When I was 6 years old, with a gap-toothed smile and eyes full of questions, I learned how to navigate society; I understood that there are social rules—written and unwritten… It seemed obvious; I had the example right before my eyes: my parents, my teachers, and everyone around me getting along by throwing around “thank yous” and “sorrys.” At school, I had to raise my hand to speak, and it would have been very frowned upon to raise my hand just to say silly things to others. Over the years, I learned to express myself in a way that made me understood—without being rude—even when there were differences in opinion or values…
On the other hand, the rise of social media of all kinds has really driven home to me that people struggle to apply basic etiquette in a forum, Facebook group, or any other website where they have the chance to express themselves… It’s as if all good manners only come to life when we’re face to face, as if the screen has given free rein to the stubborn oddballs of this world, allowing all the nastiness that haunts their rude little minds to pour out onto the web.
So, my child, I want to tell you that learning to express yourself intelligently will allow you to reach far more people with your ideas… I want you to know how to express your anger without resorting to insults, and to share your pain without diminishing that of others. I’d like you to have enough self-confidence that you don’t need to spew your venom of contempt at anyone who seems less capable or attractive than you. Because after all, every time someone online calls someone else “fat” or “stupid,” every time they allow themselves to do what they wouldn’t do in real life, well, we’re getting closer to the schoolyard where fat Stéphane had his pants pulled down—and that, on top of being rude, is bullying!
Today, my child, we’re lucky to be able to speak our minds on almost any topic—and you don’t even have to raise your hand to do it. However, if you choose to speak up, do it right and be polite. If you don’t think you could say the same thing to someone’s face, then think twice—or seven times—before you type!