The end of civility.
There isn't much rational discussion over the Internet anymore. The only exception being a heavily moderated message board focused on one narrow topic where pretty much everyone agrees on the basics. Firearm and car enthusiast message boards are a clear example.
Debating semantics with someone who you already agree with is boring. It gets old really quick. 9mm vs .45 or Jeep vs Bronco...Yawn...
Yeah yeah we all like guns and cars... big deal lets not have a brokeback moment over it.
I like to be challenged intellectually, so I read from many different viewpoints taking care not to get weaseled into accepting logical fallacies in the writers arguments.
Sometimes I'll get on a Usenet group on some topic that I know nothing about and read up. Instead of learning anything I just see thread after thread of people calling each other ignorant alcoholic fucktards. Internet trolls have pretty much
destroyed any semblance of decent intelligent discussion and exchange of ideas.
The trolls get off to all the attention and the armchair commandos get their panties all in a knot and go apeshit on the trolls. The only use I have for these types of exchanges is to learn new ways to get insulted.
Many message boards like the infamous democratic underground do not accept differing opinions at all on their website. Even if one of their darling dyed in the wool moonbats questions the going wisdom of the liberal side of an issue they are called a traitor, Rush Limbaugh lover and banned forever.
Republican, Christian and Libertarian message boards are a bit more open and tolerant. They actually try to change the minds of the trolls that go in to stir up trouble. Well least for a little while until the troll gets so ridiculous that they just end up being banned or ignored.
I know for a fact that most people who have discussions face to face do not resort to name calling and questioning the linage of their verbal adversaries so quickly.
I would imagine fear of getting punched in the face would have a lot to do with it.
I'm sure the anonymity and the safety of being behind a faceless user name has removed much of the impetus for and discipline behind civil discourse.
Labels: Rants
posted by Bill Rowland @ September 05, 2006
3 Comments
3 Comments:
I actually had to leave a Libertarian forum once because I didn't like the constant insults. There were quite a few athiest members who believed anyone who wasn't an athiest was weak and holding onto belief in a Divine entity as a crutch in life. They never missed an opportunity to put down non-athiests with snide remarks that you had to be familiar with Nietzsche to understand what had been said about you. I knew what was being said. Contrary to what they thought, not everyone who isn't an athiest is an idiot. When it started getting in the way of any kind of meaningful discussion about Libertarian goals, I left.
" When it started getting in the way of any kind of meaningful discussion about Libertarian goals, I left."
Exactly my point and source of frustration.
Phoenix, you probably pissed them off by spelling atheist wrong all the time. They hate that!
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