Wider Perceptions with the Internet
I've recently been attempting to scale back my 'need', or more accurately, my natural proclivity, to voice opinion regarding political and other postings on the internet. In part because I find my own perceptions broadening quite a bit more than I expected - to the point where I'm realising that there are always reasons for other people's views. Almost daily now, ordinary people post politically charged, at times extreme views, and as a knee jerk reaction, my own background reacts, sometimes strongly, to those postings.
Often the poster, like many of us, lives in a cultural cocoon with like thinking friends, and they may not expect to have their opinion challenged. On the internet we gain acquaintances from many walks of life, probably from groups we wouldn't normally have any interaction with. We exchange pleasantries, and then 'the posting' comes, something that clashes with our own cocooned view of the world.
I think many of us have seen this sort of thing, especially with the bitter internet feuds that have erupted over Brexit and the American election. I've been saddened to see discussions devolve into extreme personal attack, as if somehow you might be able to bludgeon people into your point of view. Hmmm. But ignoring that side of things, interacting with people who have views far to the left or right of my own, I've come to realise that often those people are not 'stupid' people. There are reasons for their views, I may not agree with those views, but over the last months I've come to understand some of the reasons behind them.
Anyway, this is neither here nor there in the world of books. Though books are also a way of broadening our views. The internet has certainly broadened mine. If you can look past all the nastiness, the mud slinging, and yes, the arrogance, sometimes there are thoughts to be had and to be pondered over. It's all about respect for others, I guess. So I can question your views, you may take offense, but you've put it out there. However, maybe in interacting with you I'll find something I didn't think of before. You may not change my mind, but you help me respect your view. Just a thought. Oh, and be nice.
Often the poster, like many of us, lives in a cultural cocoon with like thinking friends, and they may not expect to have their opinion challenged. On the internet we gain acquaintances from many walks of life, probably from groups we wouldn't normally have any interaction with. We exchange pleasantries, and then 'the posting' comes, something that clashes with our own cocooned view of the world.
I think many of us have seen this sort of thing, especially with the bitter internet feuds that have erupted over Brexit and the American election. I've been saddened to see discussions devolve into extreme personal attack, as if somehow you might be able to bludgeon people into your point of view. Hmmm. But ignoring that side of things, interacting with people who have views far to the left or right of my own, I've come to realise that often those people are not 'stupid' people. There are reasons for their views, I may not agree with those views, but over the last months I've come to understand some of the reasons behind them.
Anyway, this is neither here nor there in the world of books. Though books are also a way of broadening our views. The internet has certainly broadened mine. If you can look past all the nastiness, the mud slinging, and yes, the arrogance, sometimes there are thoughts to be had and to be pondered over. It's all about respect for others, I guess. So I can question your views, you may take offense, but you've put it out there. However, maybe in interacting with you I'll find something I didn't think of before. You may not change my mind, but you help me respect your view. Just a thought. Oh, and be nice.
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