Facebook Follies

Dan

The revelation that Facebook was stifling conservative news isn't surprising. Why would anyone think Facebook was different than any other form of media? You’re a conservative. No one likes you. You bring realism into a world of cat gifs and selfies and you're no fun. You're going to have to come to terms with that.

Facebook friends will lament the posting of conservative politics, and then share a news article about Bernie Sanders. Eventually you realize it's not politics they don't like discussing, it's just your politics. You, being the a lone conservative in the midst of liberals and socialists, have no place in the virtual biodome. If you want to hear from a friend on Facebook you haven't talked to in five years, post your conservative view on any political topic. Want to hear from the old college friend of your spouse who you only “friended” to be polite? Post your conservative opinion. They may never say “hello” or ask how you are, but they will rant on how wrong you are and attempt to humiliate you in a public forum.

Alternatively, you could figure out a program that works for you. Yes, Facebook sucks as a conservative platform, but there is no need to give up your right to express an opinion.  Facebook offers that opportunity, if you are willing to take the hits. Post your politics in between cat gifs and selfies if it helps ease the tension. Eventually your political rants might cause the people who harass you to eventually unfollow/unfriend you. That’s a good thing, they are doing you a favor. Better yet, you should unfriend them. Yes, it’s OK. Keeping angry superficial friends is not worth the trouble. You should to some extent enjoy whatever medium you’re using to express your opinion, and real friends would let you do that without attacking you, or at least being civil.  

But don't act like a victim. Don't complain that Facebook members don't want to play with you. Don't demand congressional investigations and call for affirmative action in social media. Facebook is a private company that can do what it wants. Your participation is voluntary. It's not the same as IRS targeting conservatives. If you don't like Facebook, don't use it.