One of the latest articles to come out of the Associated Press is perhaps a testimony to the weakness and softness of America. The article has to do with anonymous comments posted on message boards and blogs...

It was yet another example of how the Internet — and the anonymity it affords — has given a public stage to people's basest thoughts, ones that in earlier eras likely never would have traveled past the watercooler, the kitchen table or the next barstool.

The article goes on to suggest that anonymous commenting is out of control, that it hurts people's feelings and destroys their character. Then it explains what other organizations have done to combat it, like Yahoo removing commenting from its articles, and the Orange County Register limiting comments to registered users and deleting comments that are inappropriate.

But perhaps what this article suggests is that people have grown thin skinned. The fact that the Associated Press would even report that anonymous comments are hurting people, suggests the perception of panic.

In other words, the implication is that because we now have anonymous comments on the Internet, we must therefore react and do something to stop it.

My suggestion however, is not to limit free speech, but realize that speech is just speech. Actions always speak louder than words, and we are always judged by our actions, not by our words.

SINCE WHEN was someone's character destroyed because of an anonymous comment?

SINCE WHEN does any American accept an anonymous commenter as someone of authority?

SINCE WHEN does someone lose sleep because an anonymous commenter called them a fatso?

If you lose sleep over a derogatory remark from an anonymous commenter, it suggests weakness on your part.

Let anonymous comments flow; just don't be such a pussy.

Labels: Blogging, Social Trends