Introduction
How Newsgroups are Decsribed in the Generational Curriculum
Attitudes Perpetuated by Newsgroups
Is There a Moral Crisis in Driving Attitudes?
Final Thoughts
Introduction
How Newsgroups are Decsribed in the Generational Curriculum
Attitudes Perpetuated by Newsgroups
Is There a Moral Crisis in Driving Attitudes?
Final Thoughts
Newsgroups are fascinating entities that perpetuate the many different attitudes of its participants.
When I first started looking at Newsgroups, I thought they were quite boring.
Contrary to those thoughts, I noticed that when I conducted a search on DejaNews
about "Aggressive Drivers", I found an enormous amount of colorful and interesting
exerts to read.
The names of the newsgroups I read were rec.humor.oracle and rec.autos.makers.
I really got to see a wide variety of attitudes. While reading these posts I
got the impression that the people participating were exercising their right to talk
freely and speak their mind. I saw attitudes like flaming, delusions of grandeur,
and sincerity. The different attitudes sparked debates regarding aggressive driving.
I think these discussions occur because everyone has their own thoughts and feelings
about aggressive driving. There are people who drive aggressively and expect
the other motorists to accept it and move out of their way. There are also
other people who believe that aggressive driving is altogether wrong and a
danger to the public. Furthermore, there are people who accept aggressive drivers
and voluntarily move out of their way. With so many conflicting perspectives
on aggressive driving, the presence of both heated and sincere discussions are
inevitable.
Freedom of Speech! If you wanted to speak your
mind in regards to aggressive driving, Newsgroups would be the forum to use. In Newsgroups
people can voice their opinions without any fear of physical confrontation.
Newsgroups are mainly tools for communication, whether it be to show concern or
to flame someone indirectly. People can also find out what other people,
worldwide, think about a certain issue. I also think that Newsgroups are a
source of entertainment for some people. People sometimes enjoy flaming another
person, it gives them a false sense of security. In the end, Newsgroups are a wonderful
way to discuss issues with a broad spectrum of participants.
Jay Sakoda described Newsgroups as a place for conversation. At the start of his adventure he did'nt know a thing about Newsgroups. As he conducted a few searches in news:alt.tasteless.jokes and news:alt.fan.letterman he began noticing a few things.
Jay first noticed that most of the postings were merely opinions and that none of them should be taken as right or wrong. He recognized, just as I did, because there are so many different personalities in Newsgroups, there is bound to be conflict. Jay noticed three different styles while using Newsgroups: they are flaming-disagreeing with a certain philosophy and verbally voicing your conflicting attitude(written often with use of deragatory words), spamming-something like flaming, and following up-this means displaying part of the original message in order to keep meaning of Newsgroup evident. He then goes on to say that if a message is to long, the meaning of the message gets lost. This is why they have a brevity rule. Jay also mentions threads, which are offsprings of the original message. If someone wishes to reply to a reply, a separate line of communication begins. In order tto see all of the messages about a certain topic, the user must click on the thread. These threads are often lengthy.
Jay ends by stating that he experienced some anxiety in the beginning because
he wondered if his postings would get any reply, but in the end he received a
number of replies and he was overcomed with elation and a feeling of competence.
This is evident as he writes:
Kaihilei reported that she found the follow-up rule to be an essential part of understanding the meaning of a message. She visited some messages which did not have the original message and found it difficult to remember its relevance to the topic. She also noted that she enjoyed using Dejanews because it listed the messages accordingly to subject. This way she could see the posts that pertained to her topic.
Basically, her feelings at the end of her adventure was like everyone else's.
At the start she experienced some anxiety over the dynamics of Newsgroups, but after a couple of weeks
she felt right at home, reading and replying to the Newsgroups she had chosen.
This is what she wrote about her Newsgroup experience:
Skye reitterates the important fact that a user should find a Newsgroup that interests him/her because it's no fun reading about things that don't. He later found that keeping track of all the sites he visited was becoming a problem. That's when he figured out the importance of bookmarks. He also thought that following-up was important while writing a reply. Furthermore, he enjoyed looking at the thread of his topic. He was amazed at the amount of replies and messages.
In the end, Skye felt like he became a part of a group, Cyber-group, of people.
Each person voicing their opinion without fearing any real conflict. As he states here, he felt
hesitant at first, but soon felt like just one of the guys:
I can maybe see myself as a lifetime Newsgroup participant. I am sort of a shy guy so I really keep my thoughts and feelings to myself. But, after learning more about the dynamics of Newsgroups, maybe I will find a group of people which I feel comfortable talking with. God knows I have millions of opinions on a number of different topics. I am interested in the rec.autos.makers Newsgroup, so maybe I'll reply to some messages. Maybe after that, I'll feel more comfortable utilizing Newsgroups and expand my participation from there. It should be an entertaining experience. Here I go!!
1]FLAMING:FLaming is when a person disagrees with the philosophy of the of the original message and uses deragotory comments to voice their own opinion. When a person flames someone, he/she is trying to make the other person feel like they don't know what they're talking about. Here's an example of flaming:
Subject: Re: Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage
From: dgsmith@wilmington.net (D G Smith)
Date: 1997/08/30
Message-Id: <5u96lo$rhn@news.wilmington.net>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.ford.mustang
[More Headers]
Aman to that!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
In article
says...
>
>In article <01bcb0ea$e9360a40$62646464@gregw>,
>"Greg Westall"
>
>>
>> In my city of Arlington, TX the city council has decided that people
like myself who exhibit aggressive driving and road rage are the problem
and are taking action against us. Typical liberal thinking, ...
>
>
>
>It's about time. That's the most sensible liberal thinking I've
>heard in a long time. Congratulations to the city council of
>Arlington, Texas. It's about time government did something
>to protect us from morons who drive aggressively and vent
>road rage. Heaven knows what kind of innocent casualties
>would occur if the law left the penalty for reckless driving up
>to Joe Blow driver to administer.
>
>Aggressive, road rage drivers are the biggest problem. They're
>the ones who intentionally create danger for others,
>"justified" or not. Obviously, you're not man enough to turn
>the other cheek and count your blessings that you've survived
>another day on the road. If you can't control yourself at age 43,
>you shouldn't be on the road. Heaven forbid you should have
>the humility to adjust your speed somewhat to allow someone
>to merge.
As you could see, the person replying did not agree with the person who wrote the original message. Greg Westfall thinks that aggressive drivers are the competent ones, while everyone else just gets in their way. He's angered by the fact that the government is intervening and punishing aggressive drivers. On the contrary , dgsmith thinks that aggressive drivers are the problem and should be punished. Can you see the conflict? Flaming is the result of this conflict.
2]DELUSIONS of GRANDEUR:Delusions of grandeur is when a person thinks they're always right. They think they're God or something, and write accordingly. Here's an example of the attitude called Delusions of Grandeur:
Subject: Re: Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage
>>I can rip a little on newsgroups and hardly anyone ever
From: dgsmith@wilmington.net (D G Smith)
Date: 1997/08/30
Message-Id: <5u96lo$rhn@news.wilmington.net>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.ford.mustang
[More Headers]
Aman to that!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
In article
>
>In article <01bcb0ea$e9360a40$62646464@gregw>,
>"Greg Westall"
>
>>
> In my city of Arlington, TX the city council has decided that people
>like myself who exhibit aggressive driving and road rage are the problem
>and are taking action against us. Typical liberal thinking, ...
>>challenges me. Do you know why, Greg? Because I'm right.
Now didn't that sound like a person suffering from Delusions of Grandeur! People like this actually believe that they are right, when in fact there is no apparent right or wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. People who exhibit a delusions of grandeur attitude often flame other individuals.
3]Sincerity:People also show some sincerity about aggressive driving. Instead of flaming someone and getting nowhere, they look at the problem with aggressive drivers and offer some solutions. Here's a good example of someone showing sincerity:
Subject: Re: Road Rage (Was: OAPs and Driving)
>The problem is not with the exasperated and scapegoated driver who is
From: trashyourjunkmail@thistotallyuniquedomain.lemon.co.mars (Doug)
Date: 1997/10/20
Message-Id:
Newsgroups: uk.misc,alt.peeves,soc.culture.british,uk.politics.misc,uk.transport
[More Headers]
--------------------------------------------------------------
>;>>;>driven beyond the bounds of all reasonable human endurance
>;>>;
>;>>;Modern motoring certainly is stressful, but millions of drivers can
>;>>;handle it. Those who can't should not be allowed to drive a potentially
>;>>;lethal machine.
>;>
>;>How can you tell that anyone won't flip under undue stress?
>;
>;You can't, but you can at least eliminate those with a track record of
>;"flipping" under pressure. Any incidence of aggressive driving or
>;motoring-related act of violence should be treated far more seriously
>;than it is at present.
Agreed, but that still leaves a dangerous pool of first offenders and those
who haven't been caught yet and it doesn't include people who fall asleep
at the wheel, lose control on ice, crash in fog and otherwise threaten the
lives of other people with their selfish toys.
>;>>;Anyone convicted of dangerous driving, reckless driving
>;>>;or a motoring-related act of violence should lose their licence for
>;>>;good.
>;>
>;>That still leaves those who may crack under strain or perhaps make a wrong
>;>decision at the wrong time.
I noticed that these two people did not flame each other. Instead, they offered constructive criticism to each other. It seemed more like a sincere discussion on the ways aggressive driving can be solved. Each participant took into consideration the others input and replied accordingly, without malice or the intent to offend. I like this type of discussion. It seemed like they were actually having a normal conversation. I think people can achieve more by utilizing this type of sincere discussion.
I interpret these different attitudes
as being essential to making up the character of Newsgroups. As I said before,
some people love to flame. It is a source of entertainment and a stress reliever.
If people weren't allowed to flame, then I think Newsgroups wouldn't have as much
participants. Furthermore, the thread can expand from people replying to flamers.
Whether we like it or not, flaming adds life to a Newsgroup. It wouldn't be the same
without it. As far as the delusions of grandeur attitude, it also adds spunk
and spontanaity to a Newsgroup. I look at it as people think they know everything.
These people don't take into consideration other factors which may induce someone
else to think differently. Finally, I interpret the sincere attitude as people
who have an open-mind, and are willing to listen, not only speak.
The philosophy these attitudes reveal
is that people are think differently about all kinds of topics, not only aggressive
driving. Therefore, Newsgroups are the perfect venues for people to speak their minds.
Nobody can either stop or change how people think. Only people who are willing
to listen to remarks can come to a mutual solution.
I also noticed that people with fast cars, are prone to be aggressive drivers.
These are the very people who complain about law-abiding citizens who drive
competantly. I think that people create expectations in their minds about how all people
should drive. If someone doesn't comply with their expectation, then they're
regarded as being either an imcompetant or aggressive driver. Society needs to
realize that people are inherently different and not everyone can meet their standards.
Accept how people are and adapt to it with a smile on your face.
According to Dr. James'
Congressional Testimony there is indeed a moral crisis in society's driving
attitudes. As mentioned in his oral presentation, he used "self-witnessing" tapes from
a population to gather data on the topic of aggressive driving.
Dr. James also explains that road rage is a phenomenon which has been
experienced by almost every driver, and that habitual road rage
is on the rise. Furthermore, we are exposed to road rage at very young
ages, resulting in adult aggressive drivers. Put simply, society has to
address this problem from a behavioral stand point. Drivers have to get in
touch with their positive emotions when adversity strikes. Teaching "Aloha
spirit driving" can help reduce aggressive driving.
In Dr. James' written expert testimony he explains the dynamics of aggressive driving. There is a section on the symptoms of aggressive driving in which he provides an example of a person exhibiting road rage. Next he introduces road rage from a national perspective. Here, people from across the nation give their testimony on road rage. I was surprised how drivers are categorized according to their geographic location. For example, there are people who think that Californians can't drive in the rain. Can you believe that? If you don't, read Road Rage Around the Nation.
Dr. James also exposes the Alarming Numbers associated with road rage. There seems to be a steady increase in the number of incidents of road rage. He also explains his view on road rage as a Culturally Acquired Habit. Here Dr. James states that aggressive driving is learned from a young age. If you'd like to assess your driving behavior than The Components of Aggressive Driving is the place for you to read. There is a list of questions that should help you gain a better understanding of which areas of your driving behavior needs modification. The conclusion of his testimony offers Three Methods for Dealing with Aggressive Drivers. This includes QDC's( Quality Driving Circles), New Driver's Education, and CARR(Children Against Road Rage).
At first glance my assessment of aggressive
driving seems somewhat similar to Dr. James' Testimony. I recognized that it
is a problem related to behavioral habits, just as Dr. James, and that the
problem will not solve itself. I agree with Dr. James on the point that
aggressive driving is a learned behavior. Thus we must educate society's
youth in becoming more attentive of their positive, rational thoughts while
driving, and that focusing on negative energy results in aggressive driving.
The more I read the testimony, the more I realized the intracasies of aggressive
driving and how widespread this problem is. I found the three methods of dealing
with aggressive driving to be quite interesting. Hopefully these programs
will positively effect the struggle against aggressive
driving.
I found Newsgroups to be fascinating. I was able to identify several different
attitudes, all of which were evident because of each person's style of writing.
People who use Newsgroups are not subject to an editor, they themselves are
their own editor. Because of this unique function, people are able to write
what they truly feel, without the fear of immediate physical confrontation.
For example, I would be quite hesitant to admit that I sometimes stereotype
people. But if I were in a Newsgroup, I would not fear exposing them because
that is what I feel Newsgroups are for, an uncensored forum where people can
discuss an array of topics without restraint.
I also noticed that Newsgroups are filled with stereotypical people. Everybody thinks that they're right. In actuality, I think that is what gives Newsgroups life. The friction between the endless amounts of "Know-it-Alls" seems to be quite entertaining to me. On the other hand, the lack of empathy and humanistic understanding is frightening to me.
I feel that Newsgroups are an effective and entertaining way to discuss issues on a world-wide basis. The more people get involved in discussions, the broader the spectrum of analysis becomes. Who is right and Who is wrong? The answer lies within each and every one of us.
I feel that exposure to Newsgroups
at a young age(10-14) will help further and broaden its future. I also feel
that making the DRA available to all future students will help increase the
interest in Newsgroups. If I hadn't taken this class, I don't think I would of
ever known about Newsgroups. Last, I think regular participation in a Newsgroup
would help future generations gain insight towards future use.
I enjoyed learning about Aggressive Driving and Newsgroups while doing this report.
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