I started this blog as part of my graduate studies... partly because I had to and later as a means to get some things off my chest that really bugged the living crap out me. Little did I know that Georgetown would set me up with my very own sponsored blog sight, so this has mainly sat unused.
Lately I've been receiving a barrage of posts on Facebook from folks telling me a story of someone less fortunate or as a remembrance for loved ones who loss their battles with an illness. I read almost everything that people post on my wall and contemplate what they consider important in life, or perhaps simply find humorous. I look over the pictures and videos they post, marvel at how some looks have changed and others seem to never age. Marvel at the age of their children and think over how I'm no longer a "young'n" myself. Sometimes I comment or click the "like" button, and other times I pass it up. But what really kicks my ass is when I receive a post asking me to repost something that a Facebook friend obviously considers important... important enough to pass on to all who they have befriended, and right after asking everyone to repost they turn right around and insult everyone by stating "I bet nobody will" or "most probably won't."
How can we ask this and then slap them in the face as we're asking the favor? I simply don't get it. I've donated money and my time to worthy and worldly causes. I've volunteered for the homeless, and ran 5K's for cancer and heart disease. I've interned and volunteered to help abused children. I've served my country and continue to do so with great pride. Loved ones have passed, some old and some far too young, to cancers and all other sorts of illnesses and horrible incidents. I have known sacrifice, regret, and failure at times. All have made me stronger. So excuse me if I feel it's a complete waste of time to post one of these messages on Facebook when doing so by itself does nothing except makes that person feel superior to others or to the very least a little better about themselves. If you believe one of these causes is so important that you have to share it with someone, then do something about it. If you need some congratulatory applause for you generosity afterwards, THEN post something about what you have done in your community. But don't sit at your computer clicking buttons and pretend it makes you a martyr. It only makes you feel less lazy.
If you want to really do something for the homeless, go volunteer at a shelter or give canned goods to the Salvation Army. Go participate at a Susan G. Komen event, or give an extra dollar to sponsor an abused animal. But don't ask me to help spread the word about something you find important and then insult me in the process.
If anyone has paid attention, I've almost always reposted one of these messages when simply asked to. It doesn't take much time, so why not? But when one turns around and throws an insult at me in the process, I ignore it. I don't need to post some message to feel better about myself. I've done plenty in my life to help others. Clicking buttons on Facebook doesn't compare.
If this insults anyone... now you know how it feels.
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