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Kenty raised an interesting point on that ‘other’ thread. Although I disagree with her and I think society, is broadly more tolerant than it was in the past. Gender/gay/BAME equality and anti discrimination legislation has passed into law over the last few decades which would not have been possible, even 30 years ago.
Blatant racism homophobia and sexism etc is just not tolerated or acceptable, in most modern communities today. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist anymore behind closed doors and in certain communities, because it most certainly does, but it is far less visible than say during the 70’s and 80’s and statistically lower, despite what the politically motivated establishment and liberal MSM would have us believe.
Politicians claim, in my opinion falsely, that people are less tolerant now specifically because of the internet. Yep social media enables us to air our views instantly and anonymously and the usual norms and values of society are easily discarded, but is that an accurate reflection on society overall, or a reflection on the tiny minority of trolls who gravitate towards social platforms like Twitter etc and who would never dare air those views if they were not online and anonymous. Of course the political class want to exploit this for their own devious reasons, rather than addressing the actual problem with as much legislation that is required.
Young people nowadays are so technologically savvy and they are well aware of equality issues etc specifically because of the role the internet plays. If anyone is less tolerant, or never were tolerant, it is probably us old farts and not the younger generation and quite often when these serial trolls are named and shamed, they turn out to be men and women in their 30’s and 40’s.
You raise some interesting points and arguments here…..and one can only answer generally from experience, do you agree?
I agree with the comments regards legislation etc….from that point of view yes society is more tolerant….however I was referring to individuals when I meant society generally.
Racism, sexism and homophobia is not acceptable and should not be tolerated under any circumstances….however that is due to the laws of the land now….we conform….you are also right that’s not to mean it does not exist….however legislation is the strongest and correct way forward….we hope new generations are brought up not to see differences…therefore toleration is not necessary because everyone is seen as equal….but that is an ideal world….a nice world but we all know not possible
I’m less tolerant
If we can surmount the silliness of racism to the point where no one senses it, we will be in fine condition. The most effective way to begin this, through the words of Morgan Freeman, is to “Stop Talking About It!!
Or stop teaching it to our children
Coming from a multi-cultural background, I see Human beings as. just that, human beings, we all have feelings, pride, helplessness (in some ways) hang-ups, baggage, fears etc. it is just sad that some use the internet to take their fears out on others, if the other person doesn’t agree with them or are not like themselves.
I understand that people can become wary if they have been hurt by any other human being, but we cannot blame our pasts on our present, and make every other person pay. which yes, is unfair, but the person doing it is probably hurting.
As many say, when someone abuses or name-calls for no reason other than to get a reaction, it is more to do with their own hurt and absolutely nothing to do with their target.
Society as a whole has had to evolve, because of laws and legislation, but the inner person will still have their own view on other humans, and using the internet gives them the outlet they need to let loose.
I’ve found as I have become an old fart, that I will tolerate less, most still goes over my head as “oh gawd someone’s not getting the attention they crave” and so they’re hitting out at others with very little if no excuse at all, except to make other’s feel as hurt and bad as they do themselves. But! blatant abuse is still just that.
You raise some interesting points and arguments here…..and one can only answer generally from experience, do you agree? I agree with the comments regards legislation etc….from that point of view yes society is more tolerant….however I was referring to individuals when I meant society generally. Racism, sexism and homophobia is not acceptable and should not be tolerated under any circumstances….however that is due to the laws of the land now….we conform….you are also right that’s not to mean it does not exist….however legislation is the strongest and correct way forward….we hope new generations are brought up not to see differences…therefore toleration is not necessary because everyone is seen as equal….but that is an ideal world….a nice world but we all know not possible
I would probably agree that as individuals we might be less tolerant collectively, Thatchers “there is no such thing as society” springs to mind. Conformity as you suggest, is the glue that holds it all together via legislation. I disagree however that internet abuse, trolling, whatever you want to call it, is the manifestation of a less tolerant society. I think “troll” has become a ‘buzz word’ for the political establishment to silence and stifle debate, much like criticism of the Israeli regime automatically leads to accusations of antisemitism.
I wouldn’t consider that much which gets said on these boards is hardcore trolling, but hardcore trolls certainly exist in the chatroom (3) and are not tolerated, in my experience. The establishment is scratching its head on how to deal with this issue, but in the same token there is plenty of evidence that the state is not shy about utilizing paid agent provocateur’s to spread propaganda and misinformation online and which is probably why it is dithering about serious legislation to tackle it.
Just to make it clear I never brought up the trolling…before some of the nicer posters decide I did…
SHR….I thought you were over using and wrongly using the word troll until I looked up the definition…I thought it was a room scroller…dunno why but hey…
The mere nature of chat rooms and message boards means it’s confined in such an enclosed space and everything seems magnified…..sometimes inoffensive words can come across the wrong way…just like text messages…..as for chatters being less tolerant as such…..I think they are but it’s not necessarily a negative thing …..they are just not scared to give their opinions…and why should they be?…..it’s easier to stand up to an idiot in the room than it is in a pub where you might get your face smashed in lol…..
Anyway analysis can go on forever and a day….different versions and different understandings too,….it’s personal perception based on personal experiences to how we deal with anything in life
I am not confusing anything Kenty, I don’t agree society is less tolerant. I assumed you would realize I was continuing this debate about “trolls” from something you stated on another thread, in relation to online trolls and obviously I was wrong to assume that. No offense meant. I must come from a rougher area than you, we would not tolerate being spoken to in that manner and I reflect that in my posts and this thread.
Like you said, it takes all sorts and we are all different.
Gillingham is rough as it gets lol
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