Virtual Space: Barbed Tongues

I am active in several virtual spaces, like everyone else. One thing I've noticed of late is how discourteous the some of the commentary is. It is as if it is no longer enough to disagree with someone. It is somehow also necessary to best them. Perhaps, even to hurt them.

Why is this so?

If you are angered to the point you wish to cause harm, perhaps a moment of reflection is necessary. Is this a righteous battle which you must undertake? Great! Can you make your argument without attacking the human being on the other side of the conversation. If you cannot then perhaps you are not being so righteous after all. In fact, we often respond from our hurts and fears rather than from our reason and understanding. It is a terrible way to engage in debate and a good way to lower the bar.

Anger is healthy. So is argument. But we demean ourselves and other humans when we let valid arguments travel on petty roads. It is beneath us.

So by all means, enter the fray. Defend your fandoms and fiefdoms online. But, perhaps with a bit more courtesy to yourself and others. We are only humans after all.