Facing Closed Doors

Earlier today, I read this and found that it resonated with me in more ways than one.

This afternoon, I was reminded that, when my thoughts and opinions are laid out in a public forum like this blog or Twitter/Facebook, I immediately open myself up to feedback and criticism. To be honest, I welcome the occasional push-back. It reminds me that there are multiple sides to every story and, when people respectfully share their opinions with me, it only broadens my own perspective on certain issues.

But occasionally, I find myself faced with some criticism that is neither constructive or respectful. I’d like to blame it on the format of Twitter (it’s impossible to effectively acknowledge someone’s opinion while expressing your own argument in less than 140 characters). However, I think the metaphorical line between “constructive” and “fruitless” is crossed when emotions overpower any logical reasoning.

So today, when someone went on an “I Hate Rocketship” rant on Twitter, calling our organization “Rocketshit” and “Racketship,” while also claiming that “Rocketship is [their] enemy,” I recognized that I had reached a “closed door.” There was nothing that I could do or say that would help them see what it is that we really do.

And that’s fine. 

When you’re on a mission to spark positive change, it’s a moot point to engage in these negative interactions.

Instead, I will carry on.

In hopes that, some day, these people will set foot on one of our school sites and see the beautiful things that are happening daily.