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.