I hope you are having a lovely start to your weekend. I’ve been thinking about some of the posts and conversations we’ve had here and, in light of current events, how we might be able to make a positive impact in our world.
I’ll start by saying that if influencing others in a positive way is the goal, I believe we are already succeeding.
I’ve mentioned that I’ve reviewed the numbers for our site and they show that the thoughts we share in both our Home page posts and our book discussions are read by hundreds of readers who prefer reading over participation. The numbers will continue to increase over time, as more readers eventually read the books we’ve discussed and seek other readers’ opinions. Discussions that we had one month ago are still being searched for, discovered and read today.
You are a social media influencer!
I’ve also mentioned that I feel that our group here is special. You make the effort to think deeply, write concisely, communicate respectfully and share freely.
Because information has become weaponized, reading, critical thinking and effective communication have become key skills in fighting disinformation. Because the battleground has shifted to the Internet, everyone who can read and has an online presence can fight back against disinformation.
For Americans and Canadians alike, for everyone who is willing and able, now is the time to fight. I hope that you will be interested in fighting with me, my friend.
What exactly does that mean? Firstly, it means doing exactly what you’ve been doing. Enjoying your time here on BCF and with our friends here. If the posts, comments and discussions are enjoyable to you, they will also be enjoyable to others. This is very important because this enables us to reach out and engage with other readers.
We are best when we remain positive, supportive, and empathetic. We are best when we can be balanced and can continue to laugh and feel hopeful.
There are evidence-based strategies that have been published on how to combat disinformation. I will need to do more reading and research before formulating and proposing any plans. Perhaps our best contribution will be to discuss books and shine light on the messages they hold. Perhaps we can do more.
As always, my ears are open to your thoughts and ideas, including the thought that our book club should remain as is without any effort to do more than we are doing already. If you’d prefer to send feedback privately, please just send us an email ([email protected]) or tap here to use the contact form.
YES to everything you’ve said Jane. It’s exciting to see how many people are participating in this book club whether by actively responding or reading. Thank you for sharing that information with us.
I feel like this is the most reliable and safest place for me online at this time. I am so thankful for all you do to provide this safe harbor for us. I was just telling a friend of mine how valuable BCF had become to me. And, how you acknowledge each and every one of us as a valuable member of this group not just another number or click on an icon.
I am willing to do whatever I can to help in your endeavor to maintain positivity in this gloomy political situation we are all in. I just need more direction. I am working hard to minimize the divide with in my family so that we can one day, before it’s too late, meet in the middle and have productive conversations concerning the dilemma not only our country is in but the world.
Hugs to everyone on BCF
Libby my friend, you will *never* be just another number or icon! Do you think every Internet stranger is offered ugly Chez Mama products? No. Those embarrassments go to highly-valued, good friends only.
Your family is lucky to have you and your kind, empathetic nature to help bring them together. I’ll definitely share any relevant research I find with you.
Jane you always make me smile and giggle. Happy Sunday dear friend!
I think there is a strategy to overwhelm and exhaust, which is effective. I also think there is goal to make people feel helpless and hopeless. But once we realize that there is always something that can be done to fight back is some way, we are no longer helpless or hopeless.
Finding positive ways forward seems like the healthiest approach to the situation because I am coming across the term “doom scrolling” quite a bit on Reddit and Bluesky. It’s difficult not to get caught up in the emotions that seem to be flooding out of everyone at the moment, although the feelings are completely valid and justified. At the end of the “catching up with the news of the day” session, I often feel very anxious and depressed. A touch of hopelessness might be in there as well. I’ve taken Jane’s advice to stop reading news before bed, so at least I’m sleeping better these days, so that’s a big positive. And proof right there that this community is healing, supportive and making life better for those who have joined!
I will also mention the story of the horrible murder of Jun Lin in Montreal, the international manhunt that followed, and the anonymous group of cat-loving Internet strangers who came together to track down the murderer. Goodness exists as long as good people exist and when good people come together, that goodness can definitely spread further to heal, inspire and find solutions to problems.
Don’t F*** With Cats!!! Or cat people. I loved that documentary.
I enjoy working towards goals. A challenge is motivational, uplifting and a better alternative to helplessness, fear, anxiety, avoidance and, of course, hopelessness.
I think there are many things that can be done in both Canada and America – calls, letters, protests, donations to appropriate causes, and the latest ones seem to be purchasing blackouts and a targeted boycotts. Anything that has the goal of disrupting those awful people is positive. As is anything that has the goal of supporting people fighting to help others.