The World Needs More Disclaimers
The dictionary defines a disclaimer as: a statement that denies something, especially responsibility.
For example, “the names used in this production are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.”
That covers your butt in case Kristoffer Delkenbrowski wants to sue you because you used that name for the bad guy in your movie.
Usually you’ll see these, or similar words, at the end of a movie or perhaps in the endnotes in a book or novel.
Welcome To Communication Overload
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and LinkedIn all spin political and personal info 24/7/365.
When you open one of these interactive monoliths you have no idea what you’re going to get.
Some social media platforms have made no secret that they might suppress any thoughts you might post as offensive — to them — not to your friends or followers.
So, these mega screen giants that reach twenty-five percent or more of every living soul on earth need some disclaimers.
Here are my ideas for disclaimers that I’m pretty sure all social media will embrace and we can all post freely again.
Conservative Disclaimer
“Attention Conservatives: Your post might not reach your followers if it contains any of the following:
- Any positive reference to Trump
- Any negative reference to Maxine Waters, Fredericka Wilson, Shelia Jackson Lee, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren.
- If you’re pro-life— don’t even bother.
- Anything about statues — other than tearing them down and burning them.
- Anything about guns other than totally banning them from the face of the earth.
- Anything about free speech at Berkley by conservative wackos who must be silenced at all costs.
- Denying Climate Change? Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha. That will never see the light of day.
Liberal Disclaimer
“Attention Liberals: Your post might not reach your followers if it contains any of the following:
- Any positive reference to Trump
- Any negative reference to Maxine Waters, Fredericka Wilson, Shelia Jackson Lee, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren.
- Anything negative about Planned Parenthood.
- Non-vegan recipes
- Anything pro-gun other than totally banning them from the face of the earth.
- Nothing about free speech at Berkley other than protecting the free speech rights of demonstrators to loot and burn at will.
Some Final Thoughts
I think those disclaimers would make it clear as to what’s appropriate and not appropriate to post on social media.
Maybe they’re a little tongue in cheek but if you’ve spent any time on social media at all you know they don’t miss the mark by much.
As far as 24/7 News Channels go their disclaimer would be a simple one.
“The views expressed on this channel are totally biased and in some cases just flat made up. Repeating any of the reports on this channel as accurate would make you look like a total jerk if you believed them. Viewer beware.”
What disclaimer would you write for social media or cable news? Comments below.