🌺 When a good day get sidelined on Facebook. ☕️
"Toxicity on Social Media and Misguided Gatekeeping"
The toxicity on social media platforms is often hard to stomach, especially when grown adults go out of their way to disrespect others—often complete strangers. This morning, I came across a particularly absurd post from a Facebook troll who decided to attack me for expressing a sentiment of goodwill. His claim? That people like me shouldn’t say, “I love you all, brothers and sisters,” to support military servicemen and women because I haven’t served in the military myself.
Whoa. Hold up. What?!
First off, it’s a simple message of love and support, not a critique. It’s not rocket science to understand the difference, but apparently, some people missed that memo. I don’t need to have served in the military to express heartfelt gratitude and solidarity. Love—at its core—is the very opposite of violence. And let’s not pretend that poorly written rants, riddled with grammar and spelling errors, add any weight to such misguided arguments.
What makes this even more frustrating is the timing. At a moment when we’re all trying to rally around and uplift those in harm’s way—including my cousin Matt, who’s stationed just offshore—it’s disappointing to see someone try to turn goodwill into a divisive issue.
"Serving Differently Doesn’t Diminish My Contribution"
Let’s get one thing straight: my family has a long tradition of military service, with at least one or two members per generation stepping up to serve. I grew up surrounded by their stories and sacrifices, and I chose a different path—not out of avoidance, but out of purpose. I serve society differently as a skilled professional, contributing to the economy and supporting the people who depend on me.
To suggest that I need to drop everything and join a war to validate my gratitude for soldiers is both absurd and reductive. Society doesn’t function when every capable person abandons their roles in the name of one-size-fits-all patriotism. Caring for loved ones, educating young minds, supporting the elderly, and building a thriving economy are as vital to the moral fabric of society as boots on the ground.
What’s truly ironic is being criticized by someone who clearly lacks the very values they’re preaching about—respect, unity, and service. Instead, they’ve chosen to embody the cynical mind-set of a “babbling clown,” tearing others down from the safety of a keyboard rather than building bridges of understanding.
"The Bigger Picture"
Let’s not lose sight of what matters. Words of encouragement, whether from a veteran or a civilian, have power. They remind soldiers—like my cousin and so many others—that they’re not alone. That their sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and honored. And no troll or gatekeeper can diminish that.
To those who serve, to those who support, and to those who choose to uplift others: I love you all, brothers and sisters. Let’s continue to show compassion and solidarity, because love is a force far greater than ignorance and negativity.
Like my mother used to say, "A leai sou tala faufautua lelei, Aua e te tautala. Ae e tautala I luga atu tapuaina lelei o sesi foi tagata. Ia tatalo I le Atua e faamama atu lou loto palapalaa.
Soifua!
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