Society
In society today online we have a very wide spread diverse community of people. All sharing the same cyberspace as we do in reality.
Virtual reality has not been untouched by prejudice unfortunately it happens on a daily basis online in various forms. I teach tolerance to my children, and anyone that knows me understands my views on this subject.
I suppose it was the way I was brought up, what my parents taught me was right and wrong to do. However in my situation I hadn’t much choice. (She says with a huge grin)
Why do I feel I can speak on this subject, looking at my picture I would appear the average ’’white American woman’’, what could I possibly know? I know plenty; my heritage or defense of has in itself been a problem online. I am from a Black, Native American, English, Jewish, Hungarian background. Knowing of the plight of my Native American ancestors, Black ancestors as well as the persecution of my Jewish ancestors. But those are just a few of the prejudices that appear online.
Netiquette
There are people that become rude at your weight, height, age, amount of children you have, your faith, and if married or single. The list goes on and on.
This community is not regulated, and people tend to take on a different persona. My feeling is that it is partly due to the fact you cannot see them, they hide like cowards behind a screen and make slanderous remarks. They shun part of the community to make themselves feel better.
These are very unhappy people that find pleasure in hurting others. When you succumb to their bantering, ridicule, or callousness you allow them to win.
This is not an easy subject to write on, because it is not about to change because of one review. It is only my observations and experiences online. I have been online for nearly 14 years and the subject still remains.
Remember when you approach anyone online to be cautious. If they appear to harass you learn how to use your mail system and chat system to block them from contacting you again. There are TOS (terms of service) for every ISP (internet service provider) and to harass anyone for any reason is against TOS on most providers, as well as email service providers. Utilize this tool; it helps to curb these people from making inappropriate remarks to others in the future.
How can this problem be solved? I do not think it will ever completely go away. Learning to be tolerant, spreading smiles along the way can be contagious. It is hard to ignore the ignorant, but as far as Netiquette goes this will not end.
Always remember
Rules of thumb, always be nice to your fellow man/woman, never use derogatory terms, and if you find it is not someone you want to chat with just say thank you and move on. You cannot control the actions of others only yourself. Surround yourself with positive people and things and all will be fine when you turn a blind eye to those that are ignorant to you. Be sure to report anyone that is harassing you to TOS (terms of service), this is the fastest way to rid ourselves of these people.