The Anonymoose

Our society rapidly changes on many levels every day. The world today is a drastically different place than it was, even yesterday. Some would even call these changes “progression”. Arguably, our greatest advancement was the invention of the ARPANET, and later, the internet. With the internet our world could change every minute. People are constantly sharing ideas with billions around the globe. Others can share their ideologies with ease, we can now find the answer to just about any question asked, and most importantly we can do this all anonymously.  Many people underestimate the power to express personal views through anonymity. The greatest gift the internet gave was giving a voice to many, so they may speak openly and honestly about their own opinions.

Our progression isn’t limited to just technology. Not long ago, society viewed many social issues a lot differently than they do today. Only 30 years ago did Canada finally come to the realisation that it needed to end segregation, in the public education sector. Today, if you are walking down any street, you will rarely hear the racial or misogynistic insults of the past. In general, most would call that advancement. However, there is still a common place where bigotry is found with ease. It’s located on most major websites in the infamous comment section. Generally, it is expressed in the most unashamed and horrendous array of racial and sexist slurs.

Giving a voice to many is tearing down the societal barriers that contain much of the intolerant voices of the past. The internet is not a place where people are accepting of other races or ideas they do not agree with. There are even whole sites that are dedicated to hating others. However, most will not venture to those fringe sites and will only be exposed to the few unsavoury comments. It should also be pointed out the ignorant posters are few in numbers and are often scorned by others.

Although, some could argue that by allowing these comments, we’re allowing the regression of racial and gender feats that have taken us so many years to achieve.  The concept of group polarization may help to illustrate how a reversal of this progression might happen. The majority of people only read things that peak their interest and that they agree with. Most of the people they discuss it with will share their point of view. After this group of like-minded people discuss it, their opinions will become more and more extreme as time progresses.  

Nevertheless, the person who has the loudest and most shocking opinion gets the most attention. That is why my rant on tipping servers got the most comments. That’s just how the internet works, which is why many things said in the comment sections, may be offensive. Certain people may say racist things to get attention or just a reaction from others A.K.A. “trolling”. Racist comments allow for a brief moment of popularity among the masses, while others commenting much more intelligently will be noticed much less.

There’s no secret to why people are bigots on the internet. People are extremists on the internet because they can be. They want a reaction or attention. No one knows who they are. Online, you can say whatever you want without any consequences. In real life, you can’t. On the internet “no one knows you’re a dog” or a racist.