In this time of heated discussion and uncivil discourse, the battleground tends to be social media. It’s there that we either express ourselves in 140 characters or less, or post a meme or video expressing our thoughts on certain subjects. Now, in doing this, some have taken to using incendiary language or disrespectful images to get their point across. For all of the communication going on, language and images are used as blunt objects as opposed to instruments that require finesse.  When this happens and arguing is too exhausting we have the option to unfollow, block, ban or completely unfriend.

Some wear the block, ban, et. al badge with honor while others seethe in their vitriol. I’ll admit that I have people in my social media circle that I differ with either philosophically or politically. Now, I do try to not take any of the aforementioned actions because I try to give the opposing view an opportunity to express themselves. But, lately, logic has stopped to serve as the basis of said arguments and it is now talking points and personal attacks. When that happens, I do unfollow or block or, in the most extreme cases, unfriend. Personally, my peace of mind is too valuable to me to put up with such negativity. I used to hesitate, but then I remember that the same consideration was not given to me at that moment, so I click!

I know that unfollowing or unfriending someone does nothing to change the hostile exchanges that we see on a daily basis. It is obvious that we need a shift in our culture to bring civility to the forefront again. But, in the meantime, like my kung fu master used to say, the best way to win a fight is to not be there in the first place.