Wow! An experience I had on Facebook this morning inspired me to write about civility today.
Someone put up a graph about the electoral college. Folks started commenting about the pros and cons of voting via electoral vs. popular vote. I responded when someone posted a comment about how people who live in the middle of the country and outside of cities are uneducated and ignorant. You see, I moved from Los Angeles to a rural area of Texas. I am neither uneducated or ignorant (have a Master's Degree, was a teacher and publisher, and now a novelist). So, I took issue mainly because I interact on a daily basis with educated, highly-intelligent people who also live in Central Texas. I work with brilliant people who are also novelists and live in such places as the Ozarks and other middle America areas.
The person on Facebook responded in such a rude manner that I was taken back. When I commented that I thought we just needed to agree to disagree (not my words but a summary of what I indicated), I was pretty much called a coward for not continuing the discussion. His incivility was rude and unacceptable.
Now, I don't normally ever get involved in politics on social media. My bad. Won't do it again. My purpose in responding to him was to challenge his comment that all people living outside of cities are illiterate hog farmers.
This country has become so divided, and the incivility that I find on social media, in politics, in the media, and elsewhere is downright frightening. So many people appear to be filled with anger, and that I find sad.
One of the reasons my novels are filled with examples of unconditional love is because I want people to care about each other, respect each other, and accept each other for who they are. Yes, of course we can disagree. Yes of course we must express our concerns, opinions, and ideas, but when we are slammed for it, criticized and shamed for it, I say enough.
If you are filled with anxiety and anger, take a deep breath. Being nasty to someone isn't going to change their mind. Certainly calling them names or belittling them isn't going to change their opinion. Logical conversation, some compassion for what others think and feel, and acceptance of the rights of others to have their beliefs is a better way to go. I'm not saying anyone should stick their head in the sand and not stand up for what they believe, but certainly it should be done with respect for those who are listening.
In the meantime, if you want to read about loyalty and unconditional love, HERE are some samples of books that demonstrate how even a dog can show us the way... even with characters who might not be so lovable.
Til Next Time,
Carol
Someone put up a graph about the electoral college. Folks started commenting about the pros and cons of voting via electoral vs. popular vote. I responded when someone posted a comment about how people who live in the middle of the country and outside of cities are uneducated and ignorant. You see, I moved from Los Angeles to a rural area of Texas. I am neither uneducated or ignorant (have a Master's Degree, was a teacher and publisher, and now a novelist). So, I took issue mainly because I interact on a daily basis with educated, highly-intelligent people who also live in Central Texas. I work with brilliant people who are also novelists and live in such places as the Ozarks and other middle America areas.
The person on Facebook responded in such a rude manner that I was taken back. When I commented that I thought we just needed to agree to disagree (not my words but a summary of what I indicated), I was pretty much called a coward for not continuing the discussion. His incivility was rude and unacceptable.
Now, I don't normally ever get involved in politics on social media. My bad. Won't do it again. My purpose in responding to him was to challenge his comment that all people living outside of cities are illiterate hog farmers.
This country has become so divided, and the incivility that I find on social media, in politics, in the media, and elsewhere is downright frightening. So many people appear to be filled with anger, and that I find sad.
One of the reasons my novels are filled with examples of unconditional love is because I want people to care about each other, respect each other, and accept each other for who they are. Yes, of course we can disagree. Yes of course we must express our concerns, opinions, and ideas, but when we are slammed for it, criticized and shamed for it, I say enough.
If you are filled with anxiety and anger, take a deep breath. Being nasty to someone isn't going to change their mind. Certainly calling them names or belittling them isn't going to change their opinion. Logical conversation, some compassion for what others think and feel, and acceptance of the rights of others to have their beliefs is a better way to go. I'm not saying anyone should stick their head in the sand and not stand up for what they believe, but certainly it should be done with respect for those who are listening.
In the meantime, if you want to read about loyalty and unconditional love, HERE are some samples of books that demonstrate how even a dog can show us the way... even with characters who might not be so lovable.
Til Next Time,
Carol
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