hjmick
04-26-2008, 09:34 PM
I have been a member of many a message board for a few years, I've been a member here for almost a year now, and I still find myself amused by the antics of some members. There is always at least one member of every board, more often than not several, who can not seem to contain their visceral reactions to those with whom they find themselves ideologically opposed. Usually they focus on three or four particular members, often responding to an initial post with what appears to be a sincere interest in an exchange of ideas and opinions, when, in reality, they are merely waiting for the opportunity lay waste to a thread with curses, threats, innuendo, name calling, vile insults, and naked anger and aggression.
To what can we attribute these sorts of actions? Is there something lacking in their lives that makes them feel the need to resort to such small and petty tactics? Are these people lacking self esteem and must make themselves feel better by attacking others? What motivates them to post messages with a Cujo-like ferocity?
I am of the opinion that once the cussing and name calling begins, the debate or discussion is over. The instigator of such is obviously incapable of intelligent discourse and hardly worth the time it takes to punch out a response on the keyboard. Name calling and insults being, in my opinion, the last refuge of a weak mind.
If we suppose that what I have posted is true, why then do we, as a community, tolerate people like this? Do we feel sorry for these people? Are we, by reading their childish tirades, somehow posting vicariously through them? Or is it as simple as every village needing an idiot? Or does it all boil down to the idea of free speech?
If you don't believe, watch the board. You will see it. The conditioned response of certain members can be amusing at times. Of course, it can be just as disturbing as well. It forces one to wonder if those in that persons sphere of influence in the real world are safe.
To what can we attribute these sorts of actions? Is there something lacking in their lives that makes them feel the need to resort to such small and petty tactics? Are these people lacking self esteem and must make themselves feel better by attacking others? What motivates them to post messages with a Cujo-like ferocity?
I am of the opinion that once the cussing and name calling begins, the debate or discussion is over. The instigator of such is obviously incapable of intelligent discourse and hardly worth the time it takes to punch out a response on the keyboard. Name calling and insults being, in my opinion, the last refuge of a weak mind.
If we suppose that what I have posted is true, why then do we, as a community, tolerate people like this? Do we feel sorry for these people? Are we, by reading their childish tirades, somehow posting vicariously through them? Or is it as simple as every village needing an idiot? Or does it all boil down to the idea of free speech?
If you don't believe, watch the board. You will see it. The conditioned response of certain members can be amusing at times. Of course, it can be just as disturbing as well. It forces one to wonder if those in that persons sphere of influence in the real world are safe.