-Isms: Views on life in rural America

A couple topics are brewing in my mind and, since it’s Tuesday, and I’ve been attempting to construct on outline for this week’s column, I’ll probably split it into two sections. See, this is what happens when I procrastinate, -er, utilize my collegiate debate skills to fine-tune a creative argument.

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A recent National Public Radio segment got me thinking.

I want to break up with Facebook, personally and professionally.

The segment talked about tensions between the social network and Australian media that developed last month after friends down under prepared to pass a law forcing online platforms to dole out cash to publishing companies. Facebook blocked news posts and, eventually, Australian lawmakers rewrote the law and Facebook allowed news postings once again.

To quote NPR, “Facebook’s purpose is not to inform the public - it’s to keep its business growing.”

It’s goal is not to promote my small business or any other mom and pop venture in the Summerland region and beyond.

One New Zealand media company cut ties with the social media platform and actually saw an uptick in readership and engagement. After nearly a year without utilizing the platform, though, the publishers of Stuff wonder if it is a disservice to readers to let misinformation inform readers. Should they post online to battle untrue info?

Considering that one-third of Americans say they receive news via Facebook, would a break-up be good or bad for business?

It’s the least favorite social media channel we use, for a number of reasons. I’ll be brutally honest, it does not generate income for the majority of media outlets in America. Nope. Facebook is the one cashing in.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Does Facebook contribute to the local youth football team or non-profits seeking donations? Nope. Local businesses do and let’s face it ... most local businesses do not have the manpower or bankroll to battle the mega-giant social media corporation.

My due diligence is to the readers of this publication, to present factual information and to do so in an engaging way.

So, if SAM decides to call it quits with Facebook, it’s not personal. It’s a business decision.

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One in five students in the United States is bullied. According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, 57% of bullying situations stop when a peer intervenes.

Did you know that sixth-grade students experience the most bullying, according to “A Snapshot on Bullying in America.”

The National Center for Education Statistics reports 42% of students who reported being bullied at school “indicate bullying was related to at least one of the following characteristics: physical appearance, race, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.”

If you witness bullying, stand up and do the right thing. Otherwise, your silence is part of the problem.