10-10-2013
The term ‘troll’ originated in mythical lore at ugly beings
that were grotesque and up to no good, and the term ‘road rage’ originated in
modern times with the advent of automobiles and concentrated traffic on
highways. Both terms have come into play in cyberspace as ‘trolls’ have
populated almost every form of social media looking for ways to stir up
discontent and provoke arguments. A
troll hides behind anonymity as an unknown person on a computer, just as those
who are subject to road rage, release pent up frustration and anger on
unsuspecting motorists by calling names and verbally abusing their fellow
travelers. It is as if the Troll and the person venting road rage, both are
projecting their own anger and sense of inadequacy by ‘picking’ on others to make
themselves feel better.
If you have ever encountered this type behavior, it may have
been puzzling to see the enormity of rage vented upon people. I was reading an
online interview depicting a woman who had lost her son in death and the
interviewer questioned her about how she managed to cope. The comments that
followed were a true reflection of the compassion that most people are
naturally capable of; however, there were a few trolls who actually demeaned
the woman as a celebrity whose money and privilege supposedly exempted her form
having the right to suffer pain. One troll mercilessly attacked her, entitling her
response as ‘Oh Booowhooo” poor you with all your money!’.
If is a shame that some allow their own negative emotions
and inadequacies in life to rob them of all natural affection, thus remove them
one step away from civility and humanity. No wonder the term ‘troll’ is so
fitting.
