Learning how to comment

MARCH 12 — Amir Al Mumineen Omar ibn AlKhattab: “Good behaviour towards people is equivalent to wisdom, to request politely is half of knowledge, and to ascribe to sound policies is half of one’s livelihood.”

The court of public opinion is the ultimate knowledge bank as the collective intelligence of the people is greater than any one person’s. Thus, White Papers, public comment, etc, are often utilised to gain more insight, add more depth, and so on to undertakings.

To write articles on pressing and provocative issues for public consumption using one’s real name takes time, effort and dedication. For any writer, comments, constructive criticism and feedback, etc, are always welcome as one always strives to do better. I view such articles as podium-speech, much like a speaker presenting at a conference or seminar. Upon finishing the lecture, the floor is opened to the audience for questions, comments, clarifications, and, sometimes, mini-presentations. 

The questions and comments are not personal attacks (most of the time), and even when the questions are written-in, civility is maintained. The lack of anonymity combined with “audience societal pressure” works well to avoid personal character assassinations.

Downside of anonymity

While the Internet has resulted in more voices on any given subject matter, anonymity has resulted in, at times, offensive personal comments/attacks that would not be aired during, say, a conference. Some websites have taken the decision to not include comments, and others have “report abuse” options.

Furthermore, where comments are allowed, usually a thumbs up or thumbs down functionality typically shows the public’s reaction, by way of click voting, to comments. Thus, they act like a commentary on comments, which, allows, at one level, checks and balances on civility. Put another way, the click votes are like a good lawyer impeaching a hostile witness during cross examination.

One of the comments I often read after an article is:

“I will not get back the 10 minutes of my life (I spent) reading the article.” Hmm, then why not stop after the first paragraph? Unless, the first paragraph itself took 10 minutes!

Negative campaigning

Are negative personal attacks on a writer similar to negative or smear campaigns during elections? Such attacks actually cause more harm to some writers, who may not have acquired a thick skin and so do not write again, and, we, as a society, lose with one less voice.

In elections, negative campaigning is becoming less popular as it no longer resonates with the mainstream voters. The politicians have realised that it’s more about subject matter, exposure and expertise and less about mud-slinging. Those reading personal attack comments vote in a similar way, with a “thumbs down.”

A possible way forward is to incorporate the comments much like letters to the editor in respected newspapers, where real names and addresses are required as a precondition to the acceptance to the letter. This screens the riff from the raff.

Model behaviour

We Muslims have always looked to the Quran and the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (saw) for peace and guidance in our daily lives. The Prophet (saw) said:

“I am leaving two things among you, and if you cling to them firmly you will never go astray; one is the Book of Allah and the other is my way of life.” (Farewell Pilgrimage: Muatta)

Oftentimes, when I feel I may have slightly deviated from the path, I have to remind myself with some of the sayings of the Prophet (saw).

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” (Muslim)

“It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.” (Bukhari)

“All Muslims are like a foundation, each strengthening the other; in such a way they do support each other.” (Abu Musa: Bukhari & Muslim)

“Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.” (Muslims and Bukhari)

Here, the takeaway point is about the dignity of civility, and not just towards fellow Muslims, but fellow human beings. We are, after all, ambassadors of our faith and role models for the next generation.

Open mic

In fairness, let’s give those who make comments under pseudo names an opportunity to submit bylined pieces with their real names on a subject matter that is near and dear to them. Maybe such people are irritated because they have not been given opportunity to submit pieces or their submissions have been rejected by the media in question. 

The subject matter could be about tolerance, freedom of speech, a rationale for their comments, or even on how the beloved Prophet Mohammad (saw) conducted himself with friends, fiends, and foes.

Many of my fellow colleagues and me would welcome the opportunity to read these bylined pieces, as learning is a neverending journey.

The “keyboard” is in your court.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.