Casting Stones

It's been a while since a 'dangerous pastime' post has appeared here.

Our farm uses Facebook, at least a little bit, to keep people aware of us.  I have to admit that I'm not entirely dedicated to it since I realize that the system Facebook utilizes does not favor our getting word out consistently without paying them.  And, even then, I'm not sure there is any way to confirm that anything we put out there is actually viewed by our 'target audience.'  But, that's really aside form the point.  The point is this - I take quick looks at Facebook now and again because some of my friends and acquaintances put important news out there and neglect other venues.  As a result, I miss alot of things and I end up seeing things I really didn't need to see.

For example, memes and short, badly written articles that fail to confirm facts or are written to spread misinformation appear frequently.  If that isn't bad enough, we are then treated (?) to commentary that we all might have been better off if we had not seen it.

It's almost as if they want to beet each other up?

"People are freaking idiots."  "Really, anyone who believes this is just plain stupid."  "Well, of course the (fill in the blank) people are clueless."

Here... some flowers will help to calm you.

It's really very easy to forget that posts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites are intended to elicit response.  And, the more passionate and inflammatory the response, the more attention (and hits) it will get.  Talk about a great way to encourage people to skirt the facts - or at least come up with a title that will get us to look, even though it is inaccurate.

These eggs found quarters on the sidewalk.  What happens next will SHOCK you!

In fact, these techniques seem to be so successful, I am considering using this technique to get our farm more attention!

Eight Subtle Ways Chickens Will Tell You They Want Food (#5 will shock you!)

You Won't Believe the 24 Things These People Found in Boxes (#14 will drop your jaw!)

But, seriously, what bothers me most is how willing we are to assume the worst of those who have an opinion different than ours.  This is especially true if you don't think very hard about it.

Consider this: odds are that half of the people you encounter each and every day will give a simple answer to a politically or ethically loaded question that you would strongly disagree with.  But, if you were given an opportunity to spend some time with many of these people you would disagree with, you would find that a couple of things (at least) are true...

1. They are not necessarily idiots or evil or ... whatever anyone who disagrees with you might be.
2. If given a chance, you will find some common ground  with most of these people - even potentially on the subject that might otherwise cause you to call them bad names.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather collect more friends than enemies.  And, oddly enough, I'm willing to respect that my friends don't always agree with me.  After all, that's what friends do.

Power companies hate him for this one amazing trick.