Keith Olbermann on David Letterman

[chervilant]

18. Really?

(Be wary of pointing a finger at someone else: three will be pointing back at you...)

About two years ago, I began to research various websites to determine whether online anonymity promotes bigotry, sarcasm and personal attacks. I soon realized that the level of vitriol extant on political blogs is ubiquitous, with quite a few participants relentlessly spewing vulgarities that were once considered the exclusive milieu of the narrow-minded. In short, anonymity does not seem relevant to the pervasive vilification of 'others' on political websites--here on DU, 'others' usually being Republicans. It seems that "we all do it."

Of note, too, is the misogyny one often encounters here and on other websites. I find it fascinating that merely pointing out misogyny garners at least a few disclaimers from members who feel that just a 'whiff' of sexism besmirches the entire community.

Olbermann has his own version of vilification of 'others' in his "Worst Persons" segment. I mention this not to excuse this human foible, but to emphasize its omnipresence in our personal and political discourse du jour.

(On whether or not Olbermann's ego is the nexus of his 'current' problems: I remain hopeful that he will soon resume broadcasting, since liberal and progressive voices are a rarity in our co-opted media.)