Okay, get ready. One, two, three … jump!
Jump on the bandwagon.
Phineas T. Barnum, the circus owner, coined the word “bandwagon” as the name for the wagon that carried a circus band.
Hang on, you might jump ahead and figure out where this is going, but I ask that you slow down and stay with me … for the time being.
When you jump on a bandwagon it means you join a popular activity. Does the phrase, “What’s trending” ring a bell?
#hashtags! Facebook! Instagram! Twitter! Oh my!
My comment can top your comment, so the comments say.
If you think you have it bad, look at how bad I have it. Well, here are my two cents’ worth of opinions. (Two cents might be an exaggeration.)
Have you noticed that too many bandwagons are negative ones? It’s like the bandwagon is rolling over a pile of manure and the manure is being slung here and yonder.
The one commenting feels safe and believes the words are harmless because the manure is being slung behind the safety of a computer screen. But are the words harmless? Don’t the words get back to the person being covered in negative words? Does the negativity really help the situation being addressed?
If someone tries to enlighten those on the negative bandwagon with a bit of positivity or actual facts, oh my stars, they are verbally assaulted and run over by the bandwagon.
Truth is only appreciated if it goes along with the opinions of most of those on the bandwagon. The perception of the popular is often what rules.
They say you refine your opinions by the five people you spend the most time with. I love that my Tribe of Five is not afraid to let me know when my perception might need a bit tweaked.
I never want to be so set in my ways and opinions that I cannot see the viewpoint of others. I also want to be brave enough to bring truth into the discussion. For me, this can be difficult. Yet, the older I get, the easier it is to put on my big girl panties and say, “Excuse me, but have you thought about it this way?”
As I have gotten older, I have found that arguing wastes time and emotional energy. To do so on social media is just meaningless. The possibility of changing the mind of someone there is about as likely as me going skydiving. That is not going to happen.
I want my bandwagon to have music and fun and manure-proof wagon wheels. I want people jumping on who will find a cause and go out and do something about it to make a difference.
I would love to say I’ve never jumped on the wrong bandwagon or engaged in social media banter. It’s been a long time since I found myself in the trenches of social media muck. I’ve even stopped reading it … well, most of the time.
I’ll keep most of my opinions to myself, this column, and maybe at one of the coffee shops or cafes around town.
I’ll invite you to jump on my bandwagon and fight for a great cause. Just like my opinions, I have quite a few of them.
If you find yourself on the wrong bandwagon, do not be afraid to … one, two, three! Jump off!
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.