Wouldn’t it be great if more people could be mindful of what they say, analyze or report on.
Wouldn’t it be great if more people could be mindful of the potential damaging effects and impact that harsh hurtful words, criticism and constant negativity could have especially when publicly singling out Jr hockey players and personally attacking what they believe to be their lack of character, leadership ability or performance.
The take that “they’re fair game” or “it’s part of being an athlete” is one thing, but personally attacking someone when a person has no idea what’s going on in a young athlete’s life on and off the ice, somewhat crosses the line wouldn’t you think? You see there’s no rules, no boundaries, only personal restraint, morality and a sense of class and dignity that guide people on social media. Obviously, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but wouldn’t if be great if more people would just be careful about what they say. With all we know about mental health and the impact it can have on any individual’s trajectory, one would hope people would be more mindful of what and how they say certain things.
In this day and age, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and clearly everyone seems to have a platform to launch it from. Nonetheless, we really have no idea what type of impact there will be after the message, tirade or rant is sent.
On the outside looking in, some people feel compelled to judge and criticize, but they have no sweet clue or may never know or fully understand what these young athletes are going through or have experienced in their lives on the ice or away from the game.
It’s concerning why some people are compelled or even feel obligated to constantly put others down. It’s very concerning that people would use their platforms to degrade, humiliate and belittle junior aged hockey players. Oh, it’s social media, oh everyone is entitled to their opinion. I get all that, if you don’t like it, ignore it, and move on with your day. Somethings are harder to move on from than others, somethings can’t be ignored. That’s why people should be very careful about what one says, writes or reports on. We will never fully know the impact our words could have. Chose your words carefully.
It’s Never Going to Be Good Enough
For some hockey fans or fanatics, it’s never going to be good enough.
I understand the “boards” or “comment” sections are an online presence for many fans to air their grievances or concerns. For most people, diehard fans or hockey crazed fans social media is a safe place, they feel comfortable sharing because in many cases they feel validated and vindicated sharing their opinions online. They feel heard and seen. You see you can always count on someone being there to support their analysis, or their negativity or hate. In other cases the negativity stirs the pot or elicits reaction from others so it’s a win win for those keyboard warriors.
Quite simply the boards or comment section are an outlet for good or evil when it comes to the game of hockey especially Major Junior hockey.
An information highway or a highway to hockey hell, that’s life on the boards or comment sections. Unfortunately most commentary comes from misinformed fans who frequently cross the line, but no one polices it so the onslaught of negativity flows continuously.
Flip flop analysis is commonplace from a most fanbases, especially those that live and die by every result.
There’s a big difference between fandom and being a fanatic, for some people it’s never going to be good enough.
From a Major Junior perspective people believe every player can handle it because it’s a right of passage for them to hear criticism or hate when it comes to the game and their performance. For some people it will never to be good enough.
