People are downright ugly to each other lately. It's a trend that I am not on board with. I love discussions. I look forward to a good argument. But I will NOT name call or curse or be cruel. And I don't think anyone else should either.
I rarely read comments following articles, especially articles that could strike a hostile chord in some, but when I do, I am absolutely appalled at the rudeness and crudeness of many. Even following relatively benign posts on Facebook, I have found shockingly ugly comments hurled at other commenters or at the author of the original statement.
This practice upsets me and gives me pause when I think about our culture that fears nothing, posts everything and thinks they can get away with it all. Not surprisingly, people have begun to pursue legal action over comments, even anonymous ones, and are winning on claims of defamation.
While that is another story for another time, today I'd like to share some simple ideas about pleasant online discussions.
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Some people like cats….some don't. Not everyone agrees with you all the time. Don't assume all your friends are on the same page politically, religiously, financially or on pets, parenting, the environment, football teams, seasons, fashion, nutrition or humor…..or anything else.
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Not everyone has to like cats. We can agree to disagree and still be friends. Don't cut ties with friends who have other ideas about things. You can politely engage in an open discourse of various opinions, but leave the conversation if it gets heated. What's the point? You aren't going to change your friend's mind, but you may lose a friend or two in the process.
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Be Polite to the Crazy Cat Lady. Use the manners your mama taught you. If you wouldn't say it to someone face-to-face, don't say it online. And if you can't say anything nice; don't say anything at all. It's that simple!
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Don't Trust the Cheshire Cat. Not everything you see online is true. Much of that which is shared over and over and over just isn't true. Really! So, don't fall victim to believing or sharing information that is entirely rhetoric in favor of a particular position or is merely made up nonsense. Be smart. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions.
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What's the Reason for the Subtitle Examples using Cats? No reason at all. It just came to mind. It's perfectly fine to report about a wonderful lunch with friends or a disappointing day at work or a triumphant workout or a parent fail or funny or about the soup recipe you are trying for dinner or about your fabulous new boots. It doesn't have to matter or make sense to everyone in your feed or on your friend list….just like the cat subtitles. Your friends will care what you have to say, regardless of what it is. After all, it's our new way of connecting and having conversations and building relationships with friends near and far. So, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And you never know what conversations you might have over dark chocolate v. milk chocolate chips or stripes v. patterned tights with brown boots or the type of medication to best treat an upset tummy. It all matters and none of it matters…to someone.
So, please think before you post. Edit when you need to. Delete, if necessary. But do speak your mind and assert your ideas; there is always a polite way of saying it. Over and out…
Anna
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