Ask Sir Charles

Q: Why do you think so many people are more likely to act like such jerks when they're inside their cars — or have the protection of anonymity online? Not to get too philosophical, but which do you think is their true selves: The a-hole part that posts horrible stuff on the web? Or the person who wouldn't be caught dead saying such horrible things in person?

—Philosophical in Pennsauken

A: Dude, that's not a question, it's a conversation. A loooong conversation. First of all, there's no specific place for people to be jerks. That can happen anywhere. I don't think anonymity is an issue, because how many times have you seen people act like jerks at a sporting even where there are thousands of people? A jerk is a jerk anywhere. However, I do agree that many people believe the Internet is a like a protective web where you can make outrageous comments about people and hide behind it. That's pretty sad, too. You don't know somebody's true self until you truly get to know them. And even then you find there are still lots of jerks and a-holes in the world.

Q: I'm not a big sports fan, but I get why people get into it. What I don't get is why people wear jerseys. I mean, I love reading, but I'm never going to dress up like Jane Austen. Can you explain the appeal?

—Vexed in Villanova

A: Dude that is too funny. I'd love to see you dress up like Macbeth or even an esteemed author like myself. There's nothing wrong with being a fan and carrying it to whatever extreme you're comfortable with. People who wear jerseys aren't just praising the player, they have civic pride. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I think the dude doth protest too much.