Typically, in our society it is not hard to find a few examples of rude, crass and disrespectful behaviour. Vulgar language has become more normal, that it has nearly become acceptable behaviour, when really vulgarity should have no place in our society when interacting with others.
One of the biggest problems with disrespectful behaviour is that we have largely become an anonymous society. Society has become so connected to technology, iPhones, computers, TVs, and video games, that most people tend to distance themselves from real human interactions and relationships.
The worst example of phones becoming more important than social relationships is the ‘normalcy’ of seeing people with their phones out during a dinner, social gathering, or concert. When did Apps and phones become more important than the other people in our lives?
We must regain that level of respect for others in our community, and consider rude and disrespectful behaviour as something that is unacceptable. We should sit up and take notice when others are being rude, or using expletives when speaking to other community members. There is simply no reasonable reason to act that way to another person.
But the truth of the situation is that expletives, once absolutely banned in public discourse, are now increasingly turning up in literature, television, the news media and even in political speech.
Certain swear words are becoming so common and so reflexive that they are ceasing to be swears at all. We have to find a way to reclaim a respectful tone and find other words with describe our emotional state.
The other problem with disrespectful behaviour is the anonymity of the internet. On many social media sites, you will find some of the rudest comments you can imagine. People are posting whatever they want, because we hide under the cloak of anonymity.
Also, there are no true consequences to posting rude or disrespectful words in most cases. But the words online do reflect on you as a person.
It can also be difficult since many of the posts or claims made on Facebook are often just one person’s opinion. In most cases, the poster might have not done the right research to back their claim. You simply can’t take social media posts for the true account of the situation, especially when it comes to a situation of ‘he-said and she-said’.
In addition, cyber-bullying occurs when offensive messages are posted on other people’s social media pages, or even worse as a private message that silently attacks that other person.
There were some political candidates who learned a harsh lesson during the previous provincial election, when their Facebook and Twitter posts resulted in them being removed as a candidate for their party.
Basically, when it comes to social media, consider the fact that if you wouldn’t say it directly to someone’s face, then you shouldn’t say it online.
The ‘Golden Rule’ still applies when it comes to these situations. Don’t say or post disrespectful things to someone else, if you wouldn’t want to hear or see those same words directed to you!
