It Must Be Me!

Once again, a dissenting view on a topic has caused me to be accused of "bashing" someone.  I am a bit confused as to how a person, when presented with a comment, makes a statement contrary to that comment and is called names for their view.

People post many things on Facebook.  We tell people how we feel each day, how the weather is where we are, and sometimes even all the little, trivial things we need to get done that day.  Some even make statements that are political, religious, societal, or even all of those rolled into one.  Then, they are surprised when someone they are "friends" with, comments on that status with something not in line with their way of thinking.  Why do people make any statements if they are not actually looking for a reaction?  When we make the comment about how our cute kitty just caught its first bird, we are looking for comments.   It would seem to me that if you do not want anyone commenting on the status you just posted on a political issue, stick to the status that reads, "got up, ate cereal, lots of laundry to do before class".  Hard to get into a debate over that one!

I guess I am wondering when debate between sides went away and the dissenting side became "bashers".  Do they still have debate teams in high schools or are they "bashing" teams.  When candidates for the Presidency have debates, they disagree about the other person's view on different things but aren't considered to be bashing them.  Why has common disagreement over an issue become grounds for name calling.

Is there a standard protocol for Facebook?  Am I not allowed to comment on a friends post unless I agree with it?  Is Facebook, a social network, not the "proper place" for discussions concerning politics, religion, or societal issues?  If not on Facebook, where?

I have been called a "troll" because I comment on posts that strike me.  The accusation being that I do it just to make people angry.  Not true.  Usually, it is because I consider what the person has said to be flawed in some way...often times, just plain factually wrong.  So if I comment with the opposite view, isn't that allowed?  Is that why Facebook only has a "Like" button?

I enjoy good debate, discussion, argument, whatever you want to call it, on many topics.  Unfortunately, it seems most people want to place things in their statuses and then not have to defend their position.  So why put it there in the first place.  If that's the case, see suggested status above.

To me, Facebook is a place for a person to share as much of themselves as they want.  Anything from kids' activities, to relationship problems, to personal views, to how they felt about the American Idol results.  If you put it all out there, you have to be ready for someone to respond in a way you don't like.

I don't want all my friends to agree with me all the time.  Conversations get boring if there is no one to talk a differing opinion.  To my Facebook friends who think I'm nothing more than a troll and looking to pick a fight....I am sorry you feel that way, but I will not stop.  I would hope that you would engage in a meaningful discussion and keep the name calling for the playground.  I enjoy having all my Facebook friends that I have and hate losing any over disagreements on topics.  Sometimes, it is best to agree to disagree.

Does anyone else run into this problem?  If not...then it must be me.