Mudslinging: And I'm Not Just Talking Politics

Well, what else is new? If there's a political campaign going on, you're going to hear tons of negativepublicity.  Things like:
advertisements attacking anopponent's personality, record, or opinion;secretly leaking damaging (notnecessarily true) information to the media;using outside groups to launchattacks about the other opponent ; anddisguising telephone polls asa way of suggesting false information about the other candidate.
Despite the possibility of backlash from such techniques,negative campaigning is so affective that it is still done today. Why?  Because it works.  Juicy negative headlines work because we asthe public are drawn to them and let them sway us.
Unfortunately, mudslinging doesn't just happen in thepolitical arena.  Over the years, I'vebeen a part of many business organizations, groups and clubs and no matter whatsize, there always tends to be some type of negative attacks.  In today's high-speed information highway,these attacks can quickly get out of hand.
Recently, I logged onto Goggle and saw their blackened-outname protesting censorship.  I don't likecensorship so I immediately posted something similar on Facebook.  Then I caught a link about the opposing sidewhich related to piracy.  Well as awriter, I'm against piracy too.  Withoutfinding out the facts, I'd just reacted. I didn't take the time to research the issues and make a properdecision.  It's too easy to make theserash decisions when all we have to do is click.
In another situation, I had a person attack me openly on theinternet without so much as contacting me and checking the facts. Several other people who weren't even involved or present when theincident took place, jumped on the bandwagon and also attacked me without learningthe facts.  Why are we so easily swayedto attack and ask questions later? Haven't we progressed over the centuriesfrom "shoot and ask questions later?"
As responsible internet users, we need to research the factsand stop and think of the ramifications before we post.  We need to think about the consequences ofwhat we say and who we might hurt. 
I know that I don't respect what has taken place in thisyear's political mudslinging.  I stillthink there ought to be an option on the ballot for "none of the above."  This country is in serious trouble, and I forone want to hear what the candidates are going to do about the issues.  The same is true for the other organizationsI'm a part of.  Accusations, name-callingand unprofessionalism do not solve a thing; they distract.
Think before you click.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com


123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
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