People often ask me why I got involved in politics, followed by one of two statements, ‘I’d never do it!’ or ‘how do you handle the abuse’.
It’s definitely not for the faint hearted. The abuse, particularly online can be hurtful, and sometimes downright scary. We receive training to help protect ourselves but emotionally it can take its toll.
The vast majority of people involved in politics are in it to have a positive impact. Regardless of your party, or non party, people generally want to have a positive impact on their community. You put yourself out there, but your family by default are also impacted by your decision even though they didn’t ask for it.
Every day I give it my all. I’m not perfect. I’ll often miss an email, or struggle to find a solution but I’ll always try my upmost to have an impact, to be open to different views and to put our amazing community first.
The general election is looming and candidates are declaring. They are taking a decision to put their name forward, and despite what some may think, whether it’s your first or tenth time doing this, it isn’t easy and takes a lot to do it. We all have a responsibility to create a safe space, candidates and the community. If we want more people involved in politics then we have to make it a space they feel comfortable to be in.
This week I have witnessed one candidate sharing a raciest, staged video aimed to spread hate and misinformation on their platform. It has thankfully been removed but it highlighted the ease at which such videos are shared. I wonder do people sharing these images realise the impact they are having. Have they ever comforted someone who as a result of such videos is abused on the Main Street on our town? Do they even care? Are they aware of the impact such videos have on peoples mental health?
I’ve also seen a disgusting posts online about another candidates made by a local person who claims to act at all times in honour of his catholic faith. He appears to have forgotten the concept of kindness, compassion and treating others as you would like to be treated.
As the weeks move on, it’s sad to think that this will get worse. By all means have an opinion, challenge a policy issue, has a view but when it becomes personal, abusive or raciest, it goes to a place that is just unnecessary.
Collectively we need to call out this type of commentary or behaviour. If we don’t then decent people will turn away from any sort of public role, be it politics, volunteering or anything else that puts you in the public eye. Our community will be ran by people with their own personal agendas.
Maybe that’s exactly what they want!
Let’s fight back.
Let’s keep it fair.
Let’s call out abuse.
Best of luck to all the candidates (party and non) who are running to make our County a better place. To those that want to spread hate. We see you and we don’t want it.
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