Facebook gets (even more) political
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Statuses? Stati? What’s the plural of status? Whatever the case, political opinions are spilling over onto Facebook, infiltrating News Feeds and walls alike. So why are opinions no longer being expressed through little bubbles on ballots first, but rather, put on the Internet for the world to see?
You got me. Although in a way politically informed friends can point out newfound perspectives on certain issues, how many of your Facebook friends are actually qualified as “informed”?
But let’s just play with the idea that you found one: There’s a pretty low chance that they are not biased. So most people are really spewing out the half-chewed story when they ought to be digesting information, either way, the opinions are plentiful and my tolerance, like that of many others, is wearing thin.
Admittedly, a half-baked idea is better than no idea at all: Facebook is a wonderful way to express ideas and thoughts. It’s the fighting that gets me. Sometimes, people have to come to an understanding that there won’t be an understanding, but people often skip that step, closed off to any idea that may reshape their own.
Politics can be a tricky subject, meaning different things for different people, being shaped by unique experiences and various influences. I’ve heard from many a college student that they will simply not vote because they “don’t like both candidates.” And hey, that’s a legitimate idea! But with this action comes a host of tiny little disclaimers and side effects, the main one being that you may not complain when someone, inevitably, is elected. Not only that, but there are other things on the ballot to consider – proposals, and other presidential candidates who are not Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. Voting is not like it is often portrayed in the heads of citizens: Two boxes with names above them with a only a check-mark needed.
Going back to the now correlating topics of social media and politics, there are ways around it, if you choose not to be informed. Press the “Skip Ad” button on Youtube, or exit out of the political campaign pop-ups. There is even a download for Google Chrome that blocks all political statuses on Facebook, showing instead cat pictures. And who doesn’t want to see cat pictures? (Maybe I’m alone in that, but hopefully not). Whatever confusing route you decide to take, the date of November sixth should be important in one way or another.
On that day, Jacob Schick was granted a patent for the electric shaver, perfectly ironic for No-Shave November, and Mark Messier scored his 500th National Hockey League goal.
Also, in a cheesy and overstated kind of way, you could change history with your vote.
sschoch@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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