Driving round the bend

Dr Munnaza Zahid, a West Shore Surgery GP in Bryniau Road, Llandudno was on her way back from a shopping trip when another driver knocked on her car window and launched a ‘distressing’ tirade, referring to her ethnic origins and bad driving
 The GP at West Shore Surgery in Bryniau Road, Llandudno, said she was left shaken, and had to step down from chairing a meeting that afternoon after Malcolm Stewart admitted  he’d said: ‘You **** bitch – where have you learned this driving from? Which country have you come from?’

There's little doubt that road rage - or, to jettison the euphemism - stupidity - is on the rise, although following drivers whose cars are clearly not fitted with indicators, reverse gears or an intelligent driver is enough to sap the will to live.  However, racism or using racists inferences to abuse is not only the last resort of a bankrupt mentality, but it also destroys the credibility of the assailant.  We have no idea of how good - or bad - Dr Zahid's driving was that day because all we now see and hear is the racist insult.

It's a similar thing on the internet.  There are those of us who feel that the internet - with its plethora of forums, blogs, websites and social networking sites is a boon to folk who enjoy healthy debates, discussions, conversations or simply contact with other folk.  In many ways, internet forums have replaced the cafes and pubs of the past for conversation, debate and nattering, although the service can be a bit slow at times.  But there will always be the odd one whose vocabulary of invective is enough to make seasoned dockers turn pale, and they can have a highly disruptive influence on the social intercourse that characterises the internet generally. 
The other great advantage of internet socialisation is that you're pretty unlikely to get clobbered by a car on the way to the computer.