Think Before You Post
By Jess Pearson
Stock Photo
Nowadays people are so quick to post everything on Facebook. An exhibitor trimming nails, dogs lifting their leg on ring equipment, RV camping at a show site, and a Best in Show rosette in a bag were only a few topics trending on social media recently. While these topics seem harmless, the original posts igniting these conversations were not.
Why are we so quick to shame someone on Facebook? Sure, we don’t post their name, but we jump at the opportunity every time someone says “PM me their name.” Once a Facebook post is made about someone, suddenly everyone jumps onboard without remembering that there are two sides to every story.
In a sport that is losing so many people, creating a great divide via social media is far from being supportive of our own. If you don’t like what someone is doing at a show, why not approach them first instead of creating a post on Facebook. Capturing the emotions of people who go on to call you a “hero” when the other side has not even had their chance to share their story. Everyone is trying to get an instant sensation in popularity.
What if, instead of public Facebook shaming, we take other action? Do we need to get another authority involved? Do we need to extend a hand and offer to help someone? What else can we do besides post to Facebook and shame someone? Is the person even truly at fault, or is it just a first hand account of one point of view or even hearsay?
“We need to protect our sport and shame those who are hurting it,” is what the response is to most things on Facebook. However, we are hurting ourselves as we forget often that there are in fact two sides to every story. People take sides immediately without any regard as to the other side.
For example, recently there was a post on Facebook naming a judge for saying she “hated Terriers” and “didn’t take the time with this breed.” I was ringside for the breed and judge that this poster was writing about. Never did I hear the judge say she hated the breed or group. In fact, the exhibitors left the ring, and she called them back to give them an additional award, which was more than fair. However, several comments on the post were filled with comments such as “don’t hire her,” and “report her to AKC,” when in fact, this judge did nothing wrong.
The next time you witness something whether in person or hearsay, think before you post. Is your post helping the good of the sport, or hurting it? What is YOUR purpose for posting this, what are you looking to get out of Facebook shaming? How would you feel if someone posted this about you, and what if it was not even true? People spend their whole lives trying to make it through each day within this sport, and we all may make a mistake every once in awhile. If you feel the need to vent, confide in a friend or write it down and throw it away. There is no need to divide a sport with a Facebook shaming post. Think before you post.
