Stereotyping is a natural, human response. We can never hope to know everyone we come across everyday, so by grouping them together it helps us to make sense of the world. The vast majority of people know that stereotypes aren't accurate depictions of whoever, but that doesn't stop them from being useful in many cases.
I actually agree that internet messageboards are prone to misunderstandings, as there is nothing but words on a screen to help us to understand how the message is being transmitted. However, things like 'winky smilies' do give us a clue when something is said in jest and I assumed (wrongly it would seem) that people would understand that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp
OK, I give up.
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Let's just agree that I'm right and leave it at that.
<--- winky smilie