Here Be Haters

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When reading an article in my favourite magazine recently I came across an article called ‘Here be Haters’. The article brought up an issue which has silently meandered through my mind for some time now- the issue of internet violence. It sounds strange, after all technology has not advanced far enough (yet) to allow us to put a fist through the computer screen and repeatedly punch someone in the face. No, internet violence is being repeatedly punched in the face...with words. My belief system tells me that I should stand up for what I think is right and to stand up for those who are being wronged. However, doing such things on the internet can lead a person into dark places.

A few months ago I created a Youtube account and as all Youtube members know, this comes with the privilege of having the ability to leave comments on people’s clips. Tempted by this new power of opinion, I left a comment that I thought might enlighten someone, anyone; on a clip that basically degraded the religion of Islam. It was not a nasty comment that I wrote, it was a factual one which I had hoped would promote some positive multicultural dialogue. A few days later, I logged onto my Youtube account to find that people had replied to my comment. I clicked the link and as the page loaded, I imagined some enlightened being admitting that; yes maybe the clip was a bit racist and that yes; religious freedom should be soon as a good thing. What I did not imagine would happen is that I would be punched in the face with hate. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a timid person, I enjoy a good debate and I will always face confrontation head on if I believe that it’s for the good of the world. These replies however were so ignorant, so uninformed, and so utterly hateful, that they left me trembling.

Now I stand at a crossroads, is it worth my energy and the emotional strain standing up to #Aussiebogan15 and #Whitesupremacy95 or do I choose my battles and realise that the battle of Youtube ideologies is not one which I will ever conquer? Leaving your opinion on the internet is empowering, but can it be damaging? I know that I have numerous unread replies waiting on my account and I just don’t think there is enough love in me to counteract so much hate. Maybe those replies will never be read, and if they’re not- then does hate win? 

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