Perhaps it's the anonymity of the net, or maybe it's some other phenomenon that I just haven't figured yet. But there is a lot of name-calling, ignorant, fact-free nastiness going on.
I have been reading quite a few of the comments sections lately, those generated by articles, op-ed pieces and the like, such as are common to many news sites. Most deal with political or social issues. The ones that I'm interested in, I mean. And while there are a lot of thought-through, reasonably expressed comments, there are also many are are plain rude. Labelling, ad hominem arguments, opinion masquerading as fact, heresay, faulty logic and irrelevance are just a few of the 'crimes' committed by people who have every right to express a view, but probably shouldn't. If they are challenged they often get plain vicious. It is my observation that a majority of the remarks in this category come from right-wing contributors. There is absolutely no reason why a conservative agenda cannot be argued in an objective, rational manner.
It's a kind of cowardice really, for what chance would you rate them saying these kinds of things to your face? Hiding behind obscure handles they can pick off anyone they happen to disagree with, never mind the sheer nonsense of their arguments.
If you haven't done the mental miles, then maybe you should pause before hitting the post tab. Or get an education and then say something constructive. Please.
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