What happened to thinking before speaking?
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Thank you for reading this. Truly. Without readers, we wouldn’t have a newspaper. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only reading this newspaper, but for reading in general. Words are important. They change minds, directions. Even create countries. Our own Declaration of Independence comes to mind…
But once uttered, words, especially printed ones, can never be taken back.
I’d like to take a moment to address what has become an epidemic in our country, born of technological advances in communication. Advances that “alter and illuminate our lives”… mostly.
To communicate quickly, near instantly in fact, has removed some of the thought that used to precede it. The epidemic I’m referring to is the prevalence of communicating kneejerk reactions to our emotions at any given moment… via email, via Facebook, via text message. Nasty grams.
We’ve all seen them, read them, been disturbed by them and possibly even written some ourselves.
Nasty grams are devoid of any kind of personal censorship. Their sole purpose is to vent a negative feeling or thought.
Here at the Valley Journal, we’re truly blessed. For every 50 positive comments we get, there might be one negative note. And we’d like to keep it that way. When we do receive criticism, it is generally truly appreciated. We all need criticism from time to time to improve ourselves, reminders that we can always do better.
What I don’t appreciate is criticism submitted as an anonymous attack showing no evidence of forethought.
If you don’t like something, someone, or what someone is doing, have the backbone to attach your name, your real name, to your opinion. Better yet, meet with the offender. If you really want to make a change or be sure your concerns are heard, talk it out in person.
I believe - I choose to believe - that people are inherently good. I give most everyone I meet the benefit of the doubt. What I won’t do is give serious consideration to anonymous critics.
Good people make bad decisions all the time. The next time you’re tempted to write a negative comment, post or email, ask yourself if you’re leaving room for good to come of your message.
Are you inspiring change? Are you opening the door for discussion? Or are you blasting someone or something for the mere satisfaction of doing so?
If it’s the latter, perhaps you should think twice about the way you communicate and how it affects your life and the lives of those around you. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
I’ve found it to be true that you get what you give. The words you utter, or write, and the actions you take today will generally come back to you in some form, some way.
Let’s think before we react and be constructive in our criticisms of each other so that what comes around again doesn’t end up leaving a bitter taste…
