A Classic Facebook Controversy

A play-by-play of a personal Facebook political diatribe

I grew up in in a rural, conservative community in Indiana. I spent the next 5 years at an Academy in Texas and a University in Virginia and now have resided in Portland, Oregon for the last 13 years.

I know that whenever I post something, it is sure to offend someone, somewhere.

Even if it is not an offensive article, there will be an interpretation from someone because… well, because politics. Because polarization. Because of people’s need to choose a side.

I write a weekly blog on my own site and recently, it was as follows:

The election is around the corner. And we’re looking for one good person. Oh, one good man, I guess. One white man, I guess. One older, white man, I guess. Okay, okay. On with it…

The options aren’t great. I think most of America can agree that both candidates leave a lot to be desired.

Character and truth have gone by the wayside.

But one person who doesn’t have to follow that pattern is… you.

Waste no more time arguing what a good man is, be one. — Marcus Aurelius

Talk is cheap. We all know that. But what isn’t cheap is you. And although your words represent you, what really tells us who you are is… you. Don’t talk about a philosophy, a way of life, a theology… live it.

Don’t talk about your philosophy, embody it. — Epictetus

Basic enough, right?

That’s what I thought.

When I posted it to Facebook, I thought maybe I’d get a few likes and maybe a comment or two. Posts about stoics don’t tend to generate a lot of action. But this one, oh, this was different.

So let’s go to the play-by-play! Who’s ready for some ball?!

Wow, just a couple comments in and we have already taken a post on stoics and turned it to be about abortion. If that isn’t the most Facebook thing ever?

I’m pretty chill though. Yes, I’m a believer, I follow Jesus. But I can’t say I care to much about being aligned with Christians and Evangelicals in the current context of who is shouting the loudest from those groups. So I’ll just stick to modeling Jesus’ love and forgiveness and move on.

But the action isn’t done yet!

Wow, due to my love and generous comment, my moral compass needs reset. And apparently, I need to study up on history. But… let’s remember, my post was about… Democrats? Republicans? Oh no, it was actually about stoicism!

But when it comes to Facebook, well, you’re not alone. You’re going to find people on every side of the spectrum willing and ready to jump in!

Alright, rule of thumb for us as white men, including me. Listen!!!

If you’re a white man sharing about racism, listening to a person of color is a great start. If you are a man sharing about abortion, listening to a woman is a great place to start.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have an opinion on these are any topics but, it does mean your default should be listening to those impacted directly.

Well, that was just one thread within a thread so we’re not done quite yet! Let’s see what happens in Round 2!

Well, a little more civilized in this thread. Like I’ve said before, I’m quite fine and comfortable with healthy debate, with conservatives and liberals sharing their opinions and voice on my page… just leave out the personal assaults.

Round 3, let’s go!

Ok, wow, where are we going?! Should I link back to the original article that is quoting stoics?

I’m just gonna leave a note on this post, it’s getting a little wild here. Round 4!

Alright, well, suffice to say, there were about 6 more Rounds to the Facebook battle! But they stayed more calm and encouraging, mostly.

At the end, well, I kept my cool, I loved others well, and I unfollowed a handful of people for my own sanity (waking up in the morning with your heart beating fast because of all of your Facebook notifications and wondering what one person you hardly know has said to another person you hardly know on Facebook while each person is thinking the other is probably one of your best friends is just too much for me 😅).

On my Patreon account, after I write my blog for the week, I write a behind the blog detailing my thoughts of why and when and where I wrote what I wrote. And this one couldn’t have been more fitting.

Behind the Blog — Embody It (with the help of Ancient Stoic Philosophers)

I was listening to a podcast with Ryan Holiday who practices stoicism and came across the quotes:

Waste no more time arguing what a good man is, be one. — Marcus Aurelius

Don’t talk about your philosophy, embody it. — Epictetus

They seemed incredibly relevant for the current climate of our country, particularly surrounding the election.

So I did my best to write about that without mentioning that, if you know what I mean. The first that being the election and the second that being Donald and Joe.

What a wild time indeed…

I couldn’t help but think of all the people I see arguing on Facebook and posting memes and shouting at one another and me thinking… just embody it. Be the change. Be someone of character. Of courage. Yes, have your political opinions, but you don’t have to follow the path of rhetoric and shouting and demeaning of others. Embody the good you want to see in the world.

Addition: Oct 19 (the above was written around a week+ ago)

I thought my blog about stoics may go unnoticed on Facebook. Some things I post get a few likes, some things get hundreds with comments. This was seemed it would go the way of the former.

Obviously, when you write, you love for your work to be read. But somehow this blog did stir up the shouting at one another. If you missed the thread, God bless.

I think it confirms exactly what I’m talking about in this blog. It was a simple blog. But a lot of people aren’t interested in being change, of being a person of character. They are interested in shouting political opinions and putting others down.

It was disappointing to read many of the comments, but heartwarming to read others. I don’t mind people voicing their opinions or even political bents, although it was an odd thing to happen on this post. I appreciate hearing from conservatives, liberals, and everything in between. Whether I agree or not, it helps me think. Helps me process my own thoughts. Putdowns don’t bother me much, I know who I am. But, disparaging others or saying things that are hurtful for the sake of hurting someone, well, that’s simply following the path of some of our current politicians. And that’s something I won’t ever stand for, no matter what party or affiliation.

Waste no more time arguing what a good man (or woman) is, be one. — Marcus Aurelius

Facebook and politics, what a wild mix.

And just a friendly reminder to all of my people, no matter who you vote for, no matter whether you vote or not, you are loved and cared for and I love you too! ❤️✨