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Diversity in On-Line Discussions 177

from a lack of context. In other words, these other students did not
know M7 yet, and as a result were immediately threatened or even
offended by his banner without any of the context that would typi-
cally arise in face-to-face interactions. That discussion did not con-
tinue, though, as M7 immediately withdrew his banner.

Collective versus Individualistic Interaction

Some of the dialogue also provides opportunities to examine collective
versus individualistic perspectives on the class activities and issues.

EXAMPLE 1

Early in the list there was a discussion about the amount of work re-
quired by the course, particularly the responsibility to participate in
the listserv regularly. This had not been expected of the students in
other courses they had taken at the institution, so it was interpreted
by some as extra work being required of them.

M1, white American male:

I work full time and a lot of the evening courses go a little
easier on students because the profs themselves are full time
workers at other jobs and know the stress of family, job,
school.
This class is obviously different and a bit more inconveinent.
I do the best I can and try to help out whoever I can.

M4, a white American Male:
I know that every one has probably been thinking, “Why I
haven’t heard anything from that strikingly hansome, long-
haired, sideburned, mustached, hillarious guy, with great
fashion sence, on the listserv?” Well there is a good reason
for that....

The Top 5 reasons why M4 can’t Participate:
1) Reports from other classes
2) Work