I rarely scroll through my Facebook feed. It’s actually disabled on my computer. But I was on my phone, and probably nursing my baby while absently scrolling with my thumb. I stopped on a photo of a little boy mannequin with a red Mickey Mouse balloon tied in one hand. The shirt was the focus of the photo. It was Disney themed, and on it read the phrase “Lock up your princesses.”
I chuckled and moved my thumb towards the reactions, thinking I’d press and hold the laughing face guy. But before I could, I noticed the popular reactions that were already recorded. Most of them were angry. I scrolled down to read the comments.
There was a flurry of frustration about it being innapropriate, teaching toxic masculinity, or raising sons to be predators, and how they’d never put something like that on their child. I could see where they were coming from, but I didn’t necessarily agree–or at least, didn’t have the same fury so many of them seemed to feel. Yet, I didn’t disagree enough to arm up and jump into virtual battle.
Still, I shared my initial thoughts after peeking at the comments. Just that I initially thought it was funny but the comments made me doubt myself. My friend who had shared the post said it was ok, we didn’t all have to agree.
I responded with a Homer Simpson gif that perfectly represented my thoughts on engaging further.
A friend of mine texted me offline, laughing in response to my reaction. I told her this wasn’t my hill to die on.
“Oh, I die on so many hills,” she told me. And she expressed how she’ll get into little arguments with people online about comments that irk her. I don’t blame her. I completely understand. And I believe we all have our own little battles we’re willing to fight.
For me, I’m viciously passionate about debunking stereotypes surrounding minorities and police officers. Yes, BOTH of those. I know for a lot of people it’s usually one or the other.
I also care so much about education, positive mindsets, and encouraging optimism.
Freedom of religion, or freedom to choose a lack of religion is another hill I’d fall on. As well as the principal of not dehumanizing anyone no matter which aisle they stand on. No matter how much you disagree. Having the respect to treat another human being as such stands above all else.
I would die on a thousand of those hills. To me, those are some battles worth fighting for. It’s important we have something like that to stand for. Something that is true to our own personal principals.
What are yours?
It recently occured to me though these are embedded in my core, they aren’t topics I often delve into. I think part of that is because of the amount of energy it takes to pour my soul into some of these topics–I just don’t have a reservoir deep enough to draw from just yet.
But still, I want to do more this year. I’m still trying to figure out exactly how this would work best but for now, how about I don’t overthink it. I’m just going to share a few causes that I’ve donated and/or contributed to this month, and encourage you to do the same for causes that are meaningful to you.
BYU Black Alumni Association – sponsored seats to a scholarship dinner
Cycle for Survival – donated to a friend cycling for a cure
YMCA– Sponsored an extra child for a track season
Helped a friend raising funds for the adoption of their babies
Not a bad start so far. Try to find ways to give back, or stand up for what you believe in. I’d love it if you shared those with me as well so I and others can inquire further.
