Facebook argument over anti-vac

[Gretafamily]

I was part of a breastfeeding group on Facebook and someone wrote a post about something perfectly normal. Someone commented saying ‘just looked at your profile and love all of it’ I was nosey so had a look as well and most of the stuff was very anti-vac. I commented and said ‘you like that she is anti-vac’? I have had a few comments to me saying get a grip etc. Was IBU?! I didn’t mean to get into a debate regarding it, I was just surprised.

It does sound like you went looking for an argument

I don’t think YABU at all, although I suspect others will disagree.

I have no patience for those who do not vaccinate (NOT THOSE WHO HAVE A VALID MEDICAL REASON NOT TO). They’re as stupid as flat earthers but much more dangerous.

It does sound like you was poking to get a reaction. When it comes to such an emotive subject, if you mention it you shouldn't be surprised when you get a reaction

YANBU.

Get stuck into each anti vac. If you choose to put your child and others at risk then you need to be challenged.

I think you should point out to the idiots that being “anti vac” automatically means being “pro diphtheria, polio, meningitis, pertussis and the death of children”.

Thank you everyone. It probably did sound like I was trying to start an argument. I was just surprised with her not so subtle comment! As Jolli said, tricky subject to mention just casually.

@Babdoc I have now unsubscribed! Purely because no one seemed to be on my side (sounds petty but I mean no one agreed) and I had a bit of a backlash so I’m assuming that the group is anti-vac and I can’t be reading that!!

YANBU. I did extended breastfeeding and was fairly attachment parent-y with my eldest DC (mainly because it's what worked), I also try to be very eco. Unfortunately there is some overlap between those things and anti-vac people and it drives me insane.

Are you new to FB parenting groups?! These people are everywhere - don't engage - it's a complete and utter waste of time. Just focus on your own DC and leave the loons to it.

It's important in any sort of baby-oriented group that the idiot antivaxxers don't get their idiot poison claws into other people. Call it out, every time.

@Squirrelplay I am new to these groups yes!! Oh dear, I think I will unsubscribe from them

I'm horrified by how prevalent it all is!! As soon as my first was born, my suggested Facebook pages started to include these kind of groups etc.

I just don't understand! It just baffles me.

Yep, these will crop up a lot. I’m on homebirthing groups and find lots of people who are anti-vax (stupid and dangerous) to those who wax lyrical about homeopathy (which I think is silly but generally harmless) and those who seem to reject everything modern medicine suggests (again, stupid and dangerous).

There is just no point engaging. They are so far down the rabbit hole absolutely anything you say will just end in frustration for both of you. My background is in Chemistry...some of the stuff I read physically hurts, but I keep the groups I get value from and leave the truly loony ones.

I dont think it's a great loss so I'd call them out. People who argue against established scientific fact because 'they saw something on YouTube', aren't, in my opinion, worth worrying about upsetting them

Should also add there are lots of home birthing ladies who are intelligent, completely open to challenge, and interested in empirical data!! But there is definitely a fat overlap between lots of these “crunchy” groups (home birth/cloth nappies/eco) and those suspicious of every institution and all of science.