Online Civility and its (Muppethugging) Discontents

Dr. Free-Ride, Sheril Kirshenbaum,

and Isis the Scientist

““Civility” At The Civility” At The IntersectionIntersection

America’s Science Role America’s Science Role ModelsModels

HollywoodHollywood andand thethe MadMad

ScientistsScientists

New Media Science New Media Science Communication Communication

Breaks Breaks “TRADITION!”“TRADITION!”

So When Does Civility So When Does Civility Matter?Matter?

Rules of Engagement?Rules of Engagement?

So What?So What?

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?