The Problem With 'Clapback' Culture On Social Media | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Problem With 'Clapback' Culture On Social Media

Yah gone let people live, or nah?

388
The Problem With 'Clapback' Culture On Social Media
Instagram

For anyone who has been on social media, any social media, for any amount of time, you know that people on social media can be ruthless. It's as if once they log on, their humanity and compassion turns off and they attack any and everyone without any regard for that person's feelings. People who don't know you from a hole in the hall feel as though they have the right to criticize you just because you came across their screen.

Being on social media potentially means you are allowing yourself to be subjected to other's opinion of you. Although this has come to be an expected component of social media, does that mean it's OK?

No, it does not.

I know this clapback culture, social networking thugging, cyber-bullying will never be 100 percent eradicated but it is a problem.

Recently, I've been seeing a lot of people attacking girls and women who upon wearing a full face of makeup they look completely different than their natural state.Many of these women had serious facial scarring from trauma and with makeup they were able to conceal these scars, burns etc. These women have been faced with the most disgusting ridicule by people who feel compelled to judge their before-and-after transformations. From men, I am not entirely shocked by this response. But I've read so many posts from women which I am surprised by. You'd think women would sympathize with other women and understand the various reasons why people wear makeup but seemingly they don't get it, neither.

The main theme was that these supposedly the women wearing the makeup were dishonest. Naturally, they looked nothing like they did when they had on makeup and thus they were lying to the public. I'm sure behind most of their disrespectful post, many of these men were uncomfortable with the fact that they had initially found this person attractive. They felt betrayed because this person was capable of being a bombshell and "ugly" at the same time. Truth be told, I am completely uninterested in how these transformations made these people feel. It is not about them. Contrary to what patriarchy would lead you to believe, women do not exist to for men or to be deemed attractive by me! Women walking on the street should not be concerned solely on how men perceive them. That should not dictate our actions. If you, as a man, do not want to be fooled by makeup- that is your problem. Someone being comfortable in their own skin trumps your perception of their appearance in relation to your romantic and sexual conquest.

You know, a lot of people look down on our clapback culture. However, I feel that sometimes it is warranted. Sometimes folks do things that are so obviously and inherently wrong — those people (like Donald Trump) deserve all the clapback they get. However, sometimes clapback culture is so malicious, unnecessary and, quite frankly, very dumb.

Do we not understand what beauty standards are? Are we unaware of the bullying and verbal assault so many people face just because of their appearance? Have we not read about the numbers of people who have killed themselves because of their insecurities? Yet we engage in the exact behavior that results in these tragedies.

Our society is not accepting of people who do not fit the norm. Many people have to live with this reality. They have to learn to love themselves despite society telling them that they are not worthy. If they choose to use makeup for whatever reason they have, is that cause for clapback? Their existence is cause for clapback? Them navigating their beauty, finding their comfort zone and doing what makes them happy is cause for clapback? I think-the-fuck not! And seriously, maybe it's not even that deep. Maybe they don't even care about their scars and they have a function to attend and just wanted to spice it up. Whatever the reason- they do not deserve to be assaulted by the masses on a comments thread.

Women, men, whoever decides to use makeup to enhance their beauty for whatever reason do not deserve to be attacked for it. Folks who have immense facial scarring are amazing for coming to terms with it and loving themselves despite their scars. Those people, if they choose to do so, should not be bullied into thinking they've done something wrong just because their makeup is bomb AF and their scars are nearly invisible.

You're damned if you do, damned if you don't. You're damned if your scars are visible. You're damned if your scars are hidden behind makeup. In a perfect world, everyone would be loved and respected despite their differences. But in this world - that is an absolute fantasy. Do what you want as long as it makes you happy. Do not let negativity dim your shine. The naysayers don't matter — no exceptions. Slayyyyy always!

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1906
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16631
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3527
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments