In an era where rights are shrugged away by an administration bent on curbing dissent I have to wonder if that combined with the anonymity of the internet has possibly done us a disservice as a People. Where does free speech end and being an a**hole begin?
Let's step back a second and take a hard look at this. Does my right to free speech also afford me the right to offend or insult for the sake of offending or insulting? In a court of law I would imagine so, but in a court of our conscience does it make it right in the end? Do we evolve with compassion and the ability to be civil or do we allow the certainty of our disguise online to empower us into that alter ego we would rarely let loose in the real world?
Most message boards require one to attack the idea and not the person. Is this possible to do? I don't know. Often times I find myself not opining at all because it is difficult to separate one from the other when there is so much passion or faith put behind it. I ask myself if my disagreement would matter and encourage furthered learning or understanding on whatever the issue, or would my sarcasm or disdain merely stir a pot of distraction. Do I want to be the antagonist without a real agenda towards the cause?
I try to think in progressive terms in what I do. I am not always on target and I sometimes find myself in circular circumstances when I lose sight of what I hope to accomplish as an activist. I want to be better. I want to do better. I want to truly be a part of what makes a difference. The change begins and ends with us.
Let's step back a second and take a hard look at this. Does my right to free speech also afford me the right to offend or insult for the sake of offending or insulting? In a court of law I would imagine so, but in a court of our conscience does it make it right in the end? Do we evolve with compassion and the ability to be civil or do we allow the certainty of our disguise online to empower us into that alter ego we would rarely let loose in the real world?
Most message boards require one to attack the idea and not the person. Is this possible to do? I don't know. Often times I find myself not opining at all because it is difficult to separate one from the other when there is so much passion or faith put behind it. I ask myself if my disagreement would matter and encourage furthered learning or understanding on whatever the issue, or would my sarcasm or disdain merely stir a pot of distraction. Do I want to be the antagonist without a real agenda towards the cause?
I try to think in progressive terms in what I do. I am not always on target and I sometimes find myself in circular circumstances when I lose sight of what I hope to accomplish as an activist. I want to be better. I want to do better. I want to truly be a part of what makes a difference. The change begins and ends with us.
