“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming
that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A friend of mine posted that quote
the other day and it gave me pause. We (American society as a whole) have
become a rancid, defensive, uncaring bunch who sit behind a keyboard and downgrade
our fellow man on social media (can you see the irony running down the screen?).
Social media, while it is a great
tool for connecting has had the opposite effect. Let me explain. It has made
everyone feel like their opinions, views, philosophies, etc. are the only ones
that matter. So much so that should another person contradict with those views,
the great connection becomes a disconnect via hateful banter and insults. Grown
men and women resort to “I know you are but what am I?” tactics.
For example, I belong to several
groups on social media. I see time and again, people who really do not know one
another slinging insults and pure hate toward people they do not even know
simply because they do not like their post. One says they had a bad experience with
a business, or a service and fifty people are there to throw hateful comments into
the ring. We are offended by the smallest of things anymore, but this type of behavior is accepted and commonplace in the social arena?
Whatever happened to conversation?
To friendly banter? To civilized discussions?
I am certain the above quote was
made in reference to those who would contradict someone in an intelligent
conversation, not someone who simply resorts to insults and backbiting as a
means of degrading the person when real facts and educated opinions on the
subject matter are lacking.
As a society, we need to grow up. Adults
take the lead. Parents show your kids the way. The next generation is coming
out of high school so socially backward they are likely to have a lot of
trouble making it in the “real world” where they must interact with real people.
If social media is the example they have set before them that tells them “this
is how the real-world works,” then they are doomed.
“The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to
hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently” -
Nietzsche
 |
Let’s converse. Let’s talk. Let’s
bring back intelligent, informed conversation about the things that are wrong
in the world. Differing opinions are what make the world go around. Instead of
turning the firehose on them, embrace them. Remember the Golden Rule?
It is quite okay, and even
expected, that people will contradict one another. As Emerson said,
contradiction is not persecution. Resorting to insults is. Hate speech is.
Different viewpoints are healthy
for society. If not for differences in world-views and philosophies society
would stagnate. There would never have been a Renaissance. The age of
enlightenment would have been quickly snuffed out. Political evolution and revolution
would never get off the ground because everyone would be too busy defending their
positions against simpletons who refuse to educate themselves or try to better
their station.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" - Jesus Christ
I do not have all the answers. I
would love to hear your opinions and viewpoints on the subject.
What is the answer? Is there a cure
or is it simply a part of the human condition? Is anything not offensive anymore?
Is it possible for people today to have a conversation without “hating on” one
another?
Let me hear your thoughts. Like the
blog and share it if you please.
Josh
