We all are responsible
As we find ourselves in a world where we can instantly share, like, retweet, and project our voices and opinions out to the world, there is a responsibility we have foregone.
We have forgotten what it means to be responsible stewards of our words and actions.
We are so easily drawn to the perspectives that support our own perception and outlook on the world; holding positions that require less of us and more of “the other” to fit that outlook. For the convenience of instant sharing we have conceded our ability to think critically about the truthfulness of a comment, post, or link. We have allowed our leaders, our media outlets, friends, families, and yes even ourselves to get away with this time and again – to the point now where we are unable to often recognize it when it occurs. Instead we blindly repeat what we read or hear. We argue instead of discussing. We rest in our own ‘rightness’ rather than our corporate togetherness. We even add fuel to the flames of division by failing to fact check or even remembering that truth is often found in the middle rather than on one side or the other. We perpetuate it when indifference and apathy take hold and we say or do nothing.
“Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” - Abraham Joshua Heschel
This post is not about a "them" but about us. We all are responsible and it is only together that we can get out of the rut we have found ourselves in. Maybe we can begin to change this habit by simply taking a moment to breathe - to reflect on our motives, to search the credibility of the content, to proof-read and acknowledge our tone/posture, or even decide not post until we know more.
*I was prompted to write this after reading the CNN Money article "
The plague of fake news is getting worse -- here's how to protect yourself
" by Brian Stelter