I think technology has brought us many wondrous things, yet I am continually reminded of how the lack of face to face communication and lack of empathy on social media can bring out the worst in us. I enjoy a good debate or honest conversation with someone who doesn’t share my point of view and who pushes me to consider different perspectives.
I guess we all want to be right, but the truth is elusive and I certainly don’t have monopoly on it. What disheartens me is the number of people who immediately resort to ad hominem retorts when someone posts something contrary to their beliefs or when they dismiss the validity of criticisms when they see something like a Ukrainian flag in my bio or when they wrongly assume that I’m from Quebec.
Obviously, it’s naïve of me to think that everyone on social media is well-intended or actually searching for truth. I have come to be leery of bios that use certain phrases or words such as “patriot”, “pureblood”, “T-Trudeau”, “take our country back” or “make Canada great again”. These are all warning signs indicative of the disenfranchised, disillusioned, and occasionally, the downright deranged.
Initially, I was surprised by the number of union haters, teacher bashers and anti-Liberal vitriole that people spew without any shame. I grew up in a family where arguing politics was normal. It didn’t lead to insults; it brought up different points of view, but it was always assumed that everyone wanted what was best for Canada or for society. People just had different views on how to improve things. Politics wasn’t as polarising and there was no “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” mentality. Politics didn’t supersede or jeopardise family relationships and friendships. Unfortunately, social media platforms have taken away our need to be respectful. They allow us to be complete, unabashed miserable human beings gleefully offending others with impunity and a childish sense of triumph.
Admittedly, it’s nice to get positive feedback on posts or to have someone give you some meaningful feedback or share information. I guess, the whole “don’t feed the trolls” attitude is key to navigating social media. There is no point in engaging with a die-hard convoy supporter who’s best reply is “honk, honk”, or someone who relies on questionable media sources such as Rebel News or Counter Signal as though they were legitimate and neutral media outlets.
I will say that educators need to do a better job of promoting civics and critical thinking skills. There seems to be a lot of conflation between Canadian and American laws and values. Our constitution doesn’t have any ammendments. Our Charter rights can be infringed upon by invoking the notwithstanding clause and “the pursuit of happiness” isn’t a thing here. We do have a right to “life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.”
I love this country and I really feel priviledged to live here. Things have changed since my ancestors moved here in the 1600s, but I’m glad they made the journey. I hope Canadians will learn to use social media judiciously and whatever their political stripes learn to value and respect those who hold different political opinions. On peut toujours rêver.