Sometimes it's not a case of refusing , but being trapped in a mentality in which such things seem out of reach. Or possibly, due to upbringing and/or other factors they do not see the value of an education in their circumstances. There are just so many factors that can contribute to not being "educated", that it seems some people are unable to comprehend. ( not referring to you, Capo )
I'm not exactly sure whether you are referring to the people criticizing her or those defending her as being hypocritical. Possibly both in regards to her not getting the attention if she were not who she is. Most people are hypocrites in one way or another. I know I am. I've never met Alana, but there is probably some truth to what you say in that I may not defend her if she weren't in the position she is.
Criticizing peoples spelling and grammar has always been something that gets under my skin, no matter who is being criticized or doing the criticizing. Actually some of my favorite posters do it, but generally it's in a heated debate. I just don't see how having an education makes someone better than someone else as a person. People wear it like its some kind of medal and status in society, and it is regarded as such, unfortunately. I've met so many educated people in my life who couldn't conjure up a thought of their own, if their life depended on it. On the other hand I've met a lot of uneducated people that amaze me with their ability to to see things with an open mind, and are able to give critical, intelligent and logical view points.
General Ramblings ...
I'm getting off track, I think, but this is a review board for MPA's, SP's and SC's, not a gathering place for elitist intellectuals. That's not meant as a comment on the girls in the profession's, but rather on us, the hobbyists. There are many girls in the respective profession's that are fortunate enough to have recieved an education, or are in the process, either through sheer determination and/or having the psychological mind set to be able to do it. The business will and does attract some girls who have not had the best upbringing and/or life, to say the least.
There's one thing about this hobby and that is that it attracts people from all walks of life. We all have something in common, and for the most part we all get along very well. Maybe some of us have a better vantage point to empathize than others, but it really doesn't take a lot to stop and think ...
Being a so called "newbie" to the board has no relevance in being a newbie to life ...
Eeergh, I hate when I get like this ... enough incoherent ramblings .. let the fun continue ...