Words can send a powerful message, and this is especially true during an election season.
But sometimes words — thoughts and ideas — are shared in a way that can be hurtful or damaging. Sometimes the truth is detrimental to somebody, and that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t share truths.
But deliberately harming someone out of spite is counterproductive, and it seems social media and its anonymous nature has made this a norm.
The mob mentality plays out daily on social media where it’s easy to ridicule, mock anyone who doesn’t subscribe to our ideals.
Turning this around takes personal responsibility and a desire to help those around us succeed, rather than eagerly pointing out their failures.
But it couldn’t come at a better time during what is expected to be a volatile election season.
Compromise, while still achieved in our daily endeavors, is seemingly abandoned when it comes to politics. Many of our politicians set that example years ago, and scores of us have regrettably followed.
But there are ways to participate in an election, be loyal to a party and still respectfully engage in conversations about an opposing party’s platform without blowing a gasket.
Agreeing to disagree may ultimately be the outcome, but vilifying or deleting someone is isolating. And that outcome is a lost opportunity to understand why other people think a certain way, believe in a cause or how they approach difficult decisions.
We all learn and gain so much from others, but that only happens when we are willing to communicate with those we don’t always agree with.
Starting now, we want to reinforce the power of positive communication by initiating a “Respect Campaign” through a series of advertisements designed to remind us to be respectful.
The advertisements share a simple message that also reminds us that kindness can play a role in our daily lives.
Watch for them in the Star Herald in the coming weeks and think about how we can improve our election season dialogue — for the good of our relationships and for our community.
Will we always agree? Will we always find a shared solution? Will we always be able to influence? No. But making the attempt without crucifying others is a good start.
If we can do that, then we have made significant strides for the good of our communities and the greater society. And there’s always the chance we might also learn something valuable along the way.
Excerpted in part from a column by Keith Anderson,
Adams Publishing Group