Sometimes I think everyone in the world (or on the Interweb anyway) has lost their ever living minds.
I love social media; I really do. I enjoy interacting with friends and strangers alike on Twitter, Facebook and my new favorite, Pinterest. But lately, I’m growing a bit tired of it all.
Because there is SO MUCH negativity and nastyness.
Growing up, my mom always taught me to mind my own business and to keep my mouth shut if I didn’t have anything nice to say. Apparently no one taught that to the bulk of the online community. My heart simply aches and my mind fumes over the uglyness that comes out of people when they are “safe” behind their computer screens. Anonymity makes bully’s braver and quite frankly, makes me sick to my stomach.
The recent events with the Duggar family are a great example. She lost a child yet more than half the comments I’ve read have said mean, horrible things that I won’t dare repeat.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
What gives anyone the right to judge someone else and their choices? Would you say those same heinous things to your mother or sister if you disagreed with them? For most people, I highly doubt it. But somehow, when it’s a stranger, everyone feels comfortable putting in their two cents.
I’m not a saint. I’ve done my fair share of smack talking behind other’s backs. I don’t agree with all the actions of others. But I would NEVER EVER say something ugly about another person in a public forum.
And guess why? It’s none of my business.
It’s none of my business how many children you have.
It’s none of my business what religion you are and how you practice it.
It’s none of my business if you’ve been arrested before and on what charges.
It’s none of my business if you have children or not and why.
It’s none of my business if you are married or not.
My family is my business. And when my friends share with me their personal lives, it becomes my business.
But the right to stand in judgement does not.
Until you are in that person’s shoes…which will never happen, leave it alone.
Keep your comments to yourself. You aren’t helping the situation; in fact, most times you are creating another one.
In other words, shut your trap.
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.
I am tired of reading it.
I am ashamed of all of those people.
Adults should know better. How am I supposed to raise my children in a world where so many people are mean spirited?
I want them to be kind, but worried they’ll be bullied.
I hate focusing on all this negativity, but I’m compelled to speak out.
I believe in the good of the world.
I believe that most people are inherently good.
There is much beauty a midst the despicable.
I know there’s hope.
But right now, it’s a bit hidden and given the time of year it is, I find that deplorable.
So do me a favor this week. Prove to me that kindness exists and outweighs all this uglyness.
Perform an act of kindness and share it here. You don’t have to give details. I just want their to be one place this week, besides the faces of my children, that gives me hope for a better, kinder world.
I had no idea that the Duggars experienced a loss… I am so sad to hear that 🙁
That being said, I feel the same way you do a majority of the time. It’s so hard to teach our children the right way to behave when they see so many conflicting examples that are considered acceptable these days… Not much we can do but teach them what’s right and hope they choose to listen because it’s ultimately up to them how they will become.
The world is nuts and although I do have hope, I don’t put faith in its ability to turn itself around. Unfortunately I’m not sure that good outweighs bad anymore, but we can certainly do our part to lessen the gap! As I normally do when we see someone standing with a sign, I gave a homeless man some money at McDonald’s last night and when he reached out to grab it, his hands were like ice. I prayed for him as I drove away, wishing life were nicer to everyone. 🙁
I totally agree with you! When I speak online, it’s something I would say in person. I also try not to say anything negative but sometimes you’re only getting part of the story or you haven’t walked in that person’s shoes. It seems lots of people have a protective barrier behind the computer.
Keep teaching your children their manners and they will hopefully have it instilled like we do!
Best word ever: “Unfollow.”
We were at the Charger football game this weekend tailgating and there was a family of two women walking together with four small children pushing a grocery cart. We gave them our tub of popcorn and $20. It wasn’t much but the smile on the little boy when I handed it to him was priceless. I always tell my daughter that if people have time to talk about her, then they must have lonely pathetic lives and we should just pray for them. I proved this to her by asking her, when you are out on the weekends having fun, are you thinking about them? She said no, point proven.
Good post, Erin. It’s sad that people say mean things. You are so right. Such a sad thing for that family, too. I had no idea she was that far along. She was in her second trimester. Such a sad loss.
I love this post!! Oh you have such a beautiful heart!
My act of kindness? I made someone’s Christmas memorable and special for someone that continually gave of herself to others.
Hear Hear!! Well Done Erin! *applauding*
Seriously though? I, too, worry that my children will be bullied…will be walked on because kindness, fairness, and loyalty have been values our family has stressed.
This week we’ve donated food to a shelter, towels to an animal shelter, and have gone caroling at a nursing home. We try to do these year round so we don’t lose sight of what being a world citizen actually means. Thank you for reminding us that that little extra something you do for someone else can brighten many people’s days.