There are some wonderful aspects of social media that I believe that we all enjoy, as well as some that we all find irritating. For the most part, people are generally engrossed in their feeds and timelines and enjoy pouring out their thoughts, posting pictures, and sharing memes that they find funny.
That said, social media can be a pleasurable pastime for me – and other times, the perpetual thorn in my side. Years ago, I used to discuss different types of bullying with my students. Unfortunately, bullies have been around since ancient times. Once smartphones came onto the scene, however, people began using them as weapons – recording people without their knowledge and sending those videos into cyberspace.
With the advent of social media, however, bullying has taken on a whole new meaning. No longer is it just unsuspecting everyday people who are victims of the malicious misuse of a recording device. Nope. Today, cyber bullying has become the tool of choice for these bold bottom dwellers. In fact, directing unsolicited opinions toward celebrities has become second nature.
None of us should be surprised at the downright character attacks that many celebrities are forced to endure. But I must admit that I couldn’t help but feel sad for Lizzo a few weeks ago when she expressed the pain associated with reading the hateful comments on her Instagram page. As the tears glistened on her cheeks, it was easy to see her humanness and understand that she, too, has feelings.
(Page Six)
People trolling celebrities has become one of those annoying new trends that society has become comfortable with. The problem is, most of us are not jumping on this bandwagon. Reading those vile, insensitive comments makes our stomachs turn. Some people even swoop in to defend the celebrity, hoping that their words will somehow overshadow the trash that litters that person’s page. And even though many fans and friends (Cardi B in Lizzo’s case) come to the rescue and stand up for the person, those negative comments still manage to cut to the core.
Last week, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, the powerhouse gospel singer, posted a picture of herself in a dress that she loved. She even said that she purchased the dress in multiple colors because she loved it so much.
(Facebook)
Most people on her page complimented her and let her know how beautiful she looked. Then along came a troll, who decided to let Cobbs-Leonard know that the dress did not look good on someone “her size.” It didn’t take long for the true Tasha fans to roll up on the troll and get her together. But some people “liked” the troll’s comment because they obviously agreed with it.
Here is the thing: You don’t have to like a celebrity’s posts. You might not like their outfits, their hairstyles, or the shade of lipstick they are wearing. But here’s an idea – KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! I think that some people say negative things on purpose, hoping to get attention – in any form. If you have to diss a celebrity for clout, your life is missing a whole lot of things.
For most people in the spotlight, their tribes handle their business for them. But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the fact that Tasha had time that day and didn’t hesitate snapping back at that troll. She snatched all the edges!
Tasha was like:
I have had it with people trying to bully and humiliate celebrities – but especially the ones who happen to be Black women. They seem to be the ones who are always coming under fire for one thing or another. This whole notion of fitting into this ideal body type is a major pet peeve for me. Shaming these women because they don’t fit the “Hollywood” image is disgusting!
It doesn’t end there, unfortunately. Internet trolls will drag a celebrity for just about anything. These hobgoblins seem fearless and don’t care who the person is or how respected they are in their fields. If they disagree with something that a celebrity has done, they will not hesitate in posting their disdain about it.
Here is my question: Why continue to follow a person just to talk smack on their posts? The time, effort, and energy it takes to write a negative post can be focused elsewhere, I’m sure!
There was a time when the world held a certain amount of respect for those who have chosen to entertain us. No – we didn’t like everything celebrities did, but I think most people had the decency to hold their opinions to themselves. Granted, social media was not a thing, but even if given the chance, most people would not have been bold enough to go toe-to-toe with celebrities.
Here’s another thing: The same people who talk the most smack to celebrities on social media will probably be the first ones running to those same celebrities for a selfie!
This be them:
Naw, pooh – keep that same energy!
At any rate, I hope we will get to a point where heated exchanges on social media will be a thing of the past. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But at the very least, I hope that all of those evil little minions behind their keyboards get carpal tunnel. Or at the very least – get a life.
I said what I said.
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