Read words out loud before posting
Today’s Main Street column is brought to you by the word vitriol, a noun that’s ironically the name for sulfuric acid, which burns through just about everything. When used to describe language so mean-spirited and bitter the words can eat through metal it becomes particularly relevant these days.
I took this observation to my Facebook village of 3,596 friends and not surprisingly there was overwhelming agreement that civilized dialogue is on the wane. Because it’s 2020 and for months in-person, face-to-face conversations have been limited, social media has become even more a part of our connection.
And yes, I’ve watched The Social Dilemma and post-COVID, if there ever is such a day, I’ll be re-evaluating my fondness for Facebook.
For the time being I’m liberally applying the “snooze” feature on my newsfeed, allowing me to put a 30-day pause to friends whose posts are relentlessly filled with vitriol. The dozens of snoozees of late run the gamut of the political spectrum, an equal opportunity solution to limiting my newsfeed diet of screeds and name-calling.
It’s been my observation that there’s a stunning lack of self-awareness by those who are relentless posters of vitriol. Some will read this and think surely I’m referring to the other guy/gal.
I have such respect for my village, who are for the most part people right here where we live. They are engaged doers of good deeds, creative, hardworking, single moms, patriarchs of large families, paycheck to paycheck salt of the earth people, movers and shakers and business owners. This eclectic group has provided me with a compassionate grounding and connection this year when admittedly I’ve struggled more than ever.
But what I’m seeing and reading of late makes me realize that most of us are struggling with our humanity. I absolutely celebrate a passionate difference of opinion and perspective but not the hatefulness spewed by people I know for sure are not hateful people.
My suggestion is for everyone to read out loud the words you write before you hit the post button. Does it sound like anything you’d actually say to another person face-to-face, to a customer? If not, step away from the keyboard.
Is it 2021 yet?
• • •
Happy birthday today to Autumn Hanson, Craig Owens, Wendy Young, Patty Kilcup, Stacie McGrath, David Thompson, Sue Enright, Brian Harris, Denise Bechel and Madeline Singleton. Tomorrow father and son, Charles Alexander and Scott Alexander, share a birthday with Tracey Vaughn, Debbie Michalak, Justin Capaul, Steve Evert, Dorothy Benoit, Carlena Shove and Cathy Schaede.
Wish a happy birthday on Friday to Linda Riley, James Hagman, Susan Evans, Susan Cliff, Beck Jacobsen, Brenda Watkins, Gladys Sullivan, Michael McGee, Ronald Schlepp, Rebecca Greer, Marcia Hughes, Cheryl Snyder, Cate Kuhlmann, Teri Oliver and Charlie Taranto. On Saturday Darci Allert, Hannah Riorden, John Oaks, Lisa McElwain, Joseph Doutre, Teresa Hooker and Dan Tesutov blow out their candles.
On Sunday beautiful golden girl, Ruth McDermid, is sharing a birthday with Cindy Lash, Delraya Anstine, Kaley Fowler, Julie DeGon, Robert Hoyt and Paul Landers. On Monday Kayla Troxell, Kylie Solberg, Meg Elyard, Natalie Loval, Ken Cook, Wayne Riddle and Bryan Czarapata will have their cake and eat it, too. On Sept. 29 our oldest grandson Matt Snider shares a birthday with A’mya Ohlig, John Holley, Gina Myers, Peg Mettalia, Phil Corliss, Tina Crane, Greg Youngman, Jim Rosenlund, Shellie Mundy and Marilyn Griffitts.
• • •
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.