Ok, people.
This is a difficult one.
I, too, am guilty of posting the occasional rant about the election.
I, too, am slightly biased.
But.....
It's Facebook.
Here's my thought.
Over the past few months I have seen an explosion of inflammatory posts by people on Facebook. The type of posts that border on fanaticism rather than sincere debate. Instead of seeing well-thought out posts about their beliefs and opinions; you are bombarded with hateful attacks, poorly worded 'opinions' and propaganda.
I'm all for healthy debate. I'm all for people coming together during an election year and talking about the issues and making an educated choice for President. And yet, I'm disappointed by the unhelpful personal attacks people feel justified in making because a 'friend' made an innocent comment about the candidate they prefer.
One of the great things about America is our freedoms. Now, I'm not all 'red, white and blue' and will be the first person to stand up and say that there is a lot wrong with our country.....however, I'm a woman. I'm an ethic minority. And I'm able to vote. I'm able to voice my opinion openly and freely, without fear. I, as a woman, am able to live a life of MY choosing.
There are certain rights and freedoms, we as Americans, have and enjoy. Freedom of Speech is one of them. So with that said, why do some people feel the need to harass and bully those who have an opinion, one that might not coincide with their own?
This isn't just about a little harmless 'ribbing' or good-natured debate. This is about the following:
1. If you post your opinion on Facebook or other social forum - you should expect a little heated debate; however, when that crosses the line to.....comments of a personal nature - (about parents, partners and other familial types) - your 'friend' needs to step back and desist. And YOU need to reply in a mature and firm manner, ensuring your 'friend' understands that is not debate.....that is high school bullying.
2. Don't take this so personally. I have plenty of friends that support Romney and Ryan. Ok. And....they are free citizens. They have the right to support and campaign for the candidate they feel reflects the platforms and beliefs they agree with. MOVE ON.
3. If you are going to go on a political tirade, at least take a moment to make a readable, well-informed argument that doesn't contain words like, 'suck it' or 'lame' or 'dumb ass'. I am more than happy to read through and even respond to a well-worded opinion or question. But, if you base our post on..." *insert candidate here* is an stupid head. Why would you vote for someone who is an idiot', you are probably going to get laughed at, flamed or just plain ignored.
4. The people that barely involve themselves on any social forum for four years and then BAM!! every ten minutes there is an inflammatory comment about the current President and the poor decision-making skills of said individual. Moreover, you seem intent on winning the vote for the opposition.....single-handily. By all means make your point.....but kill a motor on the hateful, bitter and angry attacks you make on everyone else on your friends list - you are now the stereotype and not helping your party's cause.
All of this makes me sad because,
We, as a nation and as a global society, need healthy and open discussion about the state of the world and where, we as a people, are headed.
We need a healthy exchange of ideas to enable change.
We need a global community to take interest in the events that are shaping individual countries - these individual countries and cultures have an impact on the international community.
We need to encourage civic duty and individual responsibility.
And yet....
We attack each other because one idea threatens the belief system of another.
We struggle to see the other point of view because we are too comfortable with our own.
Fear has replaced rational thought.
Just a thought people....just a thought.....
