The Internet has provided a platform of expression on a scale that we never knew before. Where your opinion was once available only to certain people within a certain region (be it geographical, political, or whatever), it is now open to the whole world.
Free speech is a right we should never take for granted; history shows us how quickly and totally it can be lost. But free speech without consideration to others is something else.
If, say, you want to write an article, blog, or essay that argues against homosexuality, remember that homosexuals across the globe will likely read your words. Even for those I don't agree with, I believe in staying true to your beliefs, so I'm not saying you should change simply because you might ruffle a few feathers.
I'm saying that it seems best to remember that everyone is human. There is much about the American government that makes me angry, and I've said my piece on it, but I respect different views, even if I think they're wrong factually.
It's easy to type what you feel about something (once you've figured out how to say it, that is) and then to expect everyone else to fall under the persuasion of your words. This seems a product of ego, which in itself seems a basic quality of the human condition (and yes, it's a quality I myself possess).
But you should remember something: While you believe very strongly in your views, others believe just as strongly in theirs, whether they tally with yours or not.
This is a global society now. The simple way of addressing societal and cultural issues, squashing it down to a debate between “right and wrong” or “good and bad” doesn't cut it anymore.
If you said the war in Iraq is bad, I would agree. But even a long elaboration on that point tells almost nothing of how it affects us, or how it might affect us in the future.
Whether we agree or disagree, we're all in this together, whether we like it or not.
We don't need anyone preaching anymore; right-wing preaching is one reason I hardly watch television. However, I can say the same as it pertains to left-wing preaching. Issues that can bring a positive or negative effect on society or a single culture should be treated with deliberation of facts.
If you want to express your views on, say, how gay rights are wrong, you're free to do so. But blasting other people for being different is immature and cruel. It's also how hate groups start.
No matter how homogenized our world becomes, it will remain diverse at least for a while (and forever, I hope). Everyone has but two eyes, and every pair of eyes sees the world from a slightly different angle. Blind people see it from a different angle still.
Mechanics and marketing strategies aside, in the question of society and culture, remember when you write that everyone has a valuable opinion, and every opinion matters. Argue if you must, but do it respectfully.
Wonderful article. Thank you and take care.