True Blue, Through and Through

“They are mad because the warning signs ruined their trip? Entitled”

“Upset because you can’t break the rules?”

“You think you are so cool.”

“This chick is so stupid.”

“Entitled”

I post the same thing to every social media platform. I am sure I am supposed to make special content for each to optimize views. I don’t. For some reason one video really wasn’t well received on YouTube. People did NOT notice the “Sarcastic Alaskan” was the one who posted it. They didn’t not the smiles or that the images showed the danger signs, then the danger, then us following the rules, all to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive”. It would be easy to get upset. I was more confused. People on every other platform seemed to get it. I politely replied to each comment.

“Not mad at all! Note the smiling faces! Glad the signs were there.”

“Nope. They kept us safe! Note the username… Sarcastic Alaskan.”

“No… I think YOU are cool!”

“Where is the chick? I see a crazy woman having fun with her friends?”

“Entitled to… post whatever comment we want! Totally allowed.”

Some of those comments are now deleted. Which marks the second weird thing. I always reply to every comment. I have never had a post where so many people went back and deleted comments. The whole thing threw me for a loop. For as much as I use social media. I don’t get it most of the time.

What I do get is me! This week, in my college class, we discussed honesty and ethics. It can feel like such a fine line for some. There was a section in our book that spoke about double lives. I take such care to do things that really, truly, and honestly represent me. My social media thing only started because I like sharing about Alaska. I love editing videos. And I am a sucker for a well-timed audio cue. Not that I do it perfectly. But I do try! Sheri L Dew once said, “Living with integrity isn’t necessarily easy, but it is far easier than the alternative.”

So, when I see a comment, either rude, off-putting or kind, I try to react with kindness and integrity. Because for me… there is no alternative.