Online Civility and its (Muppethugging) Discontents

Dr. Free-Ride, Sheril Kirshenbaum,

and Isis the Scientist

Politeness, or being a decent human being?

• Taking each other seriously in our engagements with each other.

• Assuming good faith until the evidence weighs against it.

• Not writing off each other’s experiences or feelings.

Hard to engage when you don’t feel welcome.

• Language (technical/jargon-y, academic, aggressive, profane, religious, …)

• Composition of the community (Am I the only one with these opinions, experiences, etc.?)

• Am I being heard or dismissed out of hand?

Respect doesn’t eliminate disagreement or hurt.

• In serious engagement, fundamental differences may surface.

• Speaking up about my experience may make someone else feel bad about herself.

• Taking seriously someone else’s testimony about her experience may make me feel bad about myself.

Sometimes disengagement is the way to go.

• Modeling good behavior to incorrigible trolls may earn you a place in heaven, but it will make your time in the internets very tedious.

• Respecting yourself, and your own interests and limits, is important, too!

Incivility: The Asshat Definition

Incivility: 1. discourteous behavior or

treatment.

See also: rudeness, boorishness,

uncouthness

The antonym of:

Civility: 1. courtesy; politeness. 2.a polite action or expression 3.Archaic. civilization; culture;

good breeding

Source: The Random House Unabridged Dictionary

Incivility: The Asshat Definition

Incivility: 1. discourteous behavior or

treatment.

See also: rudeness, boorishness,

uncouthness

The antonym of:

Civility: 1. courtesy; politeness. 2.a polite action or expression 3.Archaic. civilization; culture;

good breeding

Source: The Random House Unabridged Dictionary

Incivility: The Muppethuggers’ Definition

The Consequences of Incivility

But What About Language?

But What About Language?

Appearances Can Be Deceiving…

Appearances Can Be Deceiving…

Discussion?