I wrote an article last week that was supposed to bring hope. Instead, I got a nasty comment, which plays perfectly into this week's article. Why do people lose all respect when they log into Facebook? Don't say to me, "This is s***."
Instead, why not tell me you don't agree, and then tell me why you don't agree? Nothing is worse than an awful comment without explanation. If that person would have just said, "Hey, this sounds impossible, and here is why," then we could have had a civil conversation, which mostly likely would have ended with us agreeing to disagree, but at least we can still be friends. Social media is not an excuse to forget all manners.
The First Amendment states that we the people have freedom of speech. OK, I'm paraphrasing, but you get the point. It is my constitutional right to disagree with you. It is your constitutional right to disagree with me. But can't we be adults about it? Can't we be respectful in our disagreement? Just because we disagree doesn't mean we have to hate each other or put each other down. I can see your name and picture -- I know who you are. We are in college, which means we are adults. Act like it.
There is an election right now, we all know that. We also know that elections make people crazy. Contrary to popular belief, if God forbid I choose to vote for Donald Trump, that doesn't make me a racist. It also doesn't give you the right to call me names on social media. If I believe nobody has to be in debt -- that is my choice. If I post on social media that I am a capitalist, that is my right. I don't need to be cursed at. Free country, remember. We have every right to choose different paths. Like the old saying goes, "treat other people like you want to be treated."
If you wouldn't say it to my face, don't say it on social media. There's such a thing as "social media courage" and we are seeing too much of it these days. Would you call me -- or anyone, for that matter -- an awful name to my face, or tell us we're full of it? I highly doubt it. Don't hide behind a keyboard.
Be honest, but be gracious!
