Meerkat Prompts: Godwin’s Law
There is a concept within the realm of online debates that has existed for some time. The theory goes that the longer an argument lasts, the greater the chances of someone invoking Nazis and/or Hitler, be it to describe a group, or their opponent.
I cannot immediately speak to how true this notion is, but Godwin’s Law is certainly a phenomenon that exists. It is also deeply unfortunate, and arguably trivialises the actions of the Nazis (that is the stance of Mike Godwin, for whom the idea is named, and also its creator). It is not without shame that I suspect I may have invoked it on a few occasions when I was younger, without pausing to consider if it was a remotely necessary comparison.
Godwin’s Law is obviously intended to be derogatory. The idea of suggesting that your opponents, or the faction you are arguing against, are somehow Nazis, is a cheap insult. It doesn’t contribute to a debate, and it represents a breakdown of etiquette. It is true that debate and discussion can evoke passion, and that shows that people are emotionally invested in what they believe in, but there are lines within any rule of engagement, and if a debate or argument gets to the stage where Godwin’s Law is in play, the debate broke down some time ago.
It seems to be an online phenomenon. It’s hardly impossible for spoken debates to fall afoul of a lack of decorum and decency, but face-to-face, televised or radio debates involve real identities, and therefore far greater potential for impact on reputations. Descending to crude insults and cruel behaviour in the public arena, in front of witnesses, as one’s self, is not likely to encourage others to agree with you, and it certainly won’t be persuasive with your opposition. Implying someone is a Nazi over a disagreement that has nothing to do with the concept is going to swiftly damage your credibility.
Online debates allow one or both parties to be act anonymously. Pseudonyms are common, nicknames are preferred. In the absence of a risk to reputation, and under the cover of darkness, so to speak, people are quicker to be aggressive, even nasty, and here is where you may find people being quicker to indulge in Godwin’s Law. This becomes an even greater problem on social media, where virtually everyone uses handles and usernames, as opposed to their actual identities. A lack of accountability swiftly encourages people to slip into behaviour they would not dream of in a face-to-face discussion. Unwarranted comparisons to Nazis certainly fall into the category of shameful behaviour!
This isn’t to say that every invocation of Nazis or Hitler is unwarranted. If the discussion is about fascism, or somehow about the defence of fascist policies and ideals, referring to the Nazis makes a lot more sense. In that regard, Godwin’s Law is far less abrasive. In fact, Mr Godwin himself has suggested that there are times when the comparison is necessary, and that it can serve as a conversation starter. The question is one of ensuring Godwin’s Law can actually aid a point or an argument, as opposed to being used for shock value or as an insult.
It is important to pause and think, before making arguments in haste and especially before making arguments in anger.
