Think Before You Post | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Can We Forgive What's In The Past?

In the era of racking through old tweets and facebook posts, can we forgive old transgressions?

16
Can We Forgive What's In The Past?
https://www.pexels.com/photo/coffee-smartphone-twitter-application-58639/

In the era of people's old tweets and statements ending with them not being able to host the Oscars and others with them being labeled as racist or homophobic, I wonder how we examine the past. Whenever I have taken a history class in high school or in college, the teacher was always adamant about examining historical events in the context of the time period. Throughout time morals, values and just general code of conduct have changed greatly, therefore according to my teachers, historical events should be taken with a grain of salt. But can we say the same for old tweets? Can we say the same for old stand up skits or old talk show interviews?

In the past 15 years, there has been a new rise of the movement of political correctness, causing old "jokes" and statements to move from acceptable to taboo. Things that used to be considered funny are now seen as things that are only said by people who are homophobic, or sexist, or racist. As a society, the majority of us have drawn a line in the sand as to what can be joked about and what can't. For many, the logic is that with so much that there is to joke about, why would people choose to joke about such sensitive things.

Now if we looked at tweets from 10 years ago in the same lens that my history professors recommended us to do, we would say that although nowadays we don't accept that way of acting, at the time it wasn't unusual. Now there are two reactions to this kind of thought, some people agree and say that we should chalk up the transgressions to a time period issue, while others say that is isn't forgivable because there are plenty of people at the time period who didn't make comments like that. At this moment in time, I understand and can see both opinions.

In the time of social media and everything being saved in the cloud forever, the idea of "think before you speak" is more important than it ever was. What you post today could be used against you 10 years from now when you decide to apply for a job or get thrown into the limelight. We are no longer in a time when old issues and transgressions are forgotten, everything can be brought up again. So next time you post, ask yourself if it is worth it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

8070
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

4876
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

5476
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

3365
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments