The advent of social media has provided a new forum to just "cut up" and "go in" on folks. Some find themselves prone to using these forums to launch attacks on others simply because they have differing opinions. Oftentimes, we have a crew that supports us and makes us feel justified for our less than tactful, and often less than Christian approach to dealing with disagreements. Most of us have a circle of friends who regularly "agree" with us. But hey...they're our friends! It's not unusual that many of us share common perspectives. Really...It's quite natural that people gravitate towards folks that agree or "like" their opinions. It's easier to feel a connection with those who see things like we do. Besides that, many of us if honest, will admit we are rather fond of our own opinions...LOL! We are very vocal and have no problem expressing our perspective. And yes...most of us think OUR OPINION is "right," when in actuality, there really is no such thing as a "wrong" opinion.
So what's my issue? I'm glad you asked! ;-) It's the folk that deride others (with name calling, etc) simply because they don't or won't think like them. They say you are "drinking the koolaid" when in fact, they're just offering you another flavor...whatever kind they're drinking LOL! All of us are influenced by others (to some degree) in how we think, perceive and judge what goes on around us. To that end...many of us may think "for" ourselves, but we are not "by" ourselves on any given thought or opinion. Because we have a consensus that supports our opinions doesn't make it any more valuable than the next persons. Ever notice that even the craziest folk have supporters? LOL! Just because folks agree with us doesn't mean we are right. It just means there are others that feel the same as we do. Nothing wrong with that! But, if our goal is to influence opinion, it is pretty much guaranteed we will be unsuccessful if we attempt to "enlighten" others by telling them how stupid they are LOL! Let us respect the rights of others to disagree with our perspective without demeaning them. Because you don't agree with me doesn't necessarily mean you're blind. In fact, you may be more enlightened on the subject and I just can't see it right now. With time, experience or wisdom my "opinion" just might change!
Please bear in mind, I'm not talking about biblical mandates, etc...I'm talking about opinions...where you "think" THIS and I "think" THAT! The topics range in diversity from the current Trayvon Martin debacle, to women wearing their hair natural versus getting perms or whether people post too much random information on social sites LOL! Where we stand on these topics is OUR OPINION! We may not agree with each other, but does that really mean one of us is a brainwashed moron? LOL...you might think so if you witness some of the name calling on these social sites!
For those of us who call ourselves Christians...we have an obligation to present our thoughts and perspectives in a godly fashion. Our words should be seasoned with grace, not snarky-ness. Our pursuit to not offend in word does not end when we are on social mediums. We should conduct ourselves like believers...AT ALL TIMES! Give your opinion…let others share theirs! Let's not wound and offend one another over our personal take on things! It's not that deep!
Listen...share...and most importantly...LEARN!
"The man who has strong opinions and always says what he thinks is courageous - and friendless." Author Unknown
(first published 2012)
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