If you happen to be an active Freemason and/or have a number of Masonic friends on Facebook, then you might see the ever frequent post with the traveling selfie. This has become an ever frequent addition to my Facebook timeline over the past few years, and it’s become a fun and humorous running joke within my circles… “If it’s not on Facebook, it didn’t happen!”
All kidding aside, I saw this photo online this morning and laughed out loud. A meme of what it might have been like if Vikings had cellphones during their raids. While it is funny, it does bring up some interesting thoughts… What would our forefathers think about this cheesy activity? Would they find it funny, or would they think it was not becoming? I personally feel there is a time and place for everything.
The age of social media is here whether we like it or not. It has its advantages and disadvantages within our fraternity. First and foremost, it has allowed a human view into the world of Freemasonry to many who would never know what goes on inside a Masonic Lodge. We have shown that we have fun, enjoy what we do and truly love our Brothers. We have seen an influx of new men knock on our doors because they saw these posts show up in their feed. The Grand Lodge of Florida has conducted a very successful Social Media Promotion Program for a few years with success for many Lodges across the state.
On the flip side, social media has seen its challenges for the fraternity. Most notability, public disagreements on topics that get out of control and give a poor look to the fraternity, especially when those being unprofessional in public with Masonic emblems shown predominantly on their profile. Just like our rings, shirts, and license plates, everything we do in public is a direct reflection on the fraternity whether you like it or not. Every action will have a reaction, either positive or negative, and you are a direct refection of the fraternity to all who engage with you directly or passively.
I personally enjoy seeing the posts on my timeline each day, and it makes me happy to see the passion and enjoyment of our Brothers as they travel. I encourage you to think about the audience of your posts and be sure to capture the joy and passion of yourself, your Brothers and the fraternity and be proud to share publicly you are a Freemason! You be you!
It’s a great day to be a Freemason!