Reasonable debate will improve understanding

This week Peterborough dad Chris Pye, a colleague at the PT, has written about his reaction to some of the comments posted on social media in response to a story about Marks & Spencer’s plans to rebrand sweets. M&S agreed with a campaign raised by Dr Erin Pritchard of Liverpool Hope University to stop calling the sweets midget gems. Some commenters saw this as over the top and criticised the decision. But Chris, whose daughter Harriet has Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, has explained why he thinks the retailer has done the right thing.

To some the decision to change the name of sweets seems a minor and unnecessary gesture. Chris has explained why the opposite is true. He has written eloquently about why, not to criticise those who posted the comments, but to give an insight few have to the issue. He can speak from personal experience and by doing so enlightens all of us. In the social media era it is now all too often to see extreme opinions and knee jerk criticism. We are all entitled to our own opinions - that is the priceless benefit of a free society. But the rise of trolling and brutal, anonymous and often vicious reactions has become an unwanted and increasingly concerning result of the rise of social media. Social media companies must do more to curb extreme examples. Reasonable debate and respect for others’ views is vital if society is to move forward. Disagreeing but without criticising or dismissing others is the best way to improve understanding. And courageous people like Chris and his family who are prepared to explain why they disagree with another’s view play a vital part in doing just that.