Protestantism

» paper_turtle - On the 'net

The interenet carries with it an anonymity that face to face interaction cannot share. We give ourselves more freedom to be blunt in our comments than we might in a face to face confrontation. Maybe it can be seen that the standards of contact as you put it are totally up to the individual.
.
Yes--anonymity. People in cars operate under the assumption that they too are anonymous and therefore its OK to be rude. And we have seen an escalation in road rage to the point that some people have even died as a result.
.
The culture of my family and my neighborhood places great value on civility and honesty. We prize gentleman-/womanly conduct, and we believe honesty implies being ones best person whether or not anyone can see us. This was what I was taught at home and in school. This is still how *most* people behave in my town. (We have one of the lowest crime rates in the state.)
.
Is it really "freedom" if Joe's freedom to be less than civil infringes on the rights of another to speak his/her mind? Is it really "freedom" if someone's verbal aggression causes another pain or embarrassment?
.
And if I allow myself the freedom to be less than my best, will I not diminish myself?
.
Your John Donne quote from earlier today would suggest that we are all connected. What affects one affects all. This is true in real, and virtual, life.
.
peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle