For nearly two years now, our world has been turned upside down by the ongoing pandemic.
We’ve had to adjust our daily lives and do things completely out of our comfort zone and normal routine.
And, unfortunately, change has not been readily accepted by many people, not just locally, but across the country.
In my opinion, we have seen people become as individualistic as ever and make these feelings known on all social media platforms.
Social media has always had a toxic component, but these days, sheesh, look out!
We have forgotten to agree to disagree, that much is certain. If two people have varying opinions (and that’s the key word there, “opinion”) on any topic, the trend now is to personally attack each other and get others to pile on.
In our industry, we see this daily.
And I see both sides to this situation.
It’s easy to complain, but I was always taught that with every complaint should come an idea for a solution. If one just whines, well, that’s not productive.
The tough part is taking the high road and rising above all the negativity and hate that folks face that is more common than ever these days.
Being in the media, we are an easy scapegoat for people to blame when things don’t fit their beliefs or values. And I understand that. It’s been happening to the media for years and won’t stop any time soon.
Ethically, if we do our jobs right and report the news in an unbiased way, then that’s all anyone can ask for. We let you know what is happening, present multiple sides, and let you, the reader, form your own opinion on the topics at hand.
I guess my overall message here, especially during the holiday season, is to just enjoy life. Be a difference maker. Be positive. Smile. Live every day to the fullest.
Finding the positives, yeah, they are out there. Trust me. They are.
But like taking the high road, you may have to dig a little deeper, look a bit further, take a step out of your comfort zone to find and accept those positives.
It’s all worth it, though. It really is.
Until next time, Clarkston.
Merry Christmas!
— Matt Mackinder