I make it a rule not to comment on political discussions on Facebook. Why? Because I really love and care about my friends. I don't share the same political beliefs with all of them. Their friendship is more important to me than getting into a disagreement about politics.
But, recently, I saw something on social media that compelled me to comment. To keep this as non-biased as possible, let me just say that after an incident that was blown up in the media, friends got on social media and started to shred the person in question. First off, neither political party or its supporters is without blame of attacking not only the candidates but what I call "collateral damage," extending to family, friends and other supporters.
My point isn't the issue itself. It's the way in which people viciously attack others. Instead of concentrating on policies and platforms, everything has become so deeply personal and hurtful. So, here's what I posted:
"Really? Does tearing another person to shreds make each of you feel better about yourselves? Rather than focusing on smearing other people, can we just stick to examining each candidate's platforms and policies as they are rolled out? What we need to critically research is how those policies will affect our country and our lives as we would wish them to do. Instead of each side tearing down the other's candidate and those surrounding them, spend time researching how what each will do as President will affect our lives. I don't like to make political statements on Facebook, but when I see people (from either side) throwing stones, it makes me question the humanity in human beings."
While for the most part my friends came back with gracious comments, there's always someone who tends to "take it to the mat." Instead of reading and understanding my point, a friend of one of my friends insisted that the person in question and the associated candidate deserved to be ripped to shreds.
Really? I often think that so many great people avoid getting involved in politics for this very reason. The incivility of the media and folks on social media blows me away. How would any one of us feel if we or a loved one were the focus of so much viterol?
As I said in my comment on social media, why can't we just have intelligent, well-thought conversations about the policies and platforms of each candidate and quit with the character mutilations? That goes for both sides.
What say you?
Til Next Time,
Carol
P.S. I'm signing off for a week. It's been a heavy-duty three weeks, and I'm going to go chill with my loved ones. I need a little healing time, as you know. Have a great time next week, and I'll be back at it August 1st.
But, recently, I saw something on social media that compelled me to comment. To keep this as non-biased as possible, let me just say that after an incident that was blown up in the media, friends got on social media and started to shred the person in question. First off, neither political party or its supporters is without blame of attacking not only the candidates but what I call "collateral damage," extending to family, friends and other supporters.
My point isn't the issue itself. It's the way in which people viciously attack others. Instead of concentrating on policies and platforms, everything has become so deeply personal and hurtful. So, here's what I posted:
"Really? Does tearing another person to shreds make each of you feel better about yourselves? Rather than focusing on smearing other people, can we just stick to examining each candidate's platforms and policies as they are rolled out? What we need to critically research is how those policies will affect our country and our lives as we would wish them to do. Instead of each side tearing down the other's candidate and those surrounding them, spend time researching how what each will do as President will affect our lives. I don't like to make political statements on Facebook, but when I see people (from either side) throwing stones, it makes me question the humanity in human beings."
While for the most part my friends came back with gracious comments, there's always someone who tends to "take it to the mat." Instead of reading and understanding my point, a friend of one of my friends insisted that the person in question and the associated candidate deserved to be ripped to shreds.
Really? I often think that so many great people avoid getting involved in politics for this very reason. The incivility of the media and folks on social media blows me away. How would any one of us feel if we or a loved one were the focus of so much viterol?
As I said in my comment on social media, why can't we just have intelligent, well-thought conversations about the policies and platforms of each candidate and quit with the character mutilations? That goes for both sides.
What say you?
Til Next Time,
Carol
P.S. I'm signing off for a week. It's been a heavy-duty three weeks, and I'm going to go chill with my loved ones. I need a little healing time, as you know. Have a great time next week, and I'll be back at it August 1st.
RSS Feed