I was surprised to read that Greta Thunberg has been the target of hate. The comment referred to social media and death threats targeting the young environmentalist. I found it confusing, because everything I have seen about her has been overwhelmingly positive. She is nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, which is not exactly child's play.
It got me thinking about the algorithms embedded in the news. Because I have expressed my gratitude for her, articles that slam her don't show up for me. I applaud her efforts, so support for that position flows in my direction. At least I think it happens that way.
Something similar occurs in live conversation as well. When I resist gossiping about people, so do the people near me. If I slide into mud slinging, it encourages others around me to pick up a clod too.
One time I was slipping into that murky terrain of judgment. The woman I was with had her wits about her, and called me on it.
"Let's not talk about her this way." Amazingly she ended the criticism without criticizing me.
What is more, I remember that moment ten years later. Which would not be true if she had let me stay in the sludge.
