In high school, making offensive jokes was the norm among friends. No matter how offensive the comments were, the phrase “it was just a joke” would grant you immediate immunity from criticism. But that kind of rough humor fades, inevitably, with age and its accompanying responsibilities. 

There is a mutual understanding between members of society to be courteous to each other. Offensive quips are somewhat doomed to be buried in one’s past or to be restricted to conversations with close friends. Even a fanatic of dark humor would refrain from offending random strangers. There is just no point in insulting every single person you meet. 

On the internet, however, this unspoken rule is often ignored. The anonymity provided by the internet and the diversity of its users creates an environment very much suited to expressing unfiltered opinions, culturing generations of trolls and haters. Naturally, others get offended and respond accordingly, posting their opinions and always seeking to prove others wrong. Everyone on the internet now seems to be perpetually offended and outraged at even the smallest issues; every topic and idea has to be dissected and studied under a microscope. The norm of many online communities has turned into arguments and finger-pointing. So many of us are angry about the wrongs of the world.

If only the question of right and wrong were that simple. It is mysterious to me how the pundits of the internet can retain undiminishing confidence in their ideas. Most enter arguments and berate anyone with opinions different from theirs, even without understanding all aspects of the issue at hand. However, things are not black and white. It’s hard to objectively label something as unquestionably “wrong”, even with a good amount of information. Still, labeling is a common practice on the internet. Everyone’s angry, ready to leap out of their chairs.

Observing the online hysteria, it has become obvious that not all accusations are made in the name of justice. Anger is necessary in bringing changes to where it’s needed, but I can’t help but to feel that the angry words spat without responsibility are contaminating others’ fight for justice. Just as rioters gave a bad name for the Black Lives Matter movement, fury used to cover up one’s ulterior motives would only harm those with pure, rightful anger. Therefore, the wise decision is not to lose your temper from the get go, but to keep calm and remain neutral throughout the process. Yet, you must retain your attention on the matter and make sure you do not become a bystander in the face of an injustice. 

This is not an attempt to label anyone as a snowflake. It’s a call to extend the courteousness we have in our real lives to our digital ones. It’s a call for patience and contemplation on discussions. It’s a call for maturity.

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