Facebook Is Home To Some Really Hateful and Ignorant Stuff

Michael Lewis I see posts like these and I’m reminded of a televised inter-faith program I was honored to participate in shortly after 9-11. Many faiths were represented, including Islam. The man speaking on its behalf pleaded with us to judge not lest we be judged. He spoke eloquently of the many good works and charitable community enterprises that he and his fellow Muslims participated in. Then with a heart full of pain he spoke of his fear that these good people, the overwhelming majority of good people of his faith would now be targets of hate, suspicion and exclusion. I know that you who post these internet memes are good people, that you would never knowingly sew prejudice or hate for any group, lest your group may be next. But remember, it’s not just what you say, it’s what other people hear. By succumbing to invitations to hate, and disseminating those invitations to others you are participating in the very thing you’re trying to stop. Here’s a challenge: find an internet meme that invites us to love and trust. See how that makes you feel, and see what kind of comments you get back. If you’re going to use social media, use it as a means for bringing people closer together not farther apart.