I don’t try to get very political in my columns too often.
Those of you who have been following the paper for a long time might’ve seen me write about why I avoided politically charged commentary before.
Well, this is my periodic reminder for the new folks.
I prefer that my columns inspire happy entertainment over something too serious – which means I leave it up to Mike to write about the hot-button topics.
That’s partially because my opinions are formed from whatever is happening in life at large and in the moment and mostly because I don’t have nearly as much experience in writing about those topics as Mike does.
Still, I’m also not a person to shy away from sharing my opinions when they become far too pressing and prevalent in all aspects of my life.
On any given day you can see residents complaining and bashing Bay City and Matagorda County on social media.
And while there are several toxic group outlets on Facebook, Tiktok, or Snapchat – the one I notice with the most traction is the “Bay City TX Chat” group.
People post everything from scathing restaurant reviews and complaints to unfounded rumors, requests for help and even selling items.
Now, I know that the group is overall moderated, but, it seems like some comment sections spark the ugliest debates and spread misinformation like wildfire.
Honestly, I’ve given up trying to correct anyone or delving too deep into a post with more than 60 cascading comments to it.
You’ll get to read replies by the absolute barnacles of our rural area and their unbridled rudeness to even the most innocent of questions along with those few silver-lining sort of folks that are genuinely trying to help someone else.
As always, the ones I notice the most are folks posting as ‘anonymous members’ in order to avoid being pelted with tomatoes from self-proclaimed keyboard warriors because they preferred hiding who they are.
Newsflash, people – that’s why they post anonymously!
It’s like getting random anonymous suggestion cards or survey feedback – it protects the poster’s identity and ability to speak freely without fear of consequences.
More or less, right?
And I know, at the core of things, that’s not exactly how ‘free speech’ works either.
The most common categories of unprotected speech include obscenity, child pornography, defamatory speech, false advertising, true threats, and fighting words.
I’ve seen plenty of anonymous posts that partially or fully fall into those categories, but, usually just shrug and move on to other business.
I don’t moderate those groups and know that not everything I see needs a comment.
Like anyone else, there is a choice to make posts, and comments and put them out there in the public.
But, when someone is essentially burning your effigy in the public digital blogosphere – I firmly believe that you have every right to protect yourself, your family, and your livelihood.
It might be a controversial or unpopular opinion and I’m sure not one that everyone supports, but it’s mine to stand by regardless.
That being said, there’s nothing I hate more than outright malicious and willfully ignorant individuals airing their disgusting presences online and in person – the quintessential troll archetypes.
You can bet that I’ll make a beeline out of their orbit or block them online.
At the end of the day, my life is not theirs to tear down, comment on or rely upon their input since I’m an adult.
