In the real world, I find that most people exhibit a high degree of class, kindness and respect. I am frequently impressed with the kindness, courtesy and grace I observe everyday from neighbors, commuters, service workers, pool patrons and others whom I see regularly.
People stop to help someone whose car breaks down. They hold the door open. They drop off food when there’s a family emergency. They help move a heavy piece of furniture. They walk an old lady across the street. They mow each others lawns. They remember your name. They share a lane at the pool. They let someone merge into a long traffic line. They stop traffic so a flock of geese can cross the road.
Online is a different story. The behavior of many people online is abhorrent. I am frequently disgusted by the words and actions I observe in the digital world. The online world seems to be designed to encourage performative antics, manipulative behavior and disdainful dissension. Our politics, especially at the national level, feed right into this.
I have always been attracted to classy people. My wife was one of these people. Several of my bosses and mentors were like this.
Me – not so much. But I try. I compensate for my tendency to be blunt and hyper-focused on my agenda by demonstrating kindness and respect while keeping my mouth shut.
I avoid associating with people who are mean and classless – especially people who take pride in their caustic and antagonistic attitude toward others. I don’t want to be around people like that. They embarrass and appall me.
I wish this type of behavior was not rewarded or accepted from our politicians, on TV or online. I cannot change that.
So I do what I can – I opt out.