Anonymous online hate speech.
It has become a common practice for individuals who love to demean, belittle, and otherwise destroy organizations and individuals, to do it behind the wall of either an "anonymous" identity or a username that can't be traced to them personally.
And they say some nasty things.
On the Salt Lake Tribune Web site last week, a story ran about a BYU professor who had been murdered in his home, and the article said that a son of the professor was now a person of interest. In the online message board, someone wrote: "What's with all these mormons killing family members? p.s. I'm not complaining."
Of course, the individual had a username that didn't reveal his/her name. Not only was the comment disgusting and inhumane, but the individual is one of the biggest cowards I've ever encountered.
That's only a microscopic example of what happens every day online. I think every online user should abide by one of two rules:
1) If your going to leave a nasty comment, use your real name. Don't be a coward. Don't be spineless.
or
2) Keep it clean. Nobody cares if the comment comes from an anonymous user if the comment is tasteful, thoughtful or appropriate.
In no way am I saying that discussion online shouldn't be heated or passionate; that's part of the reason we engage in dialog. People can disagree without obscene and offensive comments.
What I am saying is: grow up, be an adult, take responsibility, and don't be a coward.
