Often we receive messages from followers worldwide asking us why we don’t delete comments off social media. With the inquiry ramping up in our DMs, it’s time to formally address this question in a formal response that will shed light on our stance and rationale.
Before we begin our explanation, we’d like to touch on a few initial points. Since 2015, we’ve been actively learning about the Balkan region, and exploring its diverse countries and cultures.
Throughout our journey, we’ve never asserted ourselves as experts; instead, our method revolves around active listening, honoring various perspectives, and reading historical narratives to gain understanding.
Additionally, we’re no strangers to the hurdles of online criticism when expressing our views. In today’s heated political climate, expressing oneself freely and holding opinions can attract backlash. Nevertheless, resilient individuals will uphold their convictions despite adversity.
Despite the hate, there are reasons why we do what we do.
1. Free Speech For All
First and foremost, as strong believers in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, we support the protection of free speech. It’s crucial to understand that this freedom extends to everyone, regardless of whether we agree with their opinions or not.
As advocates for free speech, we typically refrain from interfering with individuals’ remarks. Therefore, we usually do not delete, conceal, or manipulate social media comments. Nevertheless, what personally bothers us is when people threaten to report our page. It’s akin to cowardice, reminiscent of a Gestapo informant. Why not simply leave the page and explore alternative platforms?
For example, we don’t seek out pages we disagree with to leave nasty comments and report the page—it would be a waste of time and completely idiotic. However, platforms do hide comments that contain certain words or terminology. Comments that appear as spam or that are deemed potentially “offensive” are also hidden by social media algorithms.
2. Don’t Just Tell Them, Show Them
If we block people from our page, the “public square” becomes an echo chamber and no one learns about the Macedonian struggle to keep their culture and identity. Think about it from an educational perspective. We are not merely telling people what it may be like to be Macedonian, we are showing them.
Banning people does nothing for Macedonia. The best way for the world to learn of the Macedonian fight is to shed light on it—not hide it. Behind the scenes, our American friends, family, and followers often ask us to explain what’s happening with our social media. This provides a great learning opportunity for many.
Unfortunately, the tension between Macedonians and Greeks is not known to many people around the world. Therefore, allowing for the obvious dialogue, memes, flags, and images on social media not only springboards and fuels curiosity, it also sparks conversations.
3. Never Interfere With an Enemy While He’s in the Process of Destroying Himself
People worldwide perceive Greece as synonymous with stunning beaches, exquisite cuisine, and an unparalleled Mediterranean getaway. Nevertheless, amidst the country’s obvious beauty, it’s essential to acknowledge the coexistence of two realities. Case in point? Just because a landscape is alluring, doesn’t mean the countrymen are too.
As the public display of hostility ramps up on our social media page, so do people’s perceptions of the Greek people and their culture. To an outsider, the Greeks portray themselves as online bullies, with inflammatory name-calling and bitter commentary. Hence, why at social get-togethers we’ve had people ask us, “Hey, what’s up with the Greeks?”
Our strategy? Never interfere with an enemy while he’s in the process of destroying himself.
Once You Become a Part of a Community, It’s Hard to Leave It
Our unwavering support supplies an unusual dynamic, too. It’s not common to find Americans creating content that celebrates Macedonia every day. We shared the below sentiment on social media channels which offers a great final thought:
You can show us thousands of images of an island, a beach, or a sea. It means nothing. What some people fail to understand is that raising up a destination goes deeper. It’s about being among people who welcome you to their home. Recognizing a tribe that lives under the same values that you hold for your own. Understanding a people who love and fight for both God and country. No matter how hard you try, you’ll never replicate it and you can’t crush the Macedonian spirit.
