Social Media What If...

The irony of this post is that I’m kind of going after social media.  Yet here I am, on my blog that will be posted on my Twitter (@wahly22) and Facebook page.

In the wake of the Richard Sherman situation, not the interview, but the horrible things directed at him on Twitter; I couldn’t help but wonder what if the social media existed in other eras.  Can you imagine what would have been said to these people if the access to them was then, what it is now?  Let’s sit back and play a little sports game.

What if Twitter, Facebook and the 24 hour news cycle existed when:

…Magic Johnson announced he had the HIV virus.

…OJ Simpson’s ex-wife was found murdered and he was in the Ford Bronco.

…Isiah Thomas made racial remarks regarding Larry Bird.

…Allen Iverson’s “practice” rant occurred.

…Kobe Bryant was alleged to have been involved in a rape in Eagle, Colorado.

…Michael Jordan was at the peak of his game, yet was womanizing and gambling excessively.

John Carlos

…Wilt Chamberlain was scoring more off the court than on it.

…Steve Bartman innocently attempted to catch a foul ball.

…Chris Webber called a timeout they didn’t have.

…Scott Norwood missed the game winning field goal in the Super Bowl.

…John Carlos raised his fist at the 1968 Olympics.

…Muhammad Ali was in his prime and speaking with an aura of confidence frowned upon nowadays.

Can you imagine the hatred, anger and vitriol that would have been aimed at the people above?  Twitter almost exploded at an athlete for being speaking excitedly ON THE FIELD!  It’s crazy what people will send to another person with total disregard for their feelings.  Instead of finding the back story as to what happened surrounding the events, they make an immediate reaction in 140 characters without thinking.

Next time you tweet or post something about an individual, whether you know them personally or not, relax.  Take a minute to think and realize that just because you have anonymity online, it doesn’t mean you have to abuse it.  Treat others how you want to be treated…you know, the Golden Rule.