This week, the nation (and the world, for that matter) turned its attention to the US Supreme Court as it heard arguments from both sides regarding marriage equality.
When did we, as a society, become so desensitized to major political and social events? With the presidential election behind us, we continue to be bombarded on all social media sites with “messages” and agendas from every corner of the political spectrum. We read posts and see memes ranging from the “war” on women to the “fiscal cliff”. Various versions of these same messages are being regurgitated and posted in infinite forms. It has gotten to the point, I am afraid, that as a society we may have finally reached that point of desensitization that every social media marketer fears.
Then, again, have we? A one point this week, my cellphone was overloaded with notifications of Facebook friends changing their profile pictures in support the Marriage Equality.
Having lived my life in both the pre and current Internet worlds, I did not expect to see reactions to Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus posts similar to the Civil Rights marches, the Vietnam protests, or even the burning of the bras on the street; but I was pleasantly surprised at what I did see.
In the past, there have been those who have tried to bring focus to hot-button social issues. Unfortunately, they did not seem to have the same outpouring of support as the release of the latest movie trailer or preview of that week's episode of a popular reality show. This past week was encouraging in that the conversation remained positive with very little online debates or caterwauling. The simple changing of the profile pictures to one of the various forms of the red and pink equal sign had a much wider influence than I believe was originally thought.
In the past several days, there have been articles and blog posts written about this subject and I will not rehash the same opinions already expressed. However, I will stress my hope that this appearance of acceptance and respect for the rights and opinions of those whom we may not normally agree with carries over to other political and social causes. There will always be opposition to every cause; but what opposition I did see this week was expressed in a more civil and humane way than in the past.
I realize there will be comments that the economy and politics have no place in social media. Tell that to the “traditional” media establishment that has latched on to social media with gusto. News reports and political analyses are posted on the Internet for a reason. These posts build up viewership by openly inviting commentary. Even more significant is that the political parties have become more social media savvy. They understand that our voices are necessary to formulate a successful platform. When we are silent, we do both them and ourselves a huge disservice.
One personal theory is that a majority of the American populace doesn't care. I know it is simplistic; but for whatever reason we have become a society that focuses on the issues that we “perceive” to affect us directly. Politically, in one way or another, everything affects every one of us. An extremely simplistic example would be to ask a random sampling their thoughts on yesterday’s basketball scores, or how their favorite golfer did in the Master’s tournament, or what did they think of the photo just posted of Sally dancing on the table. Compare it to their thoughts on the state of our economy or the agendas of our political parties or even North Korea's nuclear threats. I am afraid that Sally’s dancing photo would probably get more comments, or at least likes.
Do yourself a favor; the next time you scroll through your daily news feed and notifications, take a moment between the animal photos, the birthday wishes, status updates and the event invites. Click on a post you normally would have ignored. Don’t be afraid to post a comment on how you really feel. Share the post with your friends and connections in your social media network. Engage them in conversation. There will definitely be differences of opinion; that is to be expected.. However, it will open up the possibility of learning that there may be a point of view that you never considered before.
We need to be more vocal when we read something we either agree or disagree with. We also need to find a way to take our thoughts and ideas back to streets; away from the computer and perceived sense of anonymity. If you are not comfortable with marching down Main Street carrying a sign and chanting, so be it. It will take baby steps. For a difference to be made and for change to occur, there needs to be civil dialogue. That dialogue must start with us.
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