We Can All Respect Each Other

It amazes me how rude people can be when they post comments on social networking sites.  Some of these are things that they would never think of saying out loud in a face-to-face conversation. It seems the art of civility has vanished together with the ability to hide behind electronic media. 

We all have opinions.  However, unlike some people, I do not have to verbalize mine each and every time someone posts something with which I disagree or dislike.  We have the right to free speech but also a responsibility to be kind to people.  While it matters what you think, it is what you do that matters more.  There are those who get on the bandwagon, adding their voices to those already lambasting public figures and/or institutions.  "Let he who has no sin cast the first stone." See how well you do with people watching and commenting on your every move. 

I sometimes wonder what the motivation is.  If it is something as pure as trying to make the world a better place, hats off to them as long as their words are backed by deeds.  I sometimes wonder if some do it just to feel superior, smarter, or both. There are some obvious cries for attention which they get from sycophants.  Unfortunately, pretty soon they start believing in their own press.

It would be good to remember that things are never black and white.  In addition, most people my age already have our characters formed so no matter what anyone says; we already have our judgments and biases.  Constant reposting by someone on Facebook will not influence the values that have already been formed by life experiences.  For those who feel strongly enough to repost something, consider the source.  I do.