Editorial: The social demise of civility – Calgary Herald

Trolls are taking over the Internet. John Lucas / Edmonton Journal

Its an exercise in restraint these days when it comes to comments on articles, tweets or other social media posts regarding news stories.

The restraint needed is on the part of the reader, to not want to gouge ones eyes out after digesting the intense vitriol some posters have for their fellow citizens.

It almost doesnt matter what or whom the story is about; everyone has an opinion that, too often, many mistakefor fact.

Whether its about the NDP, the Liberal prime minister, the Republican president, terrorists, city hall or even anthem singers at ball games, trolls are waging war on respectful dialogue, one keyboard stroke at a time.

Some recent examples include telling a local singer that her rendition of the Canadian anthem is a national embarrassment and she owes the country an apology; that Justin Trudeau is a super sad excuse for (expletive) prime minister and a joke across the planet; that a former prime minister is a racist among other unprintables, and another politician is an ignoramus and a clown.

Ever since the advent of social media, there have been those who relish stirring the pot with a few chosen online slurs.But those drips of literary poison have turned into a torrent of verbal abuse.

Trump certainly didnt cause this to occur but it could be argued that his presidency has lent a certain credibility to this behaviour. Because the leader of the United States feels empowered to speak his mind so freely, regardless of consequence, others are following suit. Those who have been chastened in the past for politically incorrect, socially unacceptable opinions, now broadcast them proudly, almost daring the other side to respond.

This is not to say that people should not hold diverse opinions. Public debate is essential in a free and democratic society. Its how we keep our political parties in check. Its how we keep society as a whole in line.

But theres a not-so-fine line between polite disagreement over the facts and hate-filled personal attacks on the person.

If opposing sides were to debate their points in person, one would hope theyd never unleash the diatribe they do anonymously online.

Faceless rants do not solve issues or sway anyones opinion. They just harden the heart and add to the breakdown of society.

We need a return to civility. If you wouldnt say it out loud in a crowd, dont type it. Think deeply, do the research and then intellectually express your views while respecting those who hold other views. Its not about winning; its about sharing.

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Editorial: The social demise of civility - Calgary Herald