In the light of the recent inauguration, there has been more than enough of people's opinions to sift through constantly and try to avoid whenever possible, so let's get one thing straight about hateful opinions:
No one cares.
I say that in the nicest way possible, because unless your opinion involves something educational or inspiring, it really doesn't matter, and it especially does not matter on social media.
I will always encourage someone to speak out about injustice or wrongdoing, but when your "opinion" is simply hate speak towards another person, place or group, then it is better left unsaid and is less of an opinion and more of just ignorant babble. You have absolutely no platform to tell someone that the problems that effect their personal lives are useless, because you are NOT THEM, and do NOT understand how their lives have been impacted negatively in any way.
I am relaying my opinion to you over a platform that promotes opinions to the highest level, and some of those opinions have changed peoples minds, and will ultimately change the world. But the difference is that these opinions are convictions which can change the world in a positive manner, not "21 Reasons Why Liberals Are Snowflakes," or "Conservatives Are The Anti-Christ."
Social media has been ablaze lately with strongly worded opinions on relevant topics in the news, and the freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. But just because we are privileged to speak freely does not always necessarily mean we should. Personal responsibility is also a beautiful thing, and knowing when to keep your mouth shut (or keep your fingers stationary for this matter) is a powerful tool in life.
Always remember that hiding behind a screen is easy, but the people or groups you are bashing also contain human beings just like you or I, and those people have real emotions and real lives. It can be easy to be caught up in being a social media warrior, but the real world needs you more than Facebook. Instead of cowering behind a computer and attacking the virtual reality of another human being, why don't you spend that time creating something wonderful in the world and doing something to help others? Donate your time and effort to causes that matter.
Do not ever lose your convictions and be bold enough to stand up for what is right, but think next time before you share hurtful and hateful posts, news, or content that is just a mess of digital trash.
