So what do we do? What do we do when people are too annoyed to post, and truth remains unsaid? Do come to fight fire with fire? Spit back?
No. This is not our way; this should not be our way. Instead, let us look to a better example: Mister Rogers.
Mister Rodgers spoke the truth, no matter what. Mister Rogers cared about the community more than his own ego, more than looking cool.
Quote:
"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes."
We need to take responsibility for our community. The way to gain control is not to fight fire with fire – it doesn’t take any of the flames out. We need water. We need people to make a stand and say that they will fight with dignity. It’s okay to get angry, it’s okay, Mister Rogers taught us that too. What isn’t okay is to speak in anger, to cause pain to others – even if you think they “deserve” it because they are just a troll, or stupid or ignorant..
So What Would Mister Rogers Do?
He would speak with clarity, with a wee bit of wit, with honesty and truth behind him. He would show, rather than just tell, he would come up with new topics to discuss, rather than just participating in those too. He would treat his opponent with respect, no matter who that person is, and he would know when to stop.
He would be an example, a leader, not just a victim of the cult of the a*****e.
And he would forgive screw-ups. You aren’t going to be perfect all the time, and we all know it. Sometimes you make a bad choice, speak in anger, or just don’t think. I’ll do it, you’ll do it, but we forgive and move on, and vow to be better.
It’s our neighborhood. Let’s make it a beautiful one.
Don't know who Mister Rogers is? Click here!
