You almost got me, Internet. The open opinion forum. The endless nonsensery run amuck. You almost got me. I almost lashed out across the invisible and tangled web of data because of an inflammatory remark. Almost. But after thinking about it for more than a few moments, I've decided, a few things just need to be said instead. Not in response to one thing in particular, but to what appears to be an epidemic.
We used to be able to blame the media for all the over-sensationalized, hyped-up opinions in the world and for the distraction from real issues through focus on surface, superficial ones. But now we know we don't need the news for that. It's just us common people who do it. We use sounding boards like Facebook and Twitter and mom blogs and every place and any and every place on the Internet-at-large to tear one another down and build up mountains out of mole hills.
We've managed to turn a real issue - like racism - into a fight over whether streets should be renamed and statues torn down. We're sheep, and frankly, I'm ashamed of us. I'm ashamed of what we've become.
Most people who know me know that I'd rather keep on the lighthearted side of things. Slipping into the dark side of spewing my opinion as though it's anything more than exactly that is not my M.O. I prefer to keep the peace, be civil, have my opinions but only offer them when they're specifically requested. Even then I like to keep it as objective as possible. I respect your difference in opinion, you respect mine. Things are just easier that way. After all, what I think is only that - one person's perspective on what might be (and likely is) a very complex issue. There is very little, if anything, in the world that is truly black and white. No racial pun intended here WHATSOEVER.
But here we are, living in the Golden Age of Communication, and I'm starting to think maybe it's tipping over onto the side of a New Dark Age.
Whereas my great-grandfather was a man of few words, and when he spoke, people listened, by contrast, there are far too many people now who spout off so much so frequently that people have grown weary of hearing it. It doesn't make those people zealous; it makes them obnoxious. Thank goodness Facebook recognized that and introduced the "unfollow" feature. We've gotten so accustomed to the whole "freedom of speech" thing that we've expanded the definition to mean "freedom to say whatever, wherever, to whomever, no matter how offensive or hurtful it might be." That's not freedom, y'all. That's tyranny.
If you can get ten kinds of riled up over a statue of a historical figure, a flag, a marriage between two people who love each other, a street name, etc., but can't treat others in the same way you want to be treated, then you are the problem.
Be part of the solution.
This has been a PSA by the indefatigable Crazy Cajun Lady and her mission to confront injustices wherever they appear.
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