Every week, I write an editorial for a newsletter of which I am Editor. I focus on writing informative or inspirational posts. I also occasionally add my own brand of humor. I choose to repost some of them here six months to a year later after they’re written.
I rarely write controversial or political posts. I occasionally wonder if I’m a coward for that. I’ve thought about it long and hard.
The other morning on social media, I read an important article in the Atlantic titled “The Billion Dollar Disinformation Campaign,” in which journalist McKay Coppins did an experiment. He signed up on social media with a pseudonym and obscured photo, then followed multiple right-wing facebook pages, and more were suggested to him. The articles and information he was served up contained the polar opposite of those articles and posts he normally sees.
He notes that what it caused was not a stronger swaying of his opinion one way or the other, but a loss of his center of gravity. Instead of believing either set of information, it caused him to distrust both.
I have experienced that same phenomenon.
Because of many aspects of my background, I consider myself a savvy media consumer. Yet I have found myself wondering, on more than one occasion, “What is the truth here?”
Mark Twain once famously quipped, “lies, damned lies and statistics” to express his disgust that statistics were seemingly being used to prove or disprove anything. These days, the media seems to function in that same role.
Once upon a time, media was used to get to the bottom of truth. Journalists did not use comparative or inflammatory language. They delivered cold, hard facts from solid investigation. While there are certainly legitimate media outlets doing just that, there are also rogue media outlets bent on delivering a particular narrative rather than the truth. If Mark Twain were alive right now, he might well replace the word “statistics” with “media.”
Just this week, one friend posted an article from The Guardian titled “The great dismantling of America’s national parks is under way.” In the same post, a connection of that person posted a counter article pointing out how this administration had just signed a bill on public lands conservation. (Note: After more than 45 minutes of searching facebook and the internet, I was unable to find that original link to share here, or I would have).
So what does one believe? Which are the legitimate sources? The one thing we can all do before reposting is to check the dates of the piece in order to confirm what we’re sharing is current.
And it is disturbing how downright nasty the online world has become. In one friend’s post protesting the naming of Rush Limbaugh as Presidential Medal of Freedom winner because of Limbaugh’s “anti-other” rhetoric and belief system, another poster wrote, “You need to die.”
When has this kind of behavior become acceptable? I believe in the first amendment, but this kind of commentary is not discussion and it is not free speech. It is the craven corruption of our language. And it is becoming increasingly “normal.” Social media, at its worst, is a form of verbal pornography from which we just cannot look away.
So if I write informative, inspirational and humor editorials and posts as respite from the divisive, angry, inflammatory and retaliatory posts, articles and commentary so often found today, it’s because I see a need for it. I also recognize that, even if I were to post controversial or political pieces, it would likely change no one’s mind: I do not have the clout or goal to manipulate my readers.
And so, maybe I am a coward… but sometimes, we just need a break, and that is my form of resistance against the environment in which we find ourselves.
Photo by Klimkin, used through creative commons license.
Out on a Limb 
Carol,
As usual you make a good point but while I will admit that the online experience has become a much harsher and less thoughtful environment than perhaps in times past I have to say that for some of us who may be speaking out online there is a valid reason for actively speaking out. Like you I used to refrain from participating in the political circus that is in full swing. What changed my mind however was the tremendous surge in down right false “factoids” or articles in support, usually of our President or his administration’s policies. Many of these contained outright false information, something I consider unacceptable to leave unchallenged. I believe that we can change minds if we present an opposing viewpoint based on facts, we can change minds if we allow ourselves to actively challenge the prevailing “truths” that inundate social media, we can through laughter make people pull up and think if only for a moment why so many of us feel that this administration should be ridiculed and challenged; perhaps they may even look beyond the surface of things and do some real research as I have done prior to deciding to become outspoken. I will say however, that the highest purpose in my becoming more involved online is to keep folks who feel that real change is needed come November focused, outraged, and able to remain fully charged for getting off their seats and actually voting. My great fear is that people will allow themselves to become disheartened and allow themselves to conclude that their vote won’t matter, that change can’t be accomplished. Until November I will be doing my best through facts, articles and yes, humor to continually remind people that they do matter, that outrage can effect people’s minds and votes. We can get this country back on track, but only if we get the numbers of voters that the polling continually shows us are sick of the way the Administration has run this country out and at the polls come November. I urge you to use your pulpit and help fight the good fight. You’d be most welcome.
Your Old Friend,
Rick
Rick –
Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughtful response. I do post and comment on social media, but seldom write political or controversial posts. Perhaps I should be more open, as you are, to sharing fact-based information, posts and comments. I will consider it, from your perspective. Thank you!
Carol, we go back way too many years as friends not to know you’d understand my intent. Let’s each do our bit to make sure change come in November. Lord knows the country needs it.