Read on Twitter
I have noticed a disturbing trend of bad behavior on Twitter from so-called experts. They live a dual existence. While they preach at esteemed academic institutions among those deemed their peers, they are unabashedly condescending to those relegated beneath them online.
US and UK experts (I hate to say these are the frequent culprits) provide a narrative in their hallowed halls. They have bestowed their attention and credentials on those who do not have the @nytimes or Boris Johnson on speed dial.
What happens when they are questioned...or called out for inaccuracies, bias or even falsehoods? Let’s use Armenians as an example, with the caveat that this behavior is likely rampant and felt by many ethnic groups not lucky enough to be in the “first world.”
Armenians are dismissed as “emotional” or “blowing things out of proportion”. (Does this remind you of an abusive boyfriend?)
Armenians are mocked or teased for not getting the joke. ( #Genocide is no laughing matter.)
Armenians are dismissed as being intrinsically biased based on their ethnicity or name. “You cannot tell your own story because you need an objective third party. Just shut up and don’t criticize me while I’m busy telling your story.”
This is the 21st century version of #colonialism and the frontlines are on our smartphones.
