Race

      

     Social media sites such as twitter allow a person to reveal their identity, or remain anonymous by creating a screen name. When people are able to express their views anonymously they’re more inclined to be honest. This is because if what they say is not socially acceptable, or it’s hurtful to others, they’ll suffer no repercussions.  An example of this is would be cyber bullying. Cyber bulling can allow for the bully to remain anonymous, and get away with bashing others. Having no consequences for their actions only enables bad behavior, allowing it to repeat. People can be bullied for many reasons and when it involves race it can be viewed as racist. 

       
         Technology advances have created an accessible platform that allows the sharing of ideas and beliefs around the world while online. Problems surrounding race have existed for generations and it’s no surprise to see those problems evolving to the online community. A recent example with online anonymity and race was seen after the winner of Miss America 2013 was announced. Social media exploded after Nina Davuluri was announced the first winner having an Indian heritage. Following her victory she received harsh racist criticism’s and remarks through social media. That evening on twitter one of the top 10 tending topics in the world was ‘Miss America Terrorist’. There were numerous tweets of people expressing racist remakes by referring to her as a member of ‘Al Qaeda’, as well as expressing anger that an American didn't win. Not only were these claims ignorant, they also lacked validity. 

         Negative and hurtful remarks are easier to make online rather than face to face due to the fact that it’s less personable. So assuming that a percent of these people work, or attend school the question can be asked if they would make such blunt remarks in front of their peers or superiors? Some might, but the majority would not. If they did they would have to deal with the social consequences such as diffusing the conflict they created. Compared to online, when all they have to do is log off. For example, in Canada “improper conduct by an individual, that is directed at and offensive to another individual in the workplace” (Treasury Board of Canada) made to demean, or belittle someone could be considered Harassment. This is clearly stated under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Acts like this and laws against hate crimes exist in order to protect people in their social environment. 

          Since the online community is another form of social environment, laws protecting the wellbeing of others should be implemented there as well. Not only does the use of anonymity give people the confidence to express hate and bully others online, but it gives them the right. It gives them the right to do it because there’s nothing stopping them. Without holding people accountable for their behavior there’s no way to control it. That’s the whole purpose for laws; having punishments and consequences for breaking them.