Election Time = My Social Media Hibernation

Unless you have been living in a bubble over the last few weeks, you cannot have failed to remember that tomorrow is election day, and due to the events of recent weeks and months, it is set to be one of the biggest election nights in history. Whilst I do not class myself at all as politically minded, nor will I share an opinion on who people should vote for, I am strongly of the believe that everybody should vote. Our ancestors fought for our rights to vote, and as such, we owe it to them to do so.

However, there is one thing that I hate about the run up to an election.

For me, between now and Friday morning, I will be entering a period of social media hibernation. (Or at least I will try, I am a blogger after all).

Why?

The Judgements. The Abuse. The Hurling of Insults. The Belittling of the Opposition.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

As someone who works in HR by day, I will always defend to the hilt everyone’s right to individual differences. People are entitled to their own views, their own beliefs, and to form their own, hopefully educated, views on what is best for our country.

Just because someone does not have the same beliefs as you, does not mean they are wrong, or stupid, or misguided.

By all means, share your thought process, discuss and debate manifestos, clarify understanding, and ask the opinions of your friends. But if your sole intention when doing so is to argue and railroad others in an attempt to make them change their view then PLEASE, just stop.

My view? We are making decisions based on manifestos which inevitably will contain some over exaggerated claims and promises by every party in contention. In my opinion that has always appeared to be the case, regardless of the party in power.

We are also dealing with one of the most challenging times our nation has experienced in many many years, I would say in my lifetime at least. There is no rule book for this, no immediate solution, and as such, we have to hope and pray that whoever ends up leading our country, does so in a way that guides us through with as little fallout as possible.

In the last few days alone, I have stepped away from my personal social media feed due to people I consider to be friends attempting to ram their thoughts down other peoples throats, criticise the opposition, and resort to name calling and judging, even going so far as to suggest racism or idiocy down to their party of choice.

Since when did it become a requirement that everyone has to agree? Surely the whole point of a democracy is that everyone has their own opinion?

One of my closest friends and I voted differently in the referendum. We will no doubt, vote differently tomorrow. Will it affect our friendship? No. Will I make nasty comments about her behind her back or expect her to do so about me? No.

We are all individuals, and we are all entitled to our vote.

If you are still undecided with your vote, I can completely empathise, and I hope you find some clarity overnight. Whichever way you chose to vote tomorrow, please please please make your vote.

And as for the kids? Well they’re just happy they get a day off school. Oh to have the responsibilities of a child! 🙂