Pet Peeve #1: Forwards

I’m not sure I’ll write about another pet peeve, but I’ve labeled this #1 just in case.

I’m irritated by forwards. Not all forwards, but forwards that fall into two categories: those that promise blessing or that shame me if I do or do not forward them, and those that are forwarded ad infinitum with no regard to the validity of the contents.

One rarely sees snail-mail chain letters any more (probably because no one can afford to send them, not to mention that if they promise monetary gain they are illegal), but chain letters via e-mail are thriving! One I received this morning urged me to “Keep this going.” And further advised me that, “Now you're on the clock! In 9 minutes something will make you happy. ;-) But you have to tell this story to 9 people, Go!”

Friend, I may agree 100% with the opinion stated in your e-mail, but if I get to the end and I am promised anything, or if you attempt to induce guilt, you may be 100% assured that I will not forward it! And I refuse to suffer one iota of remorse!

My God does not bless, nor does He reprove, based upon either my willingness or failure to forward a message, regardless of content. I’m sorry if your god does.

I suppose it’s human nature but why, when we receive a message containing opinions that echo our own biases, are we so quick to believe it’s true and that no verification is needed before we inflict it on the next person?

Why are we so willing to immediately boycott Pepsi (unless, of course, we’re a Pepsi addict, which might diminish our resolve) because they left the words “under God” out of the Pledge of Allegiance, based on a widely circulated missive, without checking it out? (The real story is here.) Or to believe that the ACLU is pushing to remove cross-shaped headstones from federal cemeteries? Or to rise up in indignation that atheists are trying to ban religious broadcasting? (This one goes clear back to 1975 and still resurfaces.)

I’m not sure what I think of Obamacare. I don’t understand Obamacare. (Does anyone understand Obamacare?) But your e-mail “informing” me that it will require me to have a microchip implanted does not help me discern how the law will really affect me.

If you don’t have time to check some basic facts before you send on that piece that so “eloquently” expresses your views, please don’t.

On the other hand, if it’s true, and it’s uplifting, and it will brighten my day, like this one, please click the forward button!