A message to Ralph

What we post is part of our past, it reflects our thinking and mindset at the time, but in this digital world, what we post is part of our future. I created a web page in 2007 in anticipation of the next Alberta Provincial election. When the election was over, I took it down except for a "thank you" page. Surprisingly it is still there; I've caught links to it through searches and through those 'people finder' sights. Pictures that I had posted, words I had deleted.

That's okay for me; I've kept my online identity such that I don't mind if the whole world reads it. I don't post pictures of me in crazy clothes or making stupid faces. I don't want the public world to see me stupidly; I don't want employers to make judgements on my personal life. As a parent and as an educator, I've seen students (and adults as well) post compromising posts and pictures. Ones that make oneself look silly or stupid, ones that are poorly written and full of errors and deflaming comments. I've seen students suspended and expelled for deflamation and libel; and charged with crimes.

Recently, I was told about a recent posting by a student from many years ago who posted two deflamatory comments on Facebook. I don't know where his feelings came from as I was surprised, but I do really want to comment on the thread in which no one supported him. Bravo to all the students who did not enable this kind of conversation. I have huge respect for the two students who stood up. Thank you, you are a person with integrity. You know who you are. You remember that we need to stand up.

I dedicate this video to all of those students who think that the web is a venue to say things you are not proud of or would say in person. To the ralphs of the world, to use a recent movie, I see you. More importantly, the world sees you and I suspect few respect what they see.