When did it become cool to look at someone and point out their flaws instead of recognize their strengths and accomplishments? When did being mean become cool?
Joking is not a new thing. It is a way to desensitize feelings toward serious problems or situations, or simply a way to poke fun at something. But at a certain point, enough is enough.
People are so quick to pass off jokes as being "savage," as if it's something that shouldn't be taken seriously. But when you hear it so many times, is it even a joke anymore? When you hear something enough, it's fair to figure that there may be some truth in whatever is said. Yes, people will say what they say and you shouldn't care, but in an age where prejudice and harassment are real things, how could one not care?
It is saddening that it is almost a rarity that anyone steps up to "savage" behavior. I'll even argue that it's encouraged for the jokes and fun. Log into any of your social media accounts and look at the comments on your favorite video and maybe even one of your own posts. Chances are that you'll see people arguing with each other by throwing fun at what the person above them says. It truly is a real form of bullying that is socially acceptable.
Individuals are so concerned with adding to the "roast" that they don't consider the pain that it may inflict on the one being hurt. Insecurities are a real thing and jokes aren't a mean of making it mean any less. Really, if anything, it's mocking and embarrassing. It hurts, but the victim won't tell you that. Appearing soft invites more reason to hurt, but having seemingly tough skin makes it seem as though nothing gets to you. There's no winning really. The only way to stop this kind of behavior is to make "savagery" uncool, which it is.
If you're going to joke about something, please take the time to understand someone's tolerance for jokes and ability to laugh at themselves. Some people lack the self-esteem to laugh at their own mistakes. Don't be the person that makes a person look at their insecurities and makes them feel less than they actually are.
We're all worth something and "savage" is not an excuse to make us feel anything less than that.
