Being Kind
The tragic death of Caroline Flack caused an almighty roar of the words” BE KIND” on social media. And this lead to a lot of thinking in my little old head.
What does BE KIND mean?
(Yes, I am keeping the caps. No, I am not shouting)
I am starting a project, and it’s becoming bigger than I thought it would be. It’s around our ideas of being kind. And how we mould that to fit our lives.
In a world where we can be anything… Be kind.
Online trolling is a problem, and being unkind is a huge online problem - but we won’t fight it with more trolling. Calling someone we don’t like a nasty mean word is trolling - not matter who it is. It’s unkind.
For example, without naming names, there is a TV show I love, and watch a lot. And I really like the presenting style and warmth of the presenter. She’s really good at her job. However, I then followed her on social media and started to learn about her away from the TV show. I strongly disagreed with some of her views on the world, and her ideas of feminism. So, I stopped following her on social media. And I didn’t tell her that I didn’t like her ideas.
Now, if she were a close friend of mine and I disagreed with some things she posted on social media I would probably refrain from liking or commenting. If it really bothered me I would probably message her privately for a chat about it. But ultimately, it has nothing to do with me. I could post with kindness and explain WHY I disagreed without calling her nasty names.
I am sure you have friends who have different views to you - and I am sure that you can attempt to have adult conversations with them about those differences.
So, how can we BE KIND?
Support one another - support can mean a quick message of love, a smile.
Listen - As simple as that sounds, and as cliché as this is, the best gift you can give someone is your presence. That right there is total kindness.
Think before you post online - Even telling someone who’s opinion/politics/ideas you vehemently disagree with that you really don’t like them (or harsh words to that effect) is being unkind. It’s unnecessary, it’s unhelpful, and it can hurt. Instead focus on the person’s beliefs and be respectful.
Challenge unkind comments - If you notice unkindness, call it out. We have lived the 00’s so far in the era of gossip and circles of shame. It’s a process of UNLEARNING all we have learned and sometimes that means being open to feedback when we aren’t being kind.
Challenge our own prejudice - I like, no sometimes I love having a good gossip. Sometimes this gossip involves being a little mean about people. This is unkind. But I have to be honest and realistic and know that sometimes I will slip. I am getting better, and I am aware that my attitude comes from a bad place in me. But, I am aware and I am making the change.
And now it is time to hear from YOU - if you want to get involved in the project, then let me know. Join in the Facebook group. Interact on Instagram.
Being Kind is not just a hashtag - it should be a way of life.
