When I was a kid growing up, in school we were taught to gather all of the information before forming an opinion. Gather the facts. What do we know? What information is missing? Today’s world seems to be missing this very essential step in the process before rushing to judgement and adding their own 2 cents. I truly believe the internet, social media and our own media has amplified this problem.
We used to have investigational journalism. I miss those days. Now it feels like everything is a big joke, entertainment takes priority, truth is hidden and lies are glorified. This seems to have a ripple effect touching the lives of everyone in one way or another as those around us begin taking up those same bad traits and jumping into the fray forming opinions as if fact and making accusations as if truth. What a sad world we live in.
Maybe attending college for conflict resolution has given me an edge on being aware of two sides to every situation. How our experiences shape our views and how group think can alter the atmosphere. Taking our time to reach conclusions and not rushing to judgement while keeping a rational mind is paramount. But too many can twist facts (I honestly think the definition of ‘facts’ has changed like a few other definitions have of late) to fit their own narrative, what they choose to believe and what helps fuel their own desire for drama as their only way to lash out at the world. Maybe looking inward with some deep reflection and honesty can help open the eyes to people’s own hypocrisy. Maybe not.
Cause deep down, there’s a lot of disgruntled people out there and some simply need a target. A target to take their own frustrations, fears and insecurities out on. Rather than being a rational mind, they’ve allowed fear to corrupt them and while our societal media highlights the drama, rash judgements and harsh criticisms that only seem to want to keep fueling the fire and widening the divide which digs itself deeper into the mind of the people who seemingly look for the easy target, the scapegoat, to latch onto and vent their own anger and insecurities at. They failed to gather the facts.
Another thing I’ve learned in life is to never use the ego when involved in an argument or disagreement with another. This is another thing that has seemingly gotten worse over time. The name calling, the harsh and ugly words against another. Do you honestly think that will do you any favors? If you’ve stooped to that level, you’ve lost the argument. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. Calling someone a vulgar or derogatory name isn’t going to win them over and certainly doesn’t help the situation. It only highlights the deep seated anger, insecurity and aggression bubbling under the surface.
Some people are born to be a part of the drama. Some only come out when the stress gets too much. Others just want to simply live in peace watching the events unfold around them, shaking their heads knowing our world is just going up in smoke. Gather the facts people. Don’t be so quick to judge. And be absolutely sure of your information before rushing to that judgement especially if you feel the need to jump in the fray and blast a person on social media. Words spoken can’t be taken back. Can people change? Absolutely but people aren’t quick to forget as social media has shown us. These days a comment made 10 years ago can come back and bite you. Doesn’t matter the relevancy, the situation, anything that can fuel the fire and add some drama can be thrown up at you decades down the road. Words matter.
They use to say, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.’ That’s a lie. Words do hurt and they do matter. I don’t agree with going back 10 years just to use something against someone. That’s not who I am nor think it’s acceptable. As I said, people change. But words in the here and now, they matter. They create deep divides and shut down the walls and lose whatever trust may have been available. Words can hurt more than sticks and stones. They can divide a family up and widen the gap and close doors that wouldn’t have otherwise. So think carefully before you use your words. Gather the facts. Don’t rush to judgement. And don’t blast someone on social media with accusations that can’t be taken back.
tearydawn 