We’re virtually to the fourth quarter of the craziness that’s 2020.
Sure, this 12 months has been described with many phrases corresponding to “unprecedented,” “scary,” “unfair,” and “a large number.”
We’ve additionally added new phrases to our vocabulary like “quarantine,” “coronavirus,” “COVID,” and “digital.”
However what will get me sizzling underneath the collar is that as a lot because the phrase “We’re all on this collectively” was tossed on the market, it appears the other has truly occurred.
Didn’t we get taught in, oh I don’t know, first grade that if you happen to don’t have something good to say then don’t say something?
Yeah, I assumed so.
We’ve all seen the information tales and social media feedback the place individuals completely lose it over another person’s opinion or stance on a sure subject within the information.
I’ve stated this earlier than on this house, however individuals, there’s completely nothing mistaken – nothing in any respect – with having one other particular person disagree with you.
It’s at this level – and this usually occurs on social media the place everyone seems to be now an “knowledgeable” on any given subject – that identify calling turns into rampant and even people who attempt to calm the stress get referred to as names.
It’s downright foolish, and one would suppose these are kids. Alas, these individuals are adults. Folks the youth of at present are purported to name position fashions.
And, look, I get it. This 12 months has been completely one to neglect. We have been in a stay-home lockdown for a lot of weeks. Many misplaced jobs, noticed companies collapse, and had members of the family and even pets move away and weren’t in a position to give them a correct sendoff.
I get it, however can we simply maintain shifting ahead and wouldn’t it actually damage you to remain constructive or not less than try to grasp what that phrase even means?
After a number of weeks on the job as editor, I acquired an e-mail from a longtime Clarkston resident saying the tales we had been overlaying have been too constructive.
Sure, I, too, laughed for a bit at that jab.
Anyway, the purpose I’m making is that if we actually are “all on this collectively,” then why is society as divided as ever? Why is it so arduous to go with somebody? Why do individuals take the simple method out relatively than working for the larger prize?
Simply smile. Be form. Take pleasure in life. Go get a pet.
— Matt Mackinder