Internet culture is anonymous by nature so do you feel that is necessary for someone to divulge their race?

Question

Participating in internet culture for the past 20 years I wonder why we see any reference to racism at all so why do we? The anonymous nature of the internet provided us a real opportunity to communicate with no harm or fouls regarding racism so why do some feel a compulsive need to make every issue a "racial" issue, even on the internet.

Answer 1

This is my first answer on here. I sort of agree with Mary Ann. There are an awful lot of trolls on the Internet these days. Racism is on of the major flaming topics along with religion and politics.

When someone claims to be of a minority race in their minds they are establishing credibility. I see this on message boards all the time. When someone is losing an argument they stoop to saying that one of their parents is of a different race because the race card is the high Ace in American culture today.

I also remember the Internet 20 years ago and there was no mention of race or even gender. Remember in the movie The Matrix Neo says to Trinity that he thought she was a man, and she replied that most men do. The fact is in the beginning of the Internet gender and race were not important. Most people who were using the Internet in those days were building something. Now it is simple enough for a child to use. The users represent a broader spectrum and that includes morons, racists, and just plain boring/bored people who will say anything to get a reaction. When I see a message thread go the way of race it just means that topic is dead. Some people would just rather blame racism for any problem that they have so they don't have to face personal failure.

Answer 2

Good people are still good when they're online and idiots and racists are still idiots and racists. I believe that for the vast majority of people who interact online, it's a much easier place to speak with people you wouldn't normally have a chance to get to know in "real life" and that you can get to know someone without the boundaries like distance, social position, education levels or anything that normally keeps us apart.

The trolls who seek only to incite, cause problems, whine, insult... well, they're like that in their real lives too. They don't understand and sadly, might never understand how to really interact with people. They'll never get as much out of the internet as you and I do.

Last week, I was online with a friend who was livecasting from a cafe in Paris with 5 other people I've only talked to online. I was talking to them, drinking chai in my living room as they ate baguettes in Paris. I have several blogmates living in Israel and one who is in Lebanon which gave me an amazing perspective on the recent conflict. I watched the questions go back and forth between the "sides" and was amazed at how civil and truly enlightened they all were. It gives me hope for our futures :)

Answer 3

Dave Blaney he's been in nascar for consequently long and has yet to win a race. he races on an exceedingly tight fee selection. then to be certain him up front and shutting in directly to the end. then he fell back and then spun taking him out for the possibility to win. it will be an exceedingly long term in the previous Dave gets that on the fringe of victory.

Answer 4

I have not come across any overly racial remarks on here..
It should not be an issue.