We Must Fight Internet Hate Propaganda :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

We Must Fight Internet Hate Propaganda      Ã‚   This essay approaches the subject of the hostility to traditional American values presented by the internet. At a very deep level the world of the internet can sometimes seem indifferent and even hostile to morality. This is partly because internet culture is so deeply imbued with a typically postmodern sense that the only absolute truth is that there are no absolute truths or that, if there were, they would be inaccessible to human reason and therefore irrelevant(1).    Among the specific problems presented by the internet is the presence of hate sites devoted to defaming and attacking religious and ethnic groups. Some of these target churches. Like pornography and violence in the media, internet hate sites are reflections of the dark side of human nature. And while respect for free expression may require tolerating even voices of hatred up to a point, industry self-regulation-and, where required, intervention by public authority-should establish and enforce reasonable limits to what can be publicly said.    Church-related groups should be creatively present on the internet; and well-motivated, well-informed individuals and unofficial groups acting on their own initiative are entitled to be there as well. But it is confusing, to say the least, not to distinguish eccentric doctrinal interpretations, idiosyncratic devotional practices, and ideological advocacy bearing a specific church label, from the authentic positions of that Church.    There needs to be "the development of an anthropology and a theology of communication"(2) with specific reference to the internet. Christians, as concerned members of the larger Internet audience who also have legitimate particular interests of their own, wish to be part of the process that guides the future development of this new medium. It goes without saying that this will sometimes require them to adjust their own thinking and practice.    It is important, too, that all people use the Internet creatively to meet their responsibilities and help fulfill their mission in life. Hanging back timidly from fear of technology or for some other reason is not acceptable, in view of the very many positive possibilities of the Internet. Methods of facilitating communication and dialogue among people can strengthen the bonds of unity between them. Immediate access to information makes it possible to deepen dialogue with the contemporary world.    People in leadership positions in all sectors of society need to understand the internet, apply this understanding in formulating plans for social communications together with concrete policies and programs in this area, and make appropriate use of this media.