Cyber Snipers

Cyber snipers or bullies,  are those who attempt to harm others using e mail or similar electronic abettors to hide behind while "spreading negative news" they aim to be trouble. These perps of little thought, often teens, are not above misconceiving text and fabricating nonsense out of it to circulate malicious gossip for the purpose of gaining status and  attention. These sorts of cowards think spreading bits of infamy about someone else will elevate them to higher places in their society.  It doesn't work that way. First, gossip while originally often received with enthusiasm, will eventually cause the receiver to "shoot the messenger". In short, the messenger becomes a purveyor of dirt and is thus soiled.  Another form of cyber sniping is the Dear John or Jane letter via e mail.  Doing something so serious as leaving someone requires  discussion. Stomping off electronically in anger  backfires.  Talking it out works best no matter what the outcome. Being a writer is also an interesting place that opens one to the cyber sniper. One writes from life but not  directly unless in non-fiction. What happens first, is an idea and then the writer extracts from a kaleidoscope of personal experiences and imaginary scenarios a way to express a point or tell a story. Readers on the other hand have the responsibility of realizing what writers do and are. When a piece of writing is taken out of context and used maliciously, as happens many times in the paparazzi, it becomes both a dangerous and often, a legal matter. How do we stop this chicken-hearted form of meanness? Cyber bullies should be sent out to solitary pasture and forced to leave all hand-held devices at the gate. Contemplation may see them eventually become human once again.