Random Wednesday: The One-sidedness of Internet Debates

     People are rude. I understand that it is just a fact of life, but it always surprises me how rude people can be. This habit of rudeness is concentrated on the Internet. People believe that they can say rude and unnecessarily sarcastic things from the safety of their keyboard. I have certainly been guilty of being sarcastic on the Internet. However, I always attempt civility and rational thought when posting my opinions. I do recognize that many people bristle or consider it an affront to their intelligence when someone posits a reasonable and balanced opinion on the many forums of opinion. For example, the other day I commented on an acquaintance's Facebook status where she derisively shared an article written by a pair of conservative young women. Of course the usual liberal comments of "ew" and "lol" and even a link to an open letter written insultingly to these women. In my opinion, both the original article and the open letter article both had very good points. I commented the below paragraph:

     "I actually agree with most of what they [the "chicks on the right"] say. They approach their points with humor and except for maybe a few exceptions (there are always "gray" areas in politics, as stated in both articles), as a conservative/libertarian they make good points. Of course, everyone is allowed to have a different opinion (as both of the articles above demonstrate). I also think it's cool that they are trying to show that it's not just "old-fashioned, white males" that are conservatives... but again, everyone has his/her own opinion."

     I believe that the above comment was very reasonable. It leaves an open-ended statement in support of other opinions. It includes multiple disclaimers that "everyone doesn't have to agree with me or them or anyone else." However, one of the friends of this acquaintance responded to this very reasonable comment with, "everyone has his/her own opinion... i happen to support baby eating, devil worship, white power and genocide... this article gives me hope that my opinions could one day be heard! thanks for having my back Elizabeth Foster!"

     If I had been in the mood to start a big long debate on someone else's Facebook page, there are so many ways that I could have responded. However, I considered that being the "bigger woman" would suffice. But again, the above comment just goes to prove how rude and close-minded people can be on the Internet when shielded by their keyboards. One wonders why it is so hard for people in political discussions to have a civil debate and I believe that the same whom I encountered the other day are those who stand in the way of a civil and democratic compromise. While it is true that the majority rules, it is also true that both sides must be able to understand each other and meet halfway on those hair issues.