THERE is always something to learn from those who lack manners, and in their sense of misplaced confidence and entitlement, draw nasty or out of line comments, either personally or through the social media. Despite any provocation, there is always a choice in the way we respond. Something to learn from.
For any posting that is offensive or rude, and with an obvious bid for attention, the first instinct is to simply delete and ignore. Despite some inherent weakness, I had always found social media useful in keeping connected. It is also an active platform to share our voices and be heard, an avenue to further sift the discourse and educate each other. It only rears its ugly head when some of us, each convinced on our being in the right, opt to normalize verbal abuse.
The action of the other is always a reflection of how they feel inside, so instead of getting hyped up, I found out that it would do well to just let the person be. There is no need to go low for people who are already in the gutter. No need to respond, much less make a nasty retort.
Using the keyboard as a shield and a weapon, there will always be those who would, instead of accepting an invitation to dialogue and even confront issues head-on, resort to bullying and blaming. How cowardly can a person go? One has to realize that the matter was not a question of figuring out the motivation behind any actuation, as to their confidence to lay down their attacks and threats online.
While foul, the behavior only reflects one’s values and upbringing. And who are we to counter something as brazen as what was shown? How do you stop some people from self-destruction and from shaming themselves? At the end of the day, what is there to learn but to hold on to grace, and one’s own truth, never allowing oneself to be bullied into silence, and with a whiff of gentleness, go towards the path of forgiveness. What is inside would invariably be let out in certain situation. One learns certain habits and responses by the way those around them, including those who are supposed to guide them, either tolerate or help them out to become better version of themselves. It is however something that cannot be forced. It is from the inside -- garbage in, garbage out. In different spheres, one’s character and quality will always be tested by the mettle. Everything is but a reflection of the core.
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