Post It Not

 

Call me a slow learner, but I have come to realize that social media posts do not change the attitudes or opinions of those with whom one disagrees. Mostly they are just noise in the echo chamber made up of those who agree with you, an audience carefully selected by a particular social media algorithm. But on the occasion when your “opinion” post slips through to someone who does not agree with you, it tends to only increase their contempt for you and your opinions. It certainly doesn’t convert them to your way of thinking. People rarely agree with someone who tells them they are wrong, especially if they truly believe they are right.

Leading up to last year’s Presidential election I was a frequent poster or re-poster of articles, comments and cartoons which were critical of Democrats. As expected, they got likes and positive comments from those in my “tribe”.  Occasionally a left-leading rogue family member or a progressive friend of a friend might see the post and respond with the obligatory “Trump is a convicted felon” or “remember January 6^th” or similar barbs.  Even if they made a point that was factually correct, it didn’t matter.  I knew what was best for this country and they most certainly did not.  The back in forth did not change my mind or my vote, nor did it change theirs.

I still make comments or post an article that is favorable to the conservative cause.  But I also try to be more balanced and acknowledge where conservatives are going wrong. Still, it doesn’t matter much.  Some of my fellow conservatives will be angry with me because I not a being MAGA enough.  And the few progressives who may occasionally pay attention to what I have to say will just see me as patronizing.

I expect the world would be a better place if we stopped taking shots at each other verbal or otherwise. Perhaps it’s time to give the other side the benefit of doubt and appreciate their point of view.  My side is not always right.  Let’s face it, the Democrats have not cornered the market on bad ideas. They just don’t have many good ones. (OK, I couldn’t resist taking one last jab.)

And as I walked on through troubled times my spirit gets so downhearted sometimes.  

So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony.

‘Cause each time I feel it slippin’ away, just makes me wanna cry.

What’s so funny ‘bout peace love and understanding?

-Elvis Costello lyrics from the song “Peace, Love and Understanding”.