Sunday, October 18, 2015

Think Before You Post by Jamie Hill

I'm a Wizard of Oz collector, so naturally when I saw a photo of Dorothy and the Scarecrow on Facebook yesterday I had to stop and take a look. Turns out it was a meme that someone created, and someone else shared, basically saying Democrats don't have brains. 

I didn't know what to think about it and at first I didn't comment because I like the person who shared the post. Then I made a simple comment about how I think it's going to be a long election season. Nothing more. 

Later I realized that my FB friends were now liking the meme because I had commented on it. I immediately deleted my comment because I don't want my friends thinking I agree with the sentiment. I don't. 

I have never been a political person. Most people don't know I'm a registered Democrat, nor do they know--or will they ever know--who I may have voted for in the past, or who I will vote for in the future. Voting is a right, a privilege, and I agree it's the duty of people who vote to be as informed as possible before casting a ballot. I don't vote strictly along party lines because that would be crazy. Not all Democrats are good, not all Republicans are bad. But a meme like the one I saw posted yesterday would make someone think that all Democrats are brainless, and I beg to differ. I've been a Democrat for thirty-five years at my best guess, and it feels like I still possess my brain.

I understand that some people are passionate about subjects like politics. I'm just trying to figure out how a meme like the one I saw helps anyone or anything. I have the "Think" poster above in both my home and work place offices because it's pretty keen advice. Regarding the meme- Is it true? (No) Is it helpful? (No) Is it inspiring? (No) Is it necessary? (No) Is it kind? (Hell No)

Granted, most of what's posted on Facebook isn't necessary, but it has other purposes. If it can make someone smile, then it has a purpose. Perhaps that meme made some people smile. It made me sad. I try not to post things that I know will make other people sad. I have some FB friends that have posted, "If you're going to show me photos of abused people and/or animals, understand that you will be unfriended. I don't need or want to see that crap in my news feed." I've always just scrolled past it myself, even though I don't want to see it either. 

This election season promises to be a trying one. Americans are going to have to listen, study the facts, vote their heart and then pray that the right person will be elected. I understand that I can expect plenty more political posts on FB. I just hope they serve a purpose other than trying to knock any particular group of people down. That really does make me sad. 

 

5 comments:

  1. I wholeheartedly agree with you. I never vote strictly democrat or republican. I vote who I think is right for the job. I want to be as informed as I can but I can't find one website that lays out what each candidate is for and against. I know I will not be voting for Trump but it seems my whole family is leaning that way., I won't get into why I won't be voting for him but it seems as though politics is a hot button issue in this house.this will be a long and arduous presidential campaign all the way around. People on Facebook are going to be mean no matter what. I might end up taking a facebook break soon. Anyway, all this political talk is giving me a headache, I'm going to go decompress with a Jamie Hill book now :) have a great day everyone :)

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  2. So many people I really like are spouting off the most uneducated garbage I've ever seen in my life. You'd 'think' they'd know better

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  3. You've got to get the facts, and this isn't easy anymore. I look at foreign news--BBC, etc. and read from the right mainstream Economist all the way to online sources like AlterNet and Pro Publica. Name calling and shouting don't really give you information, except about the person doing the yelling. In fact, the shouting just arouses your passions and confuses your logical facilities so that you can't make anything which could be characterized as a "judgment," only an emotional reaction. This sort of "leadership" always occurs during economic downturns, when people are losing jobs, status and money. Someone who turns up offering simplistic solutions to what are extremely complicated global problems. Think, everyone! Your great-great-grandkids are depending on you to care for their well-being and make good decisions. And we've got to remain civil while we do it; that will help the process.

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  4. Just wanted you to know that I'm taking your post very seriously and "thinking" before I post. I have the image implanted in my brain.

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  5. I often share posts because they made me chuckle. Recently posted the one with Dorothy asking the scarecrow "don't you have a brain?" His response, "I'm a Democrat," just stuck a funny cord with me. I was registered as a Dem for years, but now I believe in voting the person...not the party. As far as I'm concerned, and I believe this is helpful and necessary info...we need a big ol' broom to clean house. :)

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