My interest in all things social media has been a journey often pleasant, thought provoking, and uplifting. There is reading tweets, viewing posts, pinning pins, liking signs, and weeping at videos. I have tweeted about my Giants, posted photos of my pedicure adventures, pinned over 4000 interesting pins, blogged about brussel sprouts, "like" photos galore, and shed a few tears watching that little girl giving up her lunch money to a local homeless vet. In general, I love "social media!"
Social media has become very "social" for me. When I retired, I was concerned I'd lose that connection with colleagues, but I have found that I know my Facebook Buddies better now then when I was working. My Pinterest boards rival any professional cookbook, nostalgic photo album, Rick Steves' travel brochure, or entertainment guide. I have also met many fellow online travelers and enjoyed the challenge of a Scrabble match or detective mystery, and with the texting, I love the occasional banter. I am "tweeting," "iMessaging," and "blogging" my way around the 'net. However, all is not well in the land of cyberspace.
I am a proponent that language is powerful; "the pen IS mightier than the sword." I have been appalled and personally offended by the language choices by many who also "tweet," "message," and "blog..." Oh, my! Pablo Sandoval, a key figure in the Giants three championships and a fan favorite, was bombarded with four-letter descriptives when he decided to move on. Curt Schilling's daughter was insulted mercilessly because her father publicly congratulated her on her accomplishments. Hillary Clinton, in trying to explain her email choices, received a barrage of unflattering and borderline pornographic comments. Would you say these things if you were face-to-face with the person? NO, that's where the bravado ends.
When anonymity seems secure, hidden behind a screen, often miles and miles away, tweeters, messagers, bloggers feel free to say anything without impunity. Sticks and stones break bones, but these words...destroy what I call humanity. Sandoval tried to ignore the fans turned foes; Schilling hunted down his daughter's "word-tackers" and exposed them; Hillary chalked it up to the dirty side of public service. So, how can this method of communication, veiled as free speech, be deterred? Can this ever become extinct?
In a free society, I see no fair solution. Foul, distasteful language will continue to plague our discourse for as long as we communicate. My hope is that people will not ignore, but strike back by unveiling those Internet bullies and letting them shrivel in the exposure. It used to be "turn the other cheek." It should now return to a golden rule of thumb, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
Remember when your mom asked you, how would you feel if someone said that to you? Think about that...next time.
Sincerely, Kathleen
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