We all know one... or ten. Those overly leftist or right wing political nuts that somehow managed to make it onto our friend list and post their hate right on our wall for everyone to see. It is no debate that the 2016 Presidential Election brought out the worst in us all. We saw friends being blocked and frenemies becoming friends all in the name of agreeing with a donkey or an elephant . But, I'd say, it is time to move forward. No matter the outcome we have a new president of the United States of America. Agree or disagree, why are we still hashing it out over social media? It's like we have decided as a whole to continue to run this never ending nightmare. Whether it's the "look at what this **** is doing now" or "booyah, I told you *** I was right", it is altogether obnoxious. I am not saying we need to stop expressing our opinions or thoughts on social media. That is what it's there for! I guess I am just saying that I can't be the only one missing the days of when posts were pictures of an amazing new burrito you found at this hole in the wall or requesting support during a hard time in your life. Not why you are soooo right about your political stance. What I am saying is, if you don't want your FB wall to look like a political war zone, let's make some ground rules.
1. Stop with the name calling. We are all adults and we can all formulate our own opinions. You calling a member of our government an unintelligent and unattractive crude term for a female body part does not make me believe he/she is. While the latter may be true, presenting peer reviewed articles and using statistics to demonstrate that idea is both more enlightening and intriguing. You'll be interested to find out that you may receive more than "hahaha", "lol", or an emoji in response.
2.Stop threatening each other. Between the "if you all don't stop making political posts I am going to take a break from social media" to actual threats of violence, it is getting old. Your 'break' isn't going to actually matter and you aren't really going to commit a crime because of the signing of a new law that won't affect you.
3. Stop and think. When you read that RIDICULOUS post that so and so made, and your gut fills with fire as you click 'reply' and get ready to unleash holy hell on them, this is when you should stop. Take a breath and ask yourself: "Is what you are about to write actually going to change their mind?" - or will your comment just make you feel better? If it's the second one, just don't. Seriously, just don't.
The lists goes on. But, the important thing to remember is while you are right, so are they. While you think you are smarter than they are, they think that too. We are a big country of diverse people and we are going to have a difference of opinions.The next time you are questioning it, just take the high road and end the cyber-hate. It will be worth it.
