My Oral Presentation Report on Scott Ginoza's (G10) Newsgroup Report

As the number of technological advancements grows, the world continues to get smaller. Thanks to computer and internet technology, demographics no longer hinder our ability to keep in touch with one another. Newsgroups are just one of the ways people connect with others from all around the world. In newsgroups people discuss anything and everything and interactions range from casual exchanges to hostile, heated debates. This report covers one student's experience with newsgroups. Through this report you'll learn about some of what goes on in forum discussions and maybe gain some insight into why people behave the way they do.

Table of Contents:

See Scott's Report

Instructions for this Report

Questions and Answers

Suggestions for Future Generations

This first section included postings made my 2 people who share a common problem.  They both suffer from driving anxiety.  In Scott's reaction, he pointed out that people use newsgroups as a way of finding support.  He also believed that their problems could be motivated by a past traumatic experience and thought it would be in their best interest to seek professional help.

Reaction

I agree that newsgroups do offer a type of support system for people.  Because it's a type of cybercommunity, newsgroup "residents" can turn to each other for help, just as they would in a regular community.  With newsgroups, people can post a concern or problem, and get feedback from real people, without having to physically interact with anyone.  We have learned in this class that internet technology is bringing people closer together.  Newsgroups are one of the things that allow people from all over the world to connect with each other.

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This sections included a posting that provided statistics involving road rage.  The author also shared a story that demonstrated the consequences of aggressive driving and road rage.  In 1997, a long drag race ended with one of the drivers dying in a crash, after the other driver threw something at his car.  Scott responded by commenting on the possible motives behind this posting.  He believed that the author was using the statistics and story to try and persuade people from practicing aggressive driving behaviors.  However, Scott also believed that the statistics provided would have little effect on people.  "We live in a very individualistic society and people don't think that these types of things can happen to them, only the other guy."

Reaction

I do believe that many people fail to consider the possible consequences of their behavior until it's too late.  People do things like drive drunk, speed, and tailgate because they don't think anything bad could ever happen to them. However, what's even worse is when other people end up getting hurt or killed because of someone else's failure to behave responsibly.  Which leads me to Scott's quote; we do live in a very individualistic society.  Many people tend to worry more about themselves than they worry about others.  Our society encourages people to compete with one another and teaches us that personal needs and wants are more important than doing things for others.  There is little regard for how our actions affect the people around us.  That type of individualistic mentality extends to the way people drive.  If you don't care about the well-being and safety of others, you're more prone to drive aggressively.

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Although many of us have been gotten upset with someone driving aggressively at least once in our lives, there is some question as to what actually qualifies one as an aggressive driver.  In this section, Scott commented on a posting that lists one's idea of the common aggressive driver's profile.  The posting also included some advice on what to do when you are confronted by an aggressive driver.  The advice included getting out of the way, avoiding eye contact, and ignoring gestures.

Reaction

Scott liked this posting because it offered motorists an avoidance strategy.  We all know that there are drivers out there who don't care about other's safety or concern themselves with being a courteous motorist. However, the author of this posting was trying to let people know that there are things we can do to protect ourselves.  I like that this person was kind and concerned enough to share this information with others.  The more educated we are about dangerous drivers and what we can do to avoid confrontations with them, the better.  Challenging an aggressive driver can be very dangerous and isn't worth putting yourself or others in danger.

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The next posting that Scott commented on was rather disturbing.  While many of us  at one time or another, have gotten irritated being stuck behind a slow driver who's blocking our way, the author of this posting seems to take the occasional occurrence a bit too seriously.  He claimed that it should be legal to blow out the tires of motorists who drive at the same speed across all lanes and block people from passing. He even went as far as to refer to these types of driver as cattle. Scott reacted in a way I believe most people would.  He was appalled at the obvious lack of regard this person had for others.  It also scared him to know that there are people out there who would think it's okay to do such a thing.

Reaction

Now, don't get me wrong.  You should never block the passing lane.  If you're in the left lane and blocking someone else's way, you should move over.  However, it saddens and frightens me to think that people can be so self-centered.  How can one even have the desire to do something like this to other people?  Some may think that they're just harmless thoughts; it's unlikely this person would actually carry out this type of behavior.  However, in this class, we've learned that your emotions and thoughts influence your behavior. Your attitudes and feelings, whatever they may be, triggers certain thoughts. Negative emotions result in negative thoughts which can lead to violent or aggressive behaviors. For example, the author is obviously the type of person who's quick to get mad at other motorists. As a result of his emotions, he no longer sees them as people which makes it very easy for him to consider doing something like blowing out their tires and putting them in danger. This person needs to distinguish and separate his affective (feelings), cognitive (thoughts), and sensory motor domains so he can change and modify them. Until then, he'll never understand the motivations behind his thoughts and actions and will never be able to change the way he handles frustrating situations. As long as he continues to think the way he does, I'd like it better if he stayed off the roads.

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This section included 3 separate postings that debated different types of aggressive driving behaviors. Two of the authors were upset with people who don't pay attention to what's going on around them while driving and block the passing lane.  Their  postings were very outwardly hostile and included offensive and violent comments.  The third author's posting included comments about tailgaters and motorists who endanger others by doing things like passing in the no passing zone.  This posting was more sarcastic and condescending in tone.  Scott found it fascinating that these people voiced their frustrations in such contrasting ways. He believed that the hostile interaction between these people showed that everyone has the potential to be an aggressive driver. 

Reaction

Again let me emphasize that our emotions however harmless we may think they are, has an influence over the way think and behave.  Consequently, even people who consider themselves calm and passive drivers, but are quick to get upset with aggressive drivers, are likely to become an aggressive driver themselves.  Another thing I noticed from these postings is that none of the authors were taking any responsibility for their actions.  It was all about pointing fingers and placing blame on everyone else.  They all failed to consider how their behavior behind the wheel may be contributing to the problem and worsening the already dangerous situation.

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The next posting featured Dr. James discussing something he refers to as "habitual road rage."  He argued that there are certain cultural norms that lead people to believe it's okay to express hostility and aggressiveness towards people who seem to wrong them in some way.  Understanding that there are "bad drivers" out there, Dr. James emphasized the importance of focusing on only what we can control; our own driving behaviors.  Reacting to aggressive drivers never improves the situation and only makes the driving experience less tolerable.  Dr. James also offered a list of things motorists can do to modify their attitudes towards aggressive drivers.  Scott had mixed feelings about this posting.  While he did agree with some of what Dr. James had said, he was reluctant to believe that the strategies suggested could be effective.  Being that change only occurs when one has the desire for it, Scott believed that personal pride would stand in the way of people believing they needed to change. 

Reaction

This section again re-emphasizes the importance of understanding the effects that our thoughts and emotions can have on our behavior.  As mentioned earlier, everyone has the potential to be an aggressive driver. You may consider yourself a passive driver but if you're quick to get angry with aggressive drivers, you're advocating negative thoughts and behaviors from yourself. I hope that people will begin to understand that and be more willing to change.  When you react to an aggressive driver, you're only worsening the situation and increasing the chance for confrontation.  I think we could all benefit from Dr. James' advice.  The only behaviors you can change are your own. You should be focusing on how you contribute to the problem and work on changing or modifying yourself. If you really want the roads to be safer, let the authorities worry about the "bad drivers", it's not your responsibility to punish them.  All you can do is work at being the best driver you can be.

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The following 2 points were made in the next posting:  1) 99% of "slow drivers" are NOT acting to anger others.  "People want to blame anyone for their frustrations, except of course, themselves."  2) Most aggressive drivers would still be unsatisfied if the so called "slow drivers" sped up.  The author also reminded others that when you're moving slower than others, you should move over.  Scott agreed with the author and liked the fact that this person had such a mellow attitude towards driving; it was an indication that not all motorists feel the need to be aggressive on the road.

Reaction

The author of this posting was trying to get people to realize that they shouldn't allow themselves to be so easily provoked by aggressive drivers. "Why risk your life just to prove you have the right to drive as slowly as you want in any lane you want." It's important to get people to think twice before reacting to another motorist's inconsiderate driving behavior. When situations end with someone getting hurt or killed, it's too late to change your mind.

Like I said earlier, the only person we have the power to change is ourselves. You may think you're doing others a favor by confronting aggressive drivers. The truth is you're putting others at a greater risk of becoming hurt. You may think it's going to make them think twice about their behavior. However, the chances of that happening are slim to none. Don't be so quick to get angry.

I'm glad that this author understands that even the "victims" of aggressive drivers need to be responsible for their actions. There's no justification or real need to retaliate when you encounter a "bad driver." If you really want the roads to be a safer place, do what you can to avoid confrontations and worry about being the best and safest driver that you can be.

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This next section features a reply to one of Dr. James' postings. Dr. James stated that in order to make the roads a safer place, we need to retrain drivers to be more competent. In order to eliminate road rage, we need to get people to resist their aggressive tendencies. However, the respondent argued that trying to get people to refrain from reacting or getting upset with aggressive drivers is a narrow-minded and unhealthy solution. He believed that Dr. James was taking the wrong approach by focusing on the average motorist rather than the aggressive drivers. "You are attacking the symptoms not the disease. Instead of training people to better cope with their anger, we would all be better off if we could remover the source of the anger."

The responder also didn't like the fact that Dr. James' definition of road rage was so broad. It ranged from "mentally condemning other drivers" to shooting another car or killing someone. He believed that mentally condemning or verbally denigrating other drivers was a healthy and normal way to respond to frustrations brought on by aggressive drivers. "Most would feel it unhealthy to otherwise suppress such a response."

Reaction

While Braden believed that there was some truth to what the author had suggested, I have to say that I totally disagree. The author is the type that's quick to blame others for his behavior. That whole "he made me do it" argument doesn't sit well with me at all. We all possess the ability to control our anger and frustrations. I agree it would be nice if all aggressive drivers could be kept off the road, but realistically speaking, that's never gonna happen. The only thing we can do to improve the situation on the roadways is to modify the way we think, feel, and act on the road. It bothered me that this person couldn't understand why Dr. James considered mentally condemning other drivers a type of road rage. I hate to be redundant but like I mentioned before, our emotions and thoughts influence our actions. Getting angry at another driver increases the potential for you becoming an aggressive driver also.

I'm not saying that I'm perfect and never swear in response to getting cut-off or tailgated every now and then. I don't expect anyone to be able to let everything roll off their back. My point is that people need to become more aware of the aforementioned concept. It's not very likely that people will be able to avoid all negative thoughts 100 percent of the time. However, once you appreciate the potential consequences of your impulsive cognitive reactions and learn to separate your thoughts from your feelings and actions, you'll gain insight into the hidden motivations behind your behavior and eventually gain the ability to modify your responses.

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The next section included 2 postings. In the first one, the author stated his belief that people "own" their emotions. When people respond to other motorists with anger, they are making a conscious choice; it's not the motorists fault. Consequently, those who react in such a way should deal with their road rage in a constructive manner, instead of taking it out on other drivers. Dr. James responded to this in the second posting. He suggested that road rage and aggressive driving styles are learned as part of the automobile culture. "We grow up watching our parents drive aggressively and express hostile language behind the wheel. We also see awful examples of bad driving portrayed in movies and commercials."

Reaction

While Braden voiced his disagreements with Dr. James' views, I have to say that I agree with them. Road rage, like any other behavior is learned. I have learned through many classes that society is the major influence that shapes human behavior and ideals; even when we don't realize it. When we are exposed to certain things over and over again through media, our family, friends, etc., those concepts and ideals become internalized. For example, there is no empirical evidence that supports the idea that differences between men and women are biologically influenced. Boys tend to be more aggressive and independent because they are socialized to be that way. In contrast, girls are usually raised to be more passive and gentle because based on societal norms of what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine. "The same holds true with driving behaviors. If you constantly see people reacting to other motorists with hostility and anger, it eventually becomes internalized and you learn that it's an acceptable way to behave. As a result, you begin to practice these same behaviors yourself without really understanding where it stems from.

These 2 postings provide insight into what needs to be done to eliminate road rage. First, people need to begin taking responsibility for their emotions and actions instead of blaming others. We need to focus on what we need to change in ourselves before judging others. (Change begins with the individual). Second, we need to change what we consider acceptable driving behavior. As long as people are taught that aggressive driving and road rage are a normal part of the driving experience, no one will ever feel the need to change anything.

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In the final posting that Scott commented on, the author shared the details of a past encounter he had had with someone he considered a "thoughtless driver." He had been cut off by another motorists who had been in the yield lane and almost got into an accident. Initially, he wanted to smack the driver upside the head. However, when the driver pulled up alongside his vehicle at a stop light, the victim was able to keep his temper in check. Further down the road, the same driver cut off 2 more cars. The obvious lack of caring this driver demonstrated for his fellow motorists bothered the author even more but he refrained from reacting and didn't let his emotions get the best of him.

Reaction

In Braden's reaction, he stated his belief that the motivation behind this posting was to give people some insight into why road rage occurs. Braden then went on to say that road rage is an instinctual fight or flight response to aggressive drivers. In his opinion, with situations like this, there is a biological instinct to either flee or confront the danger.

While this theory may hold true in life or death situations, such as being attacked or held hostage, I don't think it's a valid argument in this case. Road rage is a learned behavior. There's nothing natural or instinctual about chasing down another driver who failed to yield and cut you off. The author of this posting made a conscious decision that it was better to avoid a confrontation then put himself and those around him at risk.

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Dr. James:

How do you think we can decrease the amount of road rage out there?

People who react to aggressive driver may think that confronting the person is the okay thing to do.  However, people need to understand that doing so only worsens the situation.  It's not worth the risk of putting yourself or others in danger.  It's unrealistic to think that a confrontation will get the aggressive driver to drive less recklessly.  The only person we have the power to change is ourselves, and the actions that we the only actions we can be responsible for are our own.  Hopefully, once people begin to appreciate the fact that it's not their job to eliminate or punish "bad drivers", they'll be less quick to react in these types of situations

Jamie:

Do you think that aggressive drivers can force passive drivers to become aggressive?

Absolutely not.  Getting angry or becoming aggressive behind the wheel because of another driver is a conscious choice.  No one can make you do anything.  I think it's sad that people believe they can justify dangerous or even illegal behavior because someone else did them wrong.  Ever here the old clichŽ 2 wrongs don't make a right?  People need to start taking responsibility for their actions and stop blaming everyone else.

Shane

Do you agree that it's not the speeders fault when they can't pass anyone?  Are they justified in doing things like getting mad, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating?

Everyone has to be willing to take the responsibility for their actions.  Getting mad, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic can't be justified with the excuse that others were blocking their way.  True, people shouldn't block the passing lane but that doesn't make tailgating or cutting others off any okay thing to do.  The thing is, the passive and aggressive drivers are all blaming each other; both groups think that the other is at fault.  Until people stop reacting to each other and begin understanding the human power of free-will, the cycle of violence on the road will never come to an end.

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Just do your best to keep up.  It's difficult to catch up once you fall behind.  I think the most important thing you can do to make this assignment easy on yourself is look how others did theirs.  There's so much you can learn from looking at other's pages and seeing what works on a web page and what doesn't

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