Why not be nicer? - A life lesson by me

[.mischief managed.]

Someone please enlighten me - why is it that this generation is so nasty to each other? I notice that so many young people will literally pick apart and judge someone they don't even know based on appearance. Or even more confusing- for no reason what so ever? This not only happens within physical interaction but especially online as well - girls especially will "creep" through online profiles and just decide that they suddenly hate a person because of the way they look. THROUGH PICTURES. WHAT?
Why is it so easy to be rude when there is a screen separating you? You wouldn't have an easy time saying things or acting rudely towards someone if they were in front of your face!
And don't think that CS is innocent to simular behavior. People on here will outright just decide they dislike someone who has done nothing wrong to them whatsoever. You can't just not like a person because. I don't know about you all but I don't just wake up and see a guy jogging by my house and go "And a lovely 'screw you' to you my good sir, I hope you have an especially horrible day!"
I've seen people get belittled, especially on the RP forums, for doing something as little as having underdeveloped writing skills. They'll receive snark comments and have shade thrown at them just because they may be younger or something of the sort. Why is it that we can't deal with these things in a respectable manner such as politely approaching these people via PM and suggesting that the roleplay might not be suitable for them? Don't you think that would save their feelings a little more than ignoring all of their posts?
Another thing - oh, you think a player is annoying because they 'talk' too much, or express to much opinions? Why are you spending your spare time on discussion forums if you have problems with hearing people speak? It truly boggles my mind.

BOTTOM LINE, be kind to others. I know from a fact, talking to many different people - not just on CS but through social media, twitter, youtube, other message boards, Mweor, etc, that for many people, the Internet is their only voice. Sounds incredibly strange doesn't it?
Maybe for you, in your daily life, you always have people who surround you and care about you, ready to listen to everything you say, but for others, their time online is the only chance they get to be heard. Luckily, I have an increadible and large group of friends and family who I know are always there for me.
But, that is just me. One person. Being rude, mean, ignoring others - yes, that's it, simply ignoring someone innocent - for no reason may seriously hurt their feelings more than you'd imagine. You might think your small comments are no big deal, but that person could be hurt by them. And who are you to say whether they care or not? You are behind a computer screen, and you can't see their face. You have no right to decide if your attitude towards an individual is hurtful or not. Only they can be the judge of that.
Furthermore, if you have to question whether saying something is a good idea or not, it's probably not a good idea. Like the old saying goes; if you don't have any nice things to say, think of one.
Please please please, no matter what website you are on, don't be rude. Take every opportunity to be kind to people. Being a 'moody teenager' is no excuse to be a literal turd. You truly never know what people are going through, and an action such as interacting with them and being open and inviting, or simply saying hello can make someone's day so much better, not only online but in person as well.

This rant is over,
Radiate love and peace every chance you get.
Love, Mischief.

[.mischief managed.]

I think this needs a bump, just so it can be read again.

[pizzas and scream]

this is fun to use, so you can put people on the spot so they are forced to be kind and say kind things, no matter what. even if it was something like "i wish my favorite celebrity would get a divorse so I can marry them"

[gothic knight]

"just don't be rude" isn't really going to fix anything i daresay. people are always going to be rude for one reason or another. you may have caught them on an off day. they may have difficulties communicating. you may have done something to them without even realizing it. chances are, you don't know the exact reason for someone's behavior. it's unfair to lump it all together and say "oh this person is just a jerk, screw them."

not to mention the fact everyone, yes even you, judges people based on appearance. i'm sure you've seen someone out and about and thought something not so pleasant about them. it happens even to the best of us. why else do you think people get so nice and dressed up for things like first dates and job interviews? appearance means a lot in this society. people may see someone with an emotionless face and think "they must be mean and rude" when in reality they could be nice. likewise, someone could have the biggest grin on their face and be completely terrible.

people oftentimes get frustrated when they can't make out what another person is saying. not justifying it, but more giving a perspective. not everyone has the ability to type or speak well and that's just how it is. hell, maybe even the person getting upset can't properly explain why. like i said before. you just don't know.

there are tons of reasons for various behaviors. not everyone goes out of their way to be rude to others and you really shouldn't assume as much.

[pizzas and scream]

How can we be a literal turd?
Or are there other definitions of turd?
So being a mean person makes them a real hunk of fecal matter?

[Kleinkat]

It sounds like you're saying it's okay top be rude. So I can call you a bunch a names? Or attack you? While there it's nothing to do about rudeness, and it can be hard to tell if some one is being rude; how about you think about what you're saying before you type it. Also, on the other hand, people shouldn't get too worked up over something some one says online, because they don't know you.

[gothic knight]

i think you completely misunderstood what i meant. there are people that can't help it, and people who may not realize they're being rude. it's hardly fair to generalize like that. i'm not saying it's okay to attack people. i'm saying why people may come off as rude.

[Kleinkat]

i think you completely misunderstood what i meant. there are people that can't help it, and people who may not realize they're being rude. it's hardly fair to generalize like that. i'm not saying it's okay to attack people. i'm saying why people may come off as rude.

My post was more towards Barmy Smarmy my bad. Even so, people should still try to think before they type. Once something is on the web you can't take it back.

[.mischief managed.]

Barmy Smarmy I'm sorry but I don't understand what you're trying to say in your first post.
Of course some people have poor communication skills but there is a difference between unintentionally saying something that may be interpreted as rude, and being purposely hurtful. I am not talking about those people, I'm talking about the ones who know they are saying something wrong yet continue to do so anyways. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[pizzas and scream]

it's about hating haters, and being rude to questionable people. "someone made fun of me because I am raciest" or "I told someone that their kid would be a healthier adult if they let them get measles, and they told me to die"