Looking back, when I first began using social media, it was something that I found highly interesting and very entertaining, a new novelty. Seeing all the stuff my friends and family were up to, many of whom I hadn’t seen in many years, what hijinks the more puerile amongst us were (some still are) taking part in (perhaps living a bit vicariously through their posts). But slowly, over time, at least in part, social media for me has become more of a system for identification and classification of some of the worst tendencies society seems to exhibit, as manifested within some of these same people (fortunately, at least for my sanity, this is not universal).
Certainly, by and large, I continue to see a pretty significant volume of the mundane, daily life snapshots, which is very much appreciated. But interspersed throughout are some of the most illuminating takes on past and current challenges, we as a society face.
Until recently, I had little indication that there were people in my circles that would actively minimize the impact, implicitly or explicitly, of the terrible loss of life associated with the current global pandemic. Some, reducing this tragedy by quibbling over percentages or how media coverage has portrayed the urgency of this situation. Better yet (and yes, this is intended to be sarcastic), are the ones that feel that economic recovery or “personal freedoms” far outweigh any actions that could, many would argue should, be further taken to mitigate ongoing impact. Some, so called Christians banging on these very same drums. Apparently, “pro-life” only applies in utero or where there is a perceived point of societal control or possible benefit to them. “All the benefits for me and mine, none for thee and thine.”
Until recently, I had little indication that there were people in my circles that would actively argue that their right to not wear a mask outweighs the rights of others to not be possibly exposed to a life altering or life ending virus.
Until recently, I had little indication that there were people in my circles that would claim that the government has no business in helping keep people healthy. Especially when some of these same people have relied, and some still rely heavily on government assistance. Some via direct governmental support (price supports, direct payments from various sources, as well as healthcare via Medicare and Medicaid), some via indirect governmental support (think downstream from those taking direct support, in Iowa pick most/any/all Agribusiness).
But I digress…
I often find myself giving folks the benefit of the doubt, things like, they must not fully comprehend an issue, or perhaps they lack the necessary context to adequately view issues in. As of late, I’m beginning to wonder if these behaviors are intentional on their part so as to not have to fully come to terms with reality, or perhaps to prevent them from having to reassess past behaviors.