So.. have I mentioned before how I feel about Facebook?
OH I HAVE? LEMME JUST SPLAIN ONE MO TIME.
I’m not a fan of Facebook for a couple of primary reasons. One: I think the company itself is underhanded and kind of banks on the fact that 85% of their users don’t realize when their security settings have changed and also don’t realize they’re being marketed to. And sold. Something about Facebook strikes me as underhanded, and I can’t shake it. Two: THERE ARE A LOT OF STUPID PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK.
See? I can say that here. It’s my blog. I can say that, and it’s my right to protest as LOUDLY and as OFTEN as I choose to whatever strikes my fancy. Because you have the opportunity to not read it.
But on Facebook, for the most part, I am subjected to everyone’s idiocy.
Yes, I can “Hide” folks who are repeated violators. Yes, I could conceivably not log in at all. These are all true things. But when people spew hate into their status update, it shows up in my stream.
Now I would say that 99% of the time, I just exhale forcefully, shake my head at “some people”, and just go on my way. But as we approach another election, these are ramping up. Not only in terms of number, but in hate and vile as well.
Am I supposed to just keep exhaling and ignoring? Because it’s driving me batty.
I’m sorry. I am traditionally a liberal. But I am also damn proud of our country and our right to hold various opinions. So I will die trying to protect your right to free speech, even if you’re using your speech to promote a cause I don’t believe in. THIS IS AMERICA, DAMNIT.
Here are some things over the weekend that bothered me and I remained silent about:
That Muslim president of ours that yall voted in to prove you’re not a racist.
If you have an abortion, you’re not un-pregnant, you’re the mother of a dead baby.
Tim Tebow is {insert anything here}. (While I personally don’t like the guy, I’m tired of hearing him discussed EVERY Sunday. Last I checked, Christianity already HAD a Begotten Son.)
And I let them all slide. All of them. Because they’re allowed to have these thoughts. You are too, frankly. If it’s something you feel that strongly about, that’s awesome. Discuss it with your family. Write it down in a private journal. But you putting it in MY stream?
Feels invasive.
Which is fine. As long as you’re ready for me to come at you with my side of the argument. And I’ll be respectful about it; I love a good debate. But you can’t put such polarizing statements out there and expect to only receive Likes. Be aware that some of us may take issue with it. And may not feel shy about telling you so.
I have a feeling that – 2012 being an election year – this may be the final year I put up with Facebook.
