There was a time that I would tend to comment on social media posts that I thought were spreading misinformation, were rude or insensitive or just plain stupid. But then I realized that it was too energy sapping and a worthless exercise. So I stopped. Until recently, I made the mistake of expressing my views on a thread I disagreed with. I wasn’t expecting such personal and disrespectful comments and a personal message from someone I didn’t know being rude too. It was a good reminder that there should be no more wrestling with pigs for me.
I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it. – George Bernard Shaw
As much as we’d like everyone to agree with us, we have to realize that the world is full of people whose experiences and backgrounds are so varied. So there can be no unanimous opinion especially on certain issues.
But that’s okay. The problem begins when some of these people become argumentative, belligerent and start to get personal.
On social media this can get really invasive, as I learned.
In this particular case, I can see a whole load of media hungry people bonding together.
It’s my fault that I stepped into the discussion. I stand by my opinion, but I know the other people are never going to even try to see my point of view.
I’d be better off talking about my beliefs on my space and focusing on more meaningful engagement.
#FridayReflections
Friday Reflections is a link up hosted by Shalini at KohlEyed Me and me, Corinne at Everyday Gyaan. We invite you to join us every Friday to share a good cup of tea and your reflections based on the prompts we provide. Shalini will be away for a month or more, so it is going to be just me for a while.
Here’s how #FridayReflections works:
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- Write a post using one of the prompts for the week provided below.
- Use the hashtag #FridayReflections. Please follow us on Twitter @FridayReflect and join our Facebook Group.
- Add your link to the linky below.
- Use our #FridayReflections badge to encourage other bloggers to join in too.
- Visit and comment on the posts of other bloggers linked here.
Prompts for 20 July 2018 are:
1. What if you could visit any fantasy world — Never Land, Wonderland, Oz, Narnia, Hogwarts — which would you pick?
2. I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it. – George Bernard Shaw
3. Picture prompt – via Pexels
Image Credits: Shutterstock
I think ‘don’t wrestle with the pigs’ is a wise advice. The post’s title and the quote amused me but it is true. Everyone is attached to his or her thought process and this attachment hampers to see another person’s viewpoint. It is okay not to agree but personal attacks are never right and definitely questionable. And, this is not necessarily limited to social media but is existent in everyday relationships as well.
Yes, it’s hard to agree, but seemingly harder for people to be polite!
Oh Corinne, I’m so angry and sad that someone so precious like you had to face the “pigs.” It takes courage to voice your opinion on a public platform; I have always known you as a strong and courageous woman so no wonder you shared your viewpoint on something. But, like you said, people are very different from one another . This, however, does not permit them to be rude. Nevertheless, how they behave reflects on their personalities and not us. I’m sure you remained graceful throughout wrestling with the pigs, but the pigs only know how to be pigs. As always, I’m super proud of you, and I support in whatever happened. Love you! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words, Ankita. However, like I said, I should have known better!
How true Corinne. Social media particularly WhatsApp groups formed for a purpose can become stressful if you don’t agree with the one person who should generally be ignored …. after all we each have an opinion and are free to flaunt it …
I’m lucky I haven’t had such an experience on WhatsApp.
Seriously rude with you.You are always so kind and nice.Its not worth hiving a thought.No pig wrestling for us write tribers .Best advice.
Thanks, Amrita. My mistake to comment in the first place.
I agree that there is no point wrestling with pigs. Things these days get really murky on social media. Unnecessarily people are dragged into controversies.
Yes, I should have known better!
Seriously, how nasty and rude can people be on social media! I wonder if they behave the same way in real life too! As you rightly mentioned, it is best to steer clear of the pigs in the mud. It’s best for our peace of mind and sanity!
I’m thinking they wimps in real life, Shilpa!
Wise advice! Social media can sometimes bring out the worst in people. It’s just not worth it most of the time!
So true, MG. You’ve had some crazy encounters on Twitter!
Tell me about it, Corinne! The world is filled with more pigs than human beings in my opinion. Thank God for creating the likes of us 😉
Ha ha…
Not sure everyone feels that way about me! 😉
That’s so true. People who need their 15 minutes of fame will go to any lengths to achieve it. Best to stay out of it all, keep our thoughts to ourselves and share our opinions in our space, with people who understand.
You got that right, Shilpa. It was a good reminder for me!
I agree social media is really crazy with negativity flowing but this quote makes so much sense. In fact, we shared the same thing more or less at the same time. This quote spoke to me in a direct manner.