A Contemporary Trap

 

 

I saw a message on a friend’s Facebook page that provided a perfect reminder. It read:

“When someone tries to trigger you by insulting you or by doing or saying something that irritates you, take a deep breath and switch off your ego. Remember that if you are easily offended, you are easily manipulated.”

Wow, what a gem to consider in the bothersome times we live in.

I’ll admit, my ability to remain calm when under attack has been compromised a few times in the past four months. That is my responsibility. I have been in the public eye, one way or another, for most of my adult life. Newspaper reporter, broadcaster, teacher, administrator….each job brought different responsibilities but the same exposure to critics.

I am fair game, especially now, since I do a daily commentary which features an opinion and opportunity for a counter.

For a moment consider the phrase, “if you are easily offended, you are easily manipulated.” That’s gold. Especially in a world of people unwilling to provoke with their own identities. Why would anyone waste the time or energy being offended by a fake person.

They don’t really exist except on the Internet…and don’t possess the ability to converse in an extemporaneous way.  

Sometimes instead of switching off our ego I’ve found it best to just..

..switch off my computer.