Racism: A recent story brings up a good question:

[OneGrassRoot]

7. I'm really torn about this...

On the face of it, I'm all for shaming racists, bigots and bullies.

On the other hand, what if it's a one-off and the person was drunk, or posting sarcastically but those who don't know them wouldn't know that they don't have a racist/bigoted bone in their body?

I've seen how online mobs have ruined lives -- for one, stupid mistake posted on twitter or FB or instagram. There needs to be a way to shift what is acceptable in society, to truly teach lessons, without destroying lives for what may be one ridiculously stupid and, yes, hurtful comment. If it's habitual hurtful racist, bigoted stupidity, that's different, and if the person is in the public eye, I think they have to be extra mindful of not being stupid.

But for the average person? I don't know...just look at some of the things beloved DUers have written over the years -- one-offs, not their typical posts -- when they're being sarcastic, or when they're frustrated, or when they're upset.

Here's a good article about the aftermath of some of these public shamings: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html

Also, I don't want the real racists and bigots to go underground. I want them to show the world how they really think and feel. I say give them enough rope to hang themselves.

Like I said, I'm torn.

EDIT TO CLARIFY: I wish there were a way to call out each and every stupid post without it necessarily resulting in losing jobs and relationships. Call it out in a way that gives the poster a chance to recant.

But then I guess that REALLY becomes the PC police. Still, I'd like to see more of that type of approach on social media...an approach that fosters thoughtfulness and civil discussion about why such statements are so hurtful and dangerous.