Disagreements and Conflicts between Audiophiles have we lost our brotherhood and maturity?

I think it’s a combination of the internet allowing everyone a platform to fearlessly showcase their insecurities combined with the ability to comb through forums and regurgitate other’s opinions.  Often people have zero experience with the products they’re discussing, i.e. “Klipsch speakers are to harsh…” and when challenged, take it as some personal offense that has more to do with their childhood than the product they’re discussing.

There is a coarsening in our American culture. Rude, crude, selfish, crass and obnoxious is more and more commonplace today than when my old arse got into the hobby in 1978. 

There is also a lack of shame. Acting badly is no longer shamed or ashamed of. 

Then there is the polarity of politics. Just the mention of a certain name makes the mentally unstable launch into a hissy fit. 

It's not the hobby or the prices IMO- it's the rotten culture we suffer under. 

Personally, I can’t blame the internet for a person’s lack of civility, integrity, character or common curtesy to their fellow man. The internet just exposes who they really are... One thing I know for sure is that the same behaviors eventually transfer to their everyday life. They are no different than the people keying Tesla vehicles. I’ve run into a few interesting people on this forum. Unfortunately, they won’t leave and keep repeating the same behaviors. In my case, I asked one person to leave the forum after he attacked another member. Even though he is a longtime member, he continues to treat people poorly over and over again.

Calvinj, surely, you are not reaching this conclusion just now!  This country has been seriously and sharply divided for at least the last decade, if not more.  The loss of civil discourse has been AWOL for quite some time now.  What whart and some others have pointed out is true.  Our sad state of affairs has brought out the trolls and idiots who are not interested in the truth.  They just want to fight, argue and denigrate in order to try to make themselves feel better or superior.  I joined this site because I wanted to get guidance, input and recommendations from fellow audiophiles and learn something new as I went along.  I also wanted to share what experiences I've had, along the way, in the hopes of helping others, as well.  This is a great thread, so far, but there's a tad bit too much cryin' in your beer here.  There are still plenty of good, honorable, compassionate, loving people in this old, battered world and I find that most of the audiophile posts I encounter on this site are respectful and well-intentioned.  Once you separate the chaff from the wheat (i.e.  less knowledgeable pretenders & outright fakes from the honest, truthful audiophiles), I find one is able to get great advice & guidance on this site.  That being said, however, nothing replaces doing your due diligence (i.e.  hearing it for yourself with your own two or however many ears you have).  Peace!  Love!  Remember those sentiments?    

I agree with all, but I usually  I dislike most arguments as they can be destructive in any relationship. But the old saying "There's one in every bar" rings true.