“It’s easier to be an asshole to words than to people,” says xkcd.
Eternal September
flamewar

I always attach my name to my comments for a reason. I find it holds me somewhat accountable.

@David
Thanks for inspiring each and every day

“I’d understand if I was there
so I may misinterpret a bit or two.
Forget that I am late
and missed it by an inch
but let me try to resonate
a thing or two with you.

Now, now.
Scared are you protectors
of those with different points of view?

Value…
What is value?
Another’s creativity piled upon the steps…
waiting to be noticed in another shade or hue?

Speak up now young starlet.
But remember to tread carefully
for some may never invite you to their ball.

Be bold.
Be kind.
Beware…
but never be all
to everyone!

Someday you may drown in your own sun…
your own light…
if you can catch a ray from one who shines most
bright.”

Sometimes when people lose their silence and raise their voice it is considered aggressive.

Sometimes when people call you on inconsistancies and hypocrisy you are called aggressive.

Sometimes when people “trunk you” it is considered aggressive.

I am a blank slate theorist and that aggression is a man made trait. We learn it from our environments and that people are born without that tendancy. Anyhow, when does passion turn to aggression. It would need to start with a definition of the two as you and I may have very different perception on what is aggression. Look at the hockey picture, I think it is violence that should be punishable by law. Most people think it is “part of the sport”. I am a strong believer that aggression is probably an unnecessary trait, but condoned so much in society. The more it is condoned, the more we are desensitized, the more we become it, the more unaware of it becoming us. It is like being in an abusive relationship and the Stockholm Syndrome, there is safety in remaining close to your capture. Maybe there is safety being close to your aggression as well. Can I as a non-violent activist, working in a zero tolerance field be aggressive? You mess with certain aspects of my life, and yup, i sure can be. I am human that way. I have been accused of being aggressive when working with an addict, and she did specifically say aggressive. She was right, i was aggressively trying to help her to save her life.
I am a very shy quiet person. I really am. But I fight with passion, and for my believes and loves with aggression. Why lie about it eh….

Twisting words and ideas while hiding behind the pretense of debating principles gets us nowhere.
The key is for people to take the time to re-read what they write, and ask themselves if what they are saying is fair and clear, or biased, before hitting the submit button.

As we get more and more consumed by the internet, I think its easy for our sense of reality to become distorted. We need to make a more intentional effort to be kind and thoughtful in ALL our interactions, online or otherwise….