| It's Silly Season Time | for everyone |
I'm under no illusions that this will change anyone's behavior or mind. In fact, that's sort of my theme here. I'm just going on the record.
Political advertising season is upon us, providing profits for all kinds of media (including, ironically, the so-called "mainstream" media, which will, at least occasionally, be the target of the ads they get paid to run). It is the time of year when I give thanks for DVR and a direct connection to my iPod in my car.
Despite what the polls say, there are really very few undecided voters, at least as far as the presidential election is concerned. (Try reading Isaac Asimov's classic short story, Franchise.) Those who lean toward the incumbent will find some excuse to vote for him, or at least against the challenger, and vice versa. I know it's a waste of time to suggest this, but if you think your Facebook post, tweet, etc. is going to change anyone's mind, you're dreaming. And really, do we want the leader of our country elected by people who are swayed by some snarky picture or comment on Facebook or Twitter?
So please, if you're tempted to share some ideologue's anti-Obama (or anti-Romney) rant, if you think there are simple, easy, bumper sticker answers to our nation's and the world's problems, or that only liberals (or conservatives) have THE answers, please, for all our sakes, think twice, back away from your keyboard, take a deep breath and let it go. You already know what you believe. Do you really think your re-post is going to provide the ultimate evidence to bring that final vote your candidate or party needs into your column? Really?
Sigh. Okay, go ahead and pollute the conversation stream the same way PACs (and candidates) are polluting the airwaves. It's not like the level of discourse on Facebook isn't already of marginal value, although it's at least generally more civil than the comments section of most articles. (Chalk one up for the lack of anonymity, if not proximity.)
So, if it makes you feel better, if you need random acquaintances to know where you stand (your friends already know, don't you think?), knock yourself out, but don't delude yourself that you're changing anyone's mind, any more than someone on the other side's comment would change yours. Or that this will keep anyone from posting their political rant on Facebook.
Political advertising season is upon us, providing profits for all kinds of media (including, ironically, the so-called "mainstream" media, which will, at least occasionally, be the target of the ads they get paid to run). It is the time of year when I give thanks for DVR and a direct connection to my iPod in my car.
Despite what the polls say, there are really very few undecided voters, at least as far as the presidential election is concerned. (Try reading Isaac Asimov's classic short story, Franchise.) Those who lean toward the incumbent will find some excuse to vote for him, or at least against the challenger, and vice versa. I know it's a waste of time to suggest this, but if you think your Facebook post, tweet, etc. is going to change anyone's mind, you're dreaming. And really, do we want the leader of our country elected by people who are swayed by some snarky picture or comment on Facebook or Twitter?
So please, if you're tempted to share some ideologue's anti-Obama (or anti-Romney) rant, if you think there are simple, easy, bumper sticker answers to our nation's and the world's problems, or that only liberals (or conservatives) have THE answers, please, for all our sakes, think twice, back away from your keyboard, take a deep breath and let it go. You already know what you believe. Do you really think your re-post is going to provide the ultimate evidence to bring that final vote your candidate or party needs into your column? Really?
Sigh. Okay, go ahead and pollute the conversation stream the same way PACs (and candidates) are polluting the airwaves. It's not like the level of discourse on Facebook isn't already of marginal value, although it's at least generally more civil than the comments section of most articles. (Chalk one up for the lack of anonymity, if not proximity.)
So, if it makes you feel better, if you need random acquaintances to know where you stand (your friends already know, don't you think?), knock yourself out, but don't delude yourself that you're changing anyone's mind, any more than someone on the other side's comment would change yours. Or that this will keep anyone from posting their political rant on Facebook.
Library Lady348 wrote on Jun 14
ReplyDeleteOh, it's only just beginning. Wait until August! I can't figure out how I got on the phone list for the local Republicans. (I know how you accomplished that.) As if they could convince me about Todd Aiken.
Terri Kung wrote on Jun 14
ReplyDelete;-)