Unfortunately, in the age of social media, bullying is more prevalent than ever. Know how to fight back if you get trolled as gracefully as Dwayne Wade.
Social media has been around for about 40 years now. Most people will argue when its popularity piqued. Some will say it was MySpace, and others will say it’s when Instagram came on the scene.
However you choose to look at it, one thing is for sure, people have become emboldened by it. Long gone are the days where civility and manners were at the forefront.
Keyboard warriors that are sitting behind their computer screens will come for anyone, age is no longer a factor. People feel that they can share their opinions because others choose to put their lives on display through social media platforms.
In part, they are right, but are the cruel comments necessary? Take the instance with Dwyane Wade and his Thanksgiving family photo that was posted by his wife, Gabrielle Union.
They were put through the social media ringer because his son chose to wear a crop top and fake nails.
Dwyane took to social media by saying: “Stupidity is a part of this world we live in - so I get it. But here’s the thing - I’ve been chosen to lead my family, not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love and a smile!”
Dwyane Wade composed a message that acknowledged the disapproval of others but also stated his position of defending his family’s way of living without completely insulting any one person. Yes, he is a public figure with over 15 million followers. He could have stooped to the level of those that were criticizing his family, but he took the high road and gave the intended message of guarding his family with pride, love, and a smile.
How can we apply the same principles to push back against negativity after we get trolled without stooping to their level?
Your first instinct is to get angry and defend those that you love, but when you do that out of anger, your emotions get the better part of you and you’ll end up saying something that is less than acceptable - even for your own standards.
Cool down and think about the message that you want to convey. You might want to respond with colorful language - DON’T. Two wrongs don’t make a right. It’s a cliché to say that, but it’s true. If you sit with your thoughts and carefully pick the words you want to string together, you’ll be happier with the outcome of your message.
Although someone has said something hurtful to you or your family, you want to provide a message with a positive outcome. Just like Dwyane said at the end of his message: “So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love, and a smile!” His response was classy and rose above the negativity.
Understand that you can’t please everyone. You can’t make everyone happy or live by the rules of others. If you try to please everyone, you’ll end up hurting yourself more in the process.
Not everyone is going to support and accept the things you do and that’s okay. You have to understand that everyone’s views are different. As long as you conduct yourself in the best light possible and know that you may have to defend yourself with poise and a serene attitude, you’ve won half the battle. Remember to stay calm, cool, and collected.
IF you get trolled or bullied, remember these helpful tips!
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