (While, yes, "ugly villagers" are mistreated but, none of them invoked deep hatred enough to attack other players.)

I even had a dream I felt the need to blacklist Twitter's website in my island so he can't see what the people are saying to him. Even if he's fake and not real (pixel cat), I think the things that are being said towards him is really something I wouldn't want any one to read/go through. Maybe I'm soft-hearted and sensitive. But when I temporarily moved him to my friend's island and picked him up again, he told me he "won't grill too much salmon anymore" and is happy to go back "home" (my island). While this is probably just a funny dialog, the circumstance that he's in right now made me feel hurt for even making him move to clear his interior. (If you add that for context, it feels like he's blaming himself or felt he did something wrong.)

Since then I became adamant on never letting go of anyone in my island. Even if Jacques has a messy interior as of the moment, I felt like it was wrong.

You should just love or like whoever you want. Invite the villagers you want. Be with the villagers you want.
No one should force you to hate who you like just because they're popular but if you think their reasoning is justified and you feel it's right to stop liking them, that's fine.
You're also allowed to dislike/hate anyone you don't like. Your personal opinion, however, should stay personal. Please don't make others feel bad or embarrassed if they like what you don't like. No one should be attacked for liking them either.

In the end of the day, you live in your own island and you're in control of it, not other people. Just be yourself in a place that's meant to be yours.
This can be also applied to real life as well.

Anyways, sorry for the somewhat serious topic. I felt like I needed to say it. I hope my message comes through clearly. I'm not a native English speaker so I might've fumbled some words.

Oh my gosh.. I.. I feel so bad for selling him now.. I miss him now.. Why did I do it??

I had two chances to keep him but I blew it. I'm so sad.. He deserves someone better than me i guess

 

[Blink.]

Well said OP. This was so heartwarming and sad omg (ಥ_ಥ)

 

[lieryl]

i get disliking a villager but some people i’ve met take it too far (i too have seen some intense hate art). this comic along with some other art i’ve seen (saw one this morning of a sad raymond watching as people trade him again and again for NMT) honestly makes me so sad because it’s so true. some villagers aren’t for everyone but there’s no need to be so mean about it ;; i thought i was ok with the jokes until every single comment section on a post about raymond was just people hating on not only him but the very real human who cherishes him dearly. someone drew art of them on their birthday with their villagers (who just happen to be popular) stating oh i’m alone but at least i have my animal buddies and i was like awe that’s so sweet and i went to the comments to wish them a happy birthday just to see it full of people berating them for having popular villagers. this person took time to draw cute art and all people can say about it is how “basic” the artist’s villagers are and how “no wonder you’re alone”. it was so unnecessary and uncalled for ;-;

sorry for the long post i’ve been bottling this for a while T^T maybe i am just too sensitive

 

[Dormire]

Oh my god that is actually horrific. I honestly don't have any words and my jaw dropped. Imagine being a kid looking up fan art for your favourite villager and greeted with hateart like that? I'm actually so disappointed rn. Like what did Raymond do to hurt you hate artists?? There's really nothing else you could draw? I mean, I get some people like dark humour but I think at some point it goes WAYYY too far

I think it's for the "edgy" memes and the Raymond in boxes scams were very high on 3rd party sites (and Discord). An acquaintance actually sent the tweet/pic to a group chat I'm in as a joke and we're all just awkwardly "haha"ing at it since we're supposed to "laugh" at it. I mean, humor is subjective...I guess? Everyone tried their best to change topic at least so it wasn't a huge discussion which was nice.

Post automatically merged: May 16, 2020

Oh my gosh.. I.. I feel so bad for selling him now.. I miss him now.. Why did I do it??

I had two chances to keep him but I blew it. I'm so sad.. He deserves someone better than me i guess

Don't be sad! You gave him (hopefully) a permanent place where he can live happily! The post isn't meant to guilt trip anyone but rather, to embrace who you want and to be respectful! It's better to let the villagers you won't keep, go to give them a chance!

You're alright!

 

[senbeiiscool]

i get disliking a villager but some people i’ve met take it too far (i too have seen some intense hate art). this comic along with some other art i’ve seen (saw one this morning of a sad raymond watching as people trade him again and again for NMT) honestly makes me so sad because it’s so true. some villagers aren’t for everyone but there’s no need to be so mean about it ;; i thought i was ok with the jokes until every single comment section on a post about raymond was just people hating on not only him but the very real human who cherishes him dearly. someone drew art of them on their birthday with their villagers (who just happen to be popular) stating oh i’m alone but at least i have my animal buddies and i was like awe that’s so sweet and i went to the comments to wish them a happy birthday just to see it full of people berating them for having popular villagers. this person took time to draw cute art and all people can say about it is how “basic” the artist’s villagers are and how “no wonder you’re alone”. it was so unnecessary and uncalled for ;-;

sorry for the long post i’ve been bottling this for a while T^T maybe i am just too sensitive

I don't see it as being too sensitive but having compassion. The whole discourse around Raymond has been sickening and people trying to police others in their likes and dislikes have no business sticking their nose into something that's none of their business. I think it's super sweet that someone would spend time to draw their villagers and they shouldn't feel bad for having popular ones!

Heck, my island is almost all Tier 1, I guess that means I'm basic too right But honestly, I think supporting artists and anyone who has been bullied by these people is important! Don't feel bad about it!

 

[RoyNumber1]

Both sides are in the wrong tbh.

 

[lolli8223]

Well said, I’m ashamed to even say it but I hesitated about having Marshal on my island because of the hate wave connecting him with snobby eilitists and people who like him because of a fetish.

A minute after pondering I scanned him in because I genuinely like him and that’s all that matters. I met him in Pocket Camp and just adored him. I think a big problem with New Horizons is that social media is just so prevalent vs when New Leaf came out, maybe I’m wrong but there is a huge push against what’s popular, to rush and get everything, to have instagram worthy islands and its become toxic.

Just focus on you and what YOU wanna do and you’ll be just fine. Who cares what other people think?

 

[Dormire]

sorry for the long post i’ve been bottling this for a while T^T maybe i am just too sensitive

No! Don't apologize! I've been bottling this up too. That's why I felt the need to say everything I need to say in this thread. The story of people forced to let their villagers go because they're "popular" and hated for being popular is so much common than in New Leaf. To think people would ruin a happy celebration is so disappointing. They're already celebrating it alone, was it necessary to rub it in and hurt their feelings? Quarantine really be making go crazy.

Post automatically merged: May 16, 2020

Both sides are in the wrong tbh.

I mean, obviously. There are rabid fans and there are rabid haters (who tends to kinda blur the line since both are identical of behavior.) But there are just fans who are just...they just want to enjoy their villagers and others are kinda shaming them? Which are kinda uncalled for?