Just want to back smc up on this. It is truly amazing how, on the Internet, people will say anything about any subject whether they know something about it or not. In the real world ideas have consequences. Without the anonymity of the Internet, these people would risk offending others, looking foolish, and subjecting themselves to possible ridicule. At least in the real world we know who we are dealing with. On here you might be anybody. I might be a 72 year old grandmother who is 5’4” and 100 lbs., dropped out of high school, and only watches Fox news. Except I’m not.

The problem often manifests itself in the form of Internet “haters.” The stereotype of the Internet Hater being a “loser living in his parent’s basement” is really pretty accurate. “Haters” typically have low self esteem, little or no real accomplishments, poor grades, difficulty in relationships, and few real friends. They often pose as “experts” in various fields in online forums where the majority of their comments are snide remarks about others--always anonymously of course. On our own “TLB” forum of course the “haters” often make insulting remarks towards other members or use language that ungenders. I believe in many cases fully aware of what they are doing. When confronted, they typically react with more attacks, often trying to “turn the tables.” The anonymity factor protects them from embarrassment, ridicule, or just simply getting their ass kicked by those they’ve insulted. There isn’t really any action that can be taken except to ban them.

Whenever I have a real discussion about serious issues I want to know who I’m dealing with--do I respect this person? Do they likely possess the knowledge they say they do? What do they look like? What is their background? And I want them to know who I am. Smc and myself both teach--in a classroom where no one is anonymous and there are rules for discussion. While those of you who post this hateful garbage to the Internet may pretend you are intelligent, successful, good looking, and a UFC fighter from behind the keyboard, I know differently.