I find Congressman Wilson's outburst more upsetting because it was more than just a rude exchange between two laymen. Rather, the President's speech symbolized a formal meeting between the Executive and Legislative Branches; in the same way the Supreme Court could never hand down a ruling with the outright declaration of “Liar,” Wilson's comment demonstrated an ignorance and total lack of respect for the very government system of which he is a part. (Separately—and perhaps unfairly—I expect more from the allegedly educated leaders of this country than I do of a rap star.) But outbursts in Congress are nothing new, and I don't think it's fair to drag race into the question as many of the media's talking heads have done.

I also don't think Social Media has changed our culture's behavior as much as it's amplified the echo chamber of extremists at whom we can point and gasp. Not only is it easier for us to find racist, sexiest, etc. content and communities online, it's also one of the only places they can grow and thrive. We advocate and encourage productive and entertaining online communities and discussions, but unfortunately the capability is there for all, even those who suck.

I am interested to see if the relative anonymity we're granted in online exchanges begins to change the decorum offline. Today, I can anonymously say online whatever I like with no damage to my reputation. In ten years, will it be acceptable to say the same things out loud with a similar non-result?

And is that a bad thing? Should we be less PC? Or in the same vein as Wilson's outburst, will in decrease our ability to function as a culture?

I'm not sure. But I do know NPR's On Point aired a fantastic segment last week called “Questions of Civility” that discussed these events and more. It's a great conversation—check it out here: http://www.onpointradio.org/2009/09/questions-o...

Joe Wilson should be severely penalized. No matter how you disagree, it showed a lack of respect for Congress and the Presidential Office. Perhaps it's more a reflection of his upbringing, and maybe the case as well with Kanye.

My wife tells me stories, as the oldest of six, growing up in a strict household, not really strict, but where their Father made sure they knew who was in charge, and certain behavior would not be tolerated.

You can't discipline your child today in a supermarket for fear of child services being called, or worse. So, where's the discipline? Where's the respect?

Yeah, it's great marketing, and know one knew of Joe Wilson beforehand, and he's received lots of donations lately. But at what cost are we losing our ability to voice our opinions in a manner that is polite and is still heard. I don't know.

I believe the cure is for the community to act collectively to let these troublemakers know that their behavior is unacceptable. Whether the troublemaker is a person or a corporation, they must be held accountable by the community. So, there's no current equivalent to sending the inmates to Australia. But we can shame them with our refusal to follow them, retweet them, acknowledge them, and so forth. When we can transcend the soundbite and get to real dialogue, we'll have civility.

It is arrogance fueling their thought process that people really really really want to hear what they have to say. Basically they are the kid in class that asks a question that they already know the answer too, they just want to make sure everyone knows they know what they are talking about. But you are absolutely right, that is what people are talking about, there is no such thing as bad press.

Kanye will get attention, but I don't think it's the kind of attention (or reputation) any of us really want. Keep in mind he's already apologized three times in different forums.

Interesting perspective, though.

Another hypothesis for this phenomenon could be the lack of public filter that people are developing due to the influence of social media. People have always had no problem vocally sharing their opinions in the privacy of their own home or their circle of friends. However, now that those conversations are often taking place in front of the world, it has become commonplace to post scandalous pictures and offending comments with no regard to who might see them.

I think that soon most people will realize that the consequences for public actions are still the same. Although, from Congress I expect more common sense.