To me, it feels as though those who use the anonymity of the internet to spread their hateful beliefs are simply more vocal about it than those that believe each person should be judged on their own merits and not the color of their skin, their religion or any other difference. The internet IS an extension of the outside world, but in different proportions. I’m sure there are many that avoid or ignore posters that spew racial slurs and hateful comments which actually lessens their voice in this matter.

Most of the racism I see these days in the outside world seems to be sparked by misunderstandings of cultural differences. Individuals on the internet do not portray the culture of their history as openly or obviously as they do in the outside world. Take for instance clothing, food or recreational activities. These things can most definitely be influenced by cultural upbringing. Although some communities do allow for one or more of these influences to unfurl on line, it is the culmination of the culture and life experiences that make up a persons complexion. It is rare that this culmination can be fully expressed and understood in an online community.

Yes, if you are a dope with your friends, you are most likely a dope online too. The difference is, that there is a higher concentration of dopes online than in the outside world.

I think a lot of it has to do with the type of online community you’re talking about. A tech blog is going to attract a different crowd from a sewing blog from a blog about the best place to get pizza in northeastern Minnesota.

The minute you remove anonymity, however, responsibility kicks in. I remember I used to belong to a community that you were not even allowed to join until you had posted your avatar which had to be a certain size and a picture or representation of you. The minute people feel like they can’t hide, the norms of social discourse and respect tend to overtake the flame throwers and knuckleheads.

I have no idea what kind of community you manage that has become the target of such vitriol from this one user but, as you well know, they can be blocked, banned or, perhaps most effectively, ignored. Attention getters wilt without attention.

Online communities are not an EXTENSION of the real world- they ARE the real world. We’re all people who are participating on a blog or network that talks about something we care about. If you’re a dope with your friends, you’re a dope online, too.

It may well be the current election bruhaha is goading those so motivated to engage on this level, as it seems the tone has become nastier within the last several months on several sites I frequent. Additionally, comments on news pieces and blogs reflect this heightened negative dialog.

The nameless, faceless opportunity to say what you feel can be very tempting – indeed, I’ve found myself, on the rare occasion, wanting to jump into the fray even though I consider myself level-headed and rational.

While I believe this does accurately depict a slice of overall community as evidenced by recent news reports on “hanging ghosts” emblazoned with a candidate’s name or yard signs reflecting racially-motivated opinions, it’s my feeling that this slice of community is small — that our society as a whole is far more civil and respectful.