In my opinion, it is becoming more and more difficult to state your opinion. This is when it comes to politics, movies, sports, television, books, etc. Social Media has become a platform for gossip. In a recent interview on CBS with Actress Penelope Cruz was asked about an individual. She blatantly responded, “In 20 seconds, you can ruin someone’s life.” 

That statement hit the nail on the head. Social Media is full of posts that virtually crucify anyone who states something slightly off color or if their opinion does not agree with the masses. How many people are ostracized with a virtual scarlet letter? Many individuals are fired from their jobs or find it difficult to get work because of their profiles on social media? Sometimes these posts are taken out of context and do not tell the whole truth, and some are blatant lies – but it doesn’t matter. The damage is done, and these individual’s lives are ruined.

How many books, movies, television programs, etc. are deemed “offensive” by the masses? When will this stop? What ever happened to the Bill of Rights, especially the First Amendment? When will we be able to state an opinion, even if it is in the minority? Everyone has said or did something stupid (sometimes in public). Now, if you do something, it is plastered over the internet within twenty seconds. Have we gone back to public shaming or shunning like it was in the 1600’s? Is privacy a thing of the past? Has it become wrong to have an opinion? What is your take on this? As always, letters welcome. K.M.