SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA– There are many things I learned while observing the Manny Pacquiao/LGBT debate unfold over the last week or so. It can’t be avoided. My social media feed is littered with comments and reactions. I’ve never seen so many bible quotes on my feed in my entire Facebook life.
Although I didn’t post anything about it, I did learn a few things while watching others argue.
It is very easy to release statements. Oh, the rampage from both sides were amazing, disgusting, ridiculous and hilarious all at the same time. People have a tendency to suffer from brain constipation and mouth diarrhoea. They just sputter whatever comes to mind without thinking about it — or the consequences afterwards. Has everyone lost their brain filters? I wonder.
It is so easy to hate. The outrage was understandable, I know that. After the ‘worse than animal’ statement was released by Pacquiao, the LGBT community had their say about it. Then Christian groups and Pacquiao’s supporters joined in the fight. Then it went on and on and on, with one comment having even more vitriol than the next. The hate isn’t abating. It keeps on going and going until, who knows.
It is easy to join the bandwagon. Frankly, I wasn’t surprised everyone had something to say about it. It is the hottest topic around, and social media makes it so much easier to have a say on any topic under the sun. I do wonder though if people are joining in the conversation because they feel so strongly about it or because they didn’t want to be left out. You know, the FOMO phenomenon (a.k.a. Fear of Missing Out).
It is easy to forget more important issues. Everyone is so focused on this one thing that other more important things are forgotten. They’re so busy with the mob fight that they can’t see the building is about to collapse. Even the media is getting in on the action as well. I hope the media realises that the more you cover the fight, the less room there is for other more pressing things.
It is easy to forget the good. People make decisions based on the side they’ve taken that they forget the good in others. You forget that the man you’re attacking online gave pride to your country. You forget that the gay teacher you are attacking online mentored you to pass that exam. You forget that people are more than just the side they’ve picked on this fight.
I think that’s enough. Everyone has said their piece. Pacquiao’s been dropped by Nike. The topic has been discussed. I think it’s time to put the pitchforks down and focus on something else.
Remember that at the end of the day, you can’t change someone else’s perspective on things. People believe what they believe. They will gather evidence to support their beliefs. It’ll go round and round and nothing will get done. It’s time to move on.
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