DeviantArt’s community is one of the most diverse online groups to grace the internet. It provides a place for poets, potters, and painters to share their unique psyche with those who are interested in all things art. Every member strives to define their individuality through their work. But what happens when these artists are stratified by not only the preceding punctuation mark of their name, but rather, by their work itself?

I have seen stamps that are “Anti-NarutoxSasuke” and “Anti-Anti-NarutoxSasuke” and “Anti-Anti Clubs” in general. I’ve seen some of the nastiest and most unwarranted things get written as comments to deviations, with nothing constructive or critical about the work itself. And when has someone read, in full, an artist’s journal entries or artist’s comments? Perhaps while adding them to your watch list you unchecked that box…

I know that in the wake of tragedies, an influx of some of the most emotional art is uploaded to the site, say, Steve Irwin’s death. Some of the most heartfelt tributes are paid to a man that captured crocs and the lives of so many people. But what happens when said death brings an idea to an artist that is so satirical and so untimely that they no longer can be withheld from the community? What else would one do? Post it, of course. Post the piece, then wait for some of the most scathing and caustic criticisms to flood ones message box. Everyone has done this: seen something that upset them so much that, in a blind rage, sent the artist an awful comment with “you should be ashamed” or “what were you thinking”. Oh boy, won’t that teach them?

Of course not. These artists will still churn out more shocking, raw (and what may be considered offensive) art. I’m not saying these artists should be absolutely mortified by what they did; it is their choice to make their art known and despite sometimes being utterly tasteless, it does carry humor with it. And I’m not saying that no one has the right to be offended. Some art can make one feel unpleasant, and that is understandable. But doesn’t the old adage “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it” come into play here?

Consider this. One of the most prolific and humorous comic artists Kris Wilson has written edgy stuff. He’s on my watch list, and I view everything that comes through my deviation list by him. I can’t get enough of his art. Bottom line: it’s epic. His witty and sometimes disgustingly facetious lines from his characters (as well as the ones in the artist’s comments box) are timeless. But surprisingly, I’ve found people that see him as the scum of the earth. Why? They find his comics offensive and repulsive.

I don’t understand that. All they see is his comics. What they don’t see are some of his equally talented, if not superior in quality, digital drawings. Their eerie macabre feeling sends the viewer on a trippy, sci-fi haunted house ride that is both frightening and intriguing (see “The Masseater” or “Wrapped in Flesh” ). Even some of “The Lonely Sketchbook” pages have a sideways humor to them that reveal a truly captivating and intellectual artist.

Two men kissing is another one that brings a lot of contention with it, too. It’s not everyday one sees two cartoon creations or lifelike beings embrace one another with hot passion. This is an issue, I’ve found, with mostly (but not exclusive to) male deviants. Sure, it’s hot to some, but what does it matter if the world knows that it isn’t all that great for you? And why don’t those with such issues complain about two women kissing? It just seems backwards to shun the belief of homosexuality when you can’t accept both faces of it. It’s a prime example of all the hate for and against everything on the site now, making so much strain on artists.

It’s now become this habit of a deviant, never stopping to see the true intentions of another artist. We’ve become so concerned with asserting our own individuality that we become enamored with it. Deviants find cliques to team up with, bashing or supporting banal or worthless causes. Yes, some art can be found disturbing to you, but does it make you feel any better by verbally assaulting those who make it? Why immortalize your words in a deviation comment list with your objections? Is it really worthwhile to waste your time with this? We’ve reverted to a middle school train of thought, segregating ourselves with the art we make.

The world’s artists are constantly under scrutiny from the condescension and competition of other creative minds. The individuality we create is one to share with the world’s eye, and it is hoped that we are judged by an objective eye. But now, we are too visually inclined to skip over the artist’s comments, journals and responses to a deviation. We’ve taken all the thinking out of our art and made it a simple two step process: look and comment. Sure, a simple “good job” or “love it” or “” never hurt. But investing immense amounts of time into the degradation and opinionated banter of a disapproving comment? Is ones individuality that important? Must one force it upon those who don’t quite grasp your logic? It’s one thing to speak your mind, but it’s another to rudely attack a fellow artist.

The only solution to this urge to attack: know the artist. Read their journals once in a while to see how they’re doing. Look through their entire gallery and see how their art evolved. Look at some of their favorites to see what they are interested in. You might have more in common than you think. And if one is still mad at said artist? Try doing nothing. Some of the most powerful things are unsaid. If one dislikes an artist so much, don’t look at their art. Don’t comment on their work, shout board, journal, anything. If you want to damage someone, but don’t want to risk being banned, don’t give them your patronage. Sure, it may be just you, but what does it matter? You still have millions of other deviants to look at.

DeviantArt gives us a playground to be ourselves. It’s a place where one can learn new things and meet new people. It’s a place where one can find a haven from the harsh and uncultured people that scorn art. It’s a place where the network of artists is vast and diverse. But I feel lately that one can easily take our freedoms for granted. We are using our identities as weapons. We are locked and loaded, and the scope has someone or something in the crosshairs, waiting for it to make one false move, waiting for an excuse to strike it down.

I’d just like to think that we all are smarter than that.