Sometimes I forget that there are two sides to every story. That perception distorts the reality of any given situation. The viral video/photographs of a white, Catholic high school student seemingly smirking at a Native American made me react instantly. Plus, the young man was wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat which made the spotlight even brighter because assuming that he is racist, justifies our reaction. We have lost the ability to presume positive intent because we are blinded by half-truths.
As things progressed on social media to the point of ugliness (again), we surrendered to the insanity. You see, the media, used a form of propaganda to push their agenda. It was used to fuel our emotions, and we fell for it. Used as puppets, we were sucked into a frenzy of shit-stirring groups who don’t want anyone to know the truth. And frankly, it is hard to decipher what is real because of all the bullshit.
I am a part of the media. Granted, I write fluffy, happy things, but I was taught to gather the information and present the truth. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the way many outlets function. The commonality, that both sides shared in the videos circulating, is that our society is broken. We have shattered any illusion that we share one thing – we are all on the same team. Not everyone that supports our president is racist. Not everyone that is openly liberal is full of love and compassion. Those are the perceptions that society dictates.
By circulating those and any other videos that seemingly promote hate and intolerance provides, those who wish to instill fear within us, a whole lot of power. Perception of what is real is far different from the reality. Two sides can carry very different stories. I just hope that our society isn’t too broken to pick up the pieces and begin fresh. We all have a part. It is a matter of wanting to know the truth versus riding the wave of distorted messages. It is your choice.
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