Some might say the birth of social media is one of the most iconic moments of the 21st century. The cultural phenomenon has dramatically changed the way we interact with one another.
Whether you love it or hate it, social media has become our new way of life. For those who participate on the platforms regularly, the consensus is that the advantages of using social media outweigh the risk. Unfortunately, however, social media enables misinformation to spread like wildfire.
Gone are the days of written communications like letters and cards in the mail. Instead, the connection to family and friends is now at our fingertips anytime we want to reach out to them. Based on my experience, the most significant disadvantage of engaging in social media is encountering bullies or being trolled on the web.
These tormentors sit behind their telephones or computer screens to project negativity towards others for no justifiable reason other than hate. For example, even some black members of England’s soccer team were targeted on social media platforms with racist abuse after the EU championship final.
The attacks can shake you to your core and question your self-worth. It’s sad to see what a cruel world we live in where kindness, respect, compassion, and empathy are no longer common gestures.
Since starting my website, I’ve received much love, great comments, and many likes, but by having an open forum, I’ve had my fair share of hate and bullying. However, even with these negative instances, I would like to think I’m always the bigger person in such occurrences.
I am well aware of who I am, my mission in life, and its purpose. Therefore, I refuse to be shaken by baseless comments and personal assaults. Who would want to troll or bully someone like me? It is sad to think that five others are wishing you misery for every one person who likes you.
Self-expression is personal to each individual. You may have the right post and caption with whatever you’re trying to convey, but bashing someone with nasty comments is reprehensible.
Bashing someone with comments like:
- I hope someone rapes you.
- I hope you and your mother get Aids.
- You’re stuck up and so full of yourself, that’s why you’re single at 40, and no one wants you.
- Why are you on here whining about your hard life? You need to shut up!
- Being called a man.
- Who’s that dude in heels?
These types of disgusting comments are not okay, and I’m not going to tolerate such cruelty by being intimidated or bullied.
Most people who follow me on social media have no clue of me, my background, or what hard work it took to get to where I am today.
If you find the need to attack me without any knowledge about me, know this: I’m entitled to be full of myself because I came from the ghetto and ultimately became the only female black CEO in North America in my industry. That achievement is deserving of praise, not insults.
“Self-expression is personal to each individual. You may have the right post and caption with whatever you’re trying to convey, but bashing someone with nasty comments is reprehensible.“
I will keep telling my story because it might bring hope to a little black girl who’s currently in the ghetto. It might inspire her that she, too, can beat the odds.
When cowards try to belittle you, bully you or question your integrity, remember that verbal abuse is often a reflection of that person’s insecurity. Therefore, these vicious attacks should be taken as a meaningless grain of salt.
I grew up hearing this quote: “if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Certain things in life are free, like being kind, caring, compassionate, and showing empathy. It starts with every one of us being mindful of the words we communicate to each other. Then, when all things fail, just be kind!