This may look like my first diary but I've been a member here. I'm changing over from an old account (which I can no longer access) and while I hope I'm allowed to do this, I found the topic too appalling to not post, and I'm wondering if any action is possible.
CNN's comment section is filth--and, at least today, it is easily as bad as YouTube or Yahoo. This may be nothing new, but I'm wondering if we could start a campaign to--if nothing else--get a modicum of moderation, or, preferably, have them shut down the comments altogether.
The diary concerns the 'Nazi' salute of French footballer Nicolas Anelka--but, even more importantly, the twisted response to it.
Here is the link to the article: Soccer Storm
continue....
Now, personally, as a Jew living in Europe, I've seen my share of anti-Semitism and frankly my issue is not whether this Anelka character made a Nazi salute or not. It's my personal opinion that he probably did. But there is something more important.
CNN actually is unable to decide whether it hates Jews or Muslims more--and the language in the comments is straight out of anything one might come across in Mein Kampf or Bingo Night with the Grand Wizard.
This, by the way, is off of a front page story (the lede, for a good portion of the day)
Here are some choice block quotes (and these get high recommendation counts)
For equal representation, let's pick these two choice ones:
blacks arabs and moslems need to be sent to new french gas chambers or deported, the choice should be entirely theres [sic]
I consider myself to be have some anti-semitic leanings. I don't dislike individual jews or jewish families, but I loathe the influence jews have in finance, politics, and entertainment. I also don't like the "nobody likes us, therefore there must be something wrong with everybody else" attitude.
Granted, there is pushback from NORMAL people--and pleasantly (almost suprisingly) the Best rated comment is one of these normal ones. But CNN is either unable or unwilling to moderate their discussion boards. This is surprising, since they seem to be able to teleport holograms of Wolf Blitzer everywhere--but that's beside the point.
There is a (strong) part of me that feels that they are indeed unwilling to moderate, and I believe that it is part of the infotainment plunge--basically hate breeds anger, fights, eyeballs, ratings, and ultimately, cash. (Remember the chair throwing days of the Geraldo Rivera show?) I have a relative (who is really cool :) who works for the network, and maybe there's some influence there (although I highly doubt it)
Ultimately, comment sections have helped to destroy online news media. While sites like the Wash. Post, NY Times do a substantially better job, there has been an enormous shift from the selective, semi-professional 'Letters to the Editor' --which used to represent verious sides of Rational discourse and the sewage that we get now. There is no reason that online media should fall to this standard--but the fact that it has is one reason that groups like the Tea Party, or militias, or other radical groups have gained a level playing field with us normal people who are grounded in reality.
I posted some comments on CNN--but that's completely worthless--I also sent an email--which is also completely worthless, probably. But maybe a few emails would accomplish something--I doubt it, but who knows?
Just some drivel--thanks for listening.
11:55 AM PT: I have to go for a couple of hours, so will try to respond when I get back.
3:22 PM PT: Shanikka brings up a point the comments--I didn't include Blacks in my title although the most heinous of my two quotes listed them first--perhaps I should have--or framed my quotes differently.
Actually, come to think of it, I will change the title.