It’s community
that harnesses our passions
so we are civil.
This isn’t one of my better efforts, I know. It’s just that I’ve been contrasting my atomic life to my digital life. I’ve spent the last few days deeply immersed in my atomic family and community. I was reminded again that how the people I love can drive me crazy and I love love love them anyway. 🙂
I had a lovely holiday lunch where the talk covered topics dear to our hearts. We were passionate in our beliefs, our opinions, our statements. But even when we disagreed, we always looked at the others and pulled back from stepping over the line from that one final, killing, unforgivable remark. That doesn’t seem to happen much when people post to the internet. Certainly it doesn’t seem to happen much when the SL bloggers/plurkers/tweeters start ranting. I appreciate the internet. I value the ability to interact with the world. We are all aware of the vast good of a linked-in, linked-up network. But…… allow me to shed a quiet tear for the complete lack of civility. A tear for the hatred, cruelty, viciousness. I am not saying we must all agree. I am not saying not to protest, not to stand up for your beliefs, not to be passionate. The world NEEDS that commitment.
But look right into my eyes, SEE ME, and then, if you can, spew your hatred.
Ahuva's Blog 
wow, great post Ahuva.
people feel safe from behind their computer screens. i’ve seen some people claim how their online friends are no different from rl friends, yet they can turn around the spew hateful comments to others. it’s a low, low form of social behaviour.
i wrote about it on my blog too:
http://slifefantastic.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-just-sayin.html
Bravo… well said.
My mother always told me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”. I think there are many who just never learned good manners. 🙂
The internet is still communicating with another live person – just not face to face. Too many forget that fact.
perfectly said. Thank you
Yes.