Chapter 1: The Company You Keep

Throughout my years of networking online, I’ve amassed around 30,000 social media friends, predominantly from my local community. I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them over the past 18 years, and some have become quite dear to me. However, I've also made the difficult decision to delete and block numerous individuals, particularly those who align with MAGA ideologies.

While most of these people haven’t directly harmed me, I’ve shared a lot of lighthearted banter with them in the past. For over 15 years, I've filled my social media with humorous status updates, jokes, and memes that often sparked laughter. Yet, I eventually realized the need to set boundaries on my accounts. Anyone who crossed those boundaries with their posts or comments was removed from my friends list, perhaps leaving some to wonder, "What happened to Jason?"

I am comfortable with my choices. As a husband to a half-Asian partner and a father to mixed-race children, as well as having a gay daughter, I take the responsibility of curating my social circle seriously. Access to my family's life, including the photos I share, is not automatic; it’s a privilege I grant selectively.

The video title is "Meta is Limiting Political Content on Social Media Platforms... is This Good or Bad?" This video explores the implications of restricting political content on social media, encouraging viewers to consider whether such actions are beneficial or detrimental to public discourse.

I frequently encounter posts on social media echoing sentiments of ignorance, especially following Trump's legal troubles. If you endorse MAGA principles and support someone as controversial as Donald Trump, you disqualify yourself from being part of my family’s circle, both online and offline. I refuse to welcome individuals who promote racism, bigotry, sexism, and homophobia into my space, whether physically or virtually.

Just as a conservative "Christian" Trump supporter wouldn’t feel comfortable attending the Pride events my family participates in, I feel equally out of place at a MAGA rally. I find no common ground with those who support Trump, and I adamantly oppose the GOP's efforts to undermine women's reproductive rights and discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. As a parent to a child in the LGBTQ community, I stand firmly for her rights and those of my friends and extended family.

This sentiment extends to a local bar that has recently gained notoriety for its "Hetero Awesomeness Month," which offers discounts solely to heterosexual patrons. Such actions mock and marginalize the LGBTQ community, making it clear that my family will never patronize that establishment.

In the realm of social media, I recognize that I am not obligated to maintain friendships with everyone. If individuals choose to align themselves with racist, bigoted, and willfully ignorant views, particularly in support of a figure like Donald Trump, I have no desire to connect with them. Supporting a convicted felon for political office says a lot about one's judgment.

Those who believe that Trump is facing persecution akin to historical injustices have lost touch with reality. Unlike the biblical figure, Trump has been embroiled in numerous scandals, including infidelity and tax evasion, not to mention his derogatory remarks about immigrants. If you lack kindness, empathy, and critical thinking regarding these issues, I have no place for you in my life, whether in person or through social media.

My mental well-being outweighs the need to keep acquaintances I’ve never met in my social media circles. I don't want to expose myself to conspiracy theories about how Trump is a victim of a witch hunt. The reality is, individuals who are repeatedly convicted of felonies are criminals.

Consider the people in Trump's inner circle during his presidency; many are now incarcerated or facing legal consequences. This reality should not be a source of sadness for those who claim to value law and order, especially when their friends are lawbreakers. The hypocrisy in this situation is astounding.

Removing MAGA supporters from my social media has proven beneficial for my mental health. Each day, I feel lighter as I encounter fewer pro-Trump memes and a significant reduction in online ignorance. By proactively blocking these individuals, I also spare them from the anger and frustration that my critical posts about Trump may incite.

Ultimately, we all deserve tranquility and improved mental health. It’s essential to choose who we surround ourselves with, whether in our social lives or online. If I wouldn’t invite MAGA supporters to a barbecue, there’s no obligation to let them into my digital life.

Protect yourself and your loved ones. Seek out people who uplift you, celebrate diversity, and prioritize the well-being of your family. Remember, you are defined by the company you keep.

© 2024 Jason Provencio. All rights reserved.