social media – Reasonable Ink

Social media and the internet have made so many people so much louder. Cardi B is basically teaching young girls that if you just yell louder you win the argument, regardless of merit. The Game calls Tomi Lahren a “microwaved carrot” and somehow that means he wins the debate about 21 Savage illegally staying in the US after his work visa expired. On the internet, adults act like children. If you don’t agree with someone, just comment with lots of exclamation points!!!! No need to offer any proof or facts. Just use a stereotype you’ve heard repeated over and over. It’s kind of like a rap battle. My insult was better than yours, I win!

Chris Evans (Actor famous for Captain America role) is in the news stating that he “might have to cut ties” with Quarterback Tom Brady because Brady and Trump have been friends for years. This guy is famous because he pretends to be a superhero for a living. I feel like I shouldn’t have to say more, but I will. Chris has called Trump a “dumb s***” and been very political on social media. Chris, a role model to many, is teaching those that look up to him to cut ties with anyone you disagree with politically. Has Tom Brady done something to Chris Evans that would justify ending a friendship? No. Who here believes this is the mature thing to do?

In America we have the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Here there is no law stating you can’t be an asshole. Unfortunately, if you scream at someone on social media because you disagree with their politics, you indeed are an asshole. If you “cut ties” with a friend because of their politics, you might be more of a “dumb s***” than the idea or person you hate.

We live in an America where it’s not surprising that a peaceful conservative activist got punched in the face at UC Berkeley. We live in an America where colleges (a place ideas are supposed to be welcome) are blocking conservative speakers. GCU did it this year, click here to read. We live in an America where Don Lemon (News Anchor, CNN) speaks out against the 2nd Amendment on live television, but doesn’t know the difference between an automatic weapon and a semi-automatic weapon. Check that out here.

In America you’re free to believe what you want and say what you want. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Sharing what you believe is encouraged. Encroaching someone else’s free speech uninvited to scold them because you disagree is not.

I believe in an America of civility. Where we can voice our opinions and respect each other’s differences. I believe in an America where friendships are determined by content of character, not political views. I believe in an America where an opposing opinion can be heard, and not heckled.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’d rather see more actual babies on social media.

More infants, less crybabies.

I’m not on social media because the world doesn’t need to see me. I’m not blogging for attention. It’s a release – and maybe someone will identify with something I say, some day. Social media is like a contest that nobody ever wins. It’s a place to present your unrealistic, fake self. I’m not interested. There is some good that can come from it, but ultimately it promotes popularity and discourse. Two things that cheapen true, successful social interaction.

Maybe some people just like being lied to. Some lie to themselves. Maybe being genuine isn’t the wisest choice. I know it’s not the easiest. It doesn’t take long to understand most people have an agenda. For some it’s selfishness, others money, power. The list goes on.

I’ve spent my entire life being genuine. It’s been embarrassing from time to time, but it’s also blessed me in many ways. Ingenuity opens the door to fulfillment, embarrassment and hurt. I believe the former is worth the risk.

With me, at least you know where I stand. I cut straight through the bullshit and call it how I see it. Maybe that’s what people will remember about me.

When you’re genuine, you hope with all that is in you that karma is real. I spend my life caring about people and genuinely wanting to help people. I’m not vindictive, but it would be nice to live in a world where there is an equal and opposite reaction to every action. The thing about it is, you don’t always get to see the reaction. I think sometimes it’s not getting hit by a car, it’s getting hit by the truth. Both equally shocking (at least I hope).

A curse of ingenuity is that your interactions truly mean something to you. It takes a lot of work and energy. I think that’s why I’m anti-social – because I don’t want to have fake interactions with people. Especially in close relationships, you mean what you say. It leaves you with a feeling that you always end up caring more about the person than they do about you. Your heart is in everything you do, so when they aren’t on your level with communication, you’re left with silence and yourself.

People find ways to justify their means. They have to live with themselves and it’s easier to adjust your reality than it is to own up to the mistakes you have made, right? Justifying poor behavior is the social cancer of today. Genuine people make mistakes, but they don’t lie about them. We fail, but we don’t give up. When you’re genuine, you’re committed.

When you wear your heart on your sleeve it’s easy to get hurt. Thing is, I’d rather spend my days being me and being genuine than hide behind a facade of my own creation. I’d rather get stabbed in the back by someone I actually care about than never really care about anyone.

Genuine people want genuine experiences. Genuine people want depth and true commitment to a friendship/relationship. We’re the type of people that are aware and can read people. We pick up what you’re putting down, even if you’re not really thinking about it.

I want to be found. I’ve been here for 30 years and I feel like no one really took the time to understand me. I guess I just hope that one day someone genuine sees me for who I am and can’t get enough. I’ll be here calling it how I see it until then.