Thoughts & Prayers

I'm really fucking sick of hearing that phrase. It carries as much weight as an idiom, yet everyone is quick to jump on social media and fly it like a verbal banner of superiority. 

"Thoughts and prayers to those affected..."

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims..."

"Cannot believe this tragedy. #thoughtsandprayers"

The more you wish thoughts and prayers, the less likely change will actually happen. Sending half-assed condolences and cheap sentiments through the internet to people you don't know and aren't actively fighting for doesn't do anything for anyone except yourself - it makes YOU look compassionate. It makes YOU look conscious. 

It makes you look like a fool.

Stop wishing people thoughts and prayers. They have voices - you just have to listen.