Do you remember being told to remember the Golden Rule in grade school (maybe even as early as head start or kindergarten)? I don't mean "whoever has the gold, makes the rules" either. I'm talking about the real Golden Rule:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

That phrase can be found in some form in almost every ethical tradition and/or religion, from Christianity to Judaism. I know I was personally taught it a very young age, but it seems with the advent of social media, the principle has been lost.

Here are just a few examples of why I think it has been forgotten (these are things I see on a daily basis):

  • Abusive memes of "unattractive" people
  • Cyberbullying
  • Sharing hate speech

There is a thin line between comedy and making fun of others. I have had acquaintances argue that they did not create the content that they are sharing, but that doesn't make it any less hurtful or offensive. I try not to be preachy, but I also feel being silent doesn't help the situation either. The true story of the murder of Kitty Genovese often comes to mind, along with a quote from the movie The Boondock Saints:

We must all fear evil men. But, there is another kind of evil which we must fear most … and that is the indifference of good men.

Being petty also seems to be a thing the last few years on social media as well. Why anyone would think being petty or savage is a good thing, furthers my thought process of the Golden Rule being forgotten in this day and age.

This is strictly my perspective; my opinion so to speak. While I think the world as a whole could greatly benefit from everyone following the Golden Rule, that may very well be just a dewy-eyed pipe dream.

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