Does anonymity give room to profanity?
It seems so in my experience at least. Few folks seems to have little bit of tolerance in taking criticisms about the subject which they firmly believe in. A google search with a tamil swear word mostly ends up with a list which has got forums where people seem to have lost their dignity and entered into a never ending war of swear words (no holds barred!!!!). This behavior which I observed seem to be most in forums and blogs which deal with sensitive issues (sorry for the cliché) like religion, caste, politics and celebrities(the least sensitive one).
One look at any of the webpages which I have seen would surely reveal the fact that there seems to be no difference between the upper caste and lower caste, but that's no point to cheer about. Freedom of speech seems to have a totally different interpretation here. It seems the anonymity has given these irresponsible idiots with "SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT AND GET AWAY WITH IT" badge which they make use of it to its fullest extent. Even for a silly issue like criticizing a celebrity seems to bring a battery of die hard fans who seem to unleash their anger on the poor critic (the family of the critic being the uninvited guests).
I don't like to mention the forums here for obvious reasons. These idiots seem to be looking for a place to vent their sexual desires and more. Few posts seem to put even the most graphic of hollywood movies to ignominy. It's a shame that moderators and administrators of the blog turn a blind eye on these posts. Did they feel too shameful to even look at them? or Is it the fear of retaliation from the idiots? Whatever the reason this seem to keep away people with real intention(like me of course why do you think I am writing this?) of contributing to the issue and not to mention the scholars and researchers whose contribution would have had a remarkable change.
It's high time people draw a line as to where e their freedom of speech ends. This is needed as this seems to be the only way to prevent the best way of stopping this unending mess of cursing and swearing. Some dignity should be maintained and the liberty, which anonymity gives should not be misused.Some lessons on online etiquette is needed and fast.
