I USED TO THINK that the cellular phone was the most intrusive and annoying invention ever. I am now convinced it is not the cellphone – it is the social media site Facebook.
This invention has provided a level of anonymity and separation that allows so many of us to say some of the most hurtful things possible, while not having to face the people we denigrate. I am still absolutely disgusted by some of the things individuals posted in relation to the apparent suicide of little Shemar Weekes last Thursday night.
As harsh as it might seem for the family, I see nothing wrong with anyone asking for a full investigation, or saying they are uncomfortable with what they heard about the incident, but what’s the benefit of pillorying the grieving mother?
If so many people knew what a horrible parent she supposedly was all along, why did they not step in and do something then?
Yes, such tragic incidents touch even people who are not personally involved, but it can never be an excuse for the kinds of attacks that are now synonymous with Facebook. Everything, from the boy picking green limes to how the mother looked when she went outside to await the ambulance, became a point of criticism.
However, none of it touched me like when Shemar’s sister, Keandra Weekes, joined the “discussion” and asked: “Can you guys stop posting this let my brother r.i.p everyone arguing over this as well looks foolish?”
Someone with the title Brien King cold-heartedly responded: “To you it looks so, but there is more to this than what is stated. I do not believe he kill himself, never did and never will. This is a case needs digging into as something is being covered up here?”
My Lord, how cold and callous can you get? I mean, to his sister? Without provocation?
And Keandra must be one brave soul, for she attempted to counter: “So how would my mother have done it? My brother is taller and can defend himself against her; no way she could get him that way. So it doesn’t look so to me it is just so. And let the police handle it and everyone else go about their business . . . ”
But Mr King would not give up. He shot back: “You need investigating as well.”
My only question at this stage would be: Where is the compassion and empathy this is supposed to separate us from the “animals”?
But perhaps none of this is about Facebook at all. It is the growing sense of self-righteousness with which so many of us take pleasure in cloaking ourselves. As I have said before, it is nothing short of folly for anyone of us to believe we are immune from such tragedies and the pain they bring.
Be careful, what goes around comes around.