The reason I have chosen Facebook as a means for creating these compassionate conversations is primarily because I am the most familiar with it. However, Facebook:
- does not have a word or character count,
- it has been around long enough that most people are familiar with how to utilize it,
- people are able to look back at what they read, and
- the conversations are public making it possible for more people to be a part of them.
What I am working toward is changing the way in which people engage with one another on Facebook. There is no reason for us to continue employing insulting language when we know that it is politically and emotionally divisive. We can use anonymity to create connections rather than create dissonance. \
Be forewarned that you cannot control how other people react to you but you can control who you respond to others. If you feel angry or offended by a post or a response and you do not think that you are able to reply in a positive way, simply take a step back. It’s okay not to take time to let your emotions settle or to do a little more research to level the emotional field and enter a more intellectual one. I have begun #creatinganationunited conversations, and after completing my research, return to a conversation that has quickly spiraled into an insulting, shaming, and blaming thread. Do not be discouraged! Most people can be brought back into the conversation on neutral terms if you respond with an informed and compassionate post.
Creating A Nation United 