Who says John Smith from texas is real? Why does he care if some random group on the internet thinks he is a racist?

But assuming we could force everyone to use their real names, would that really help matters? People might not use racial slurs as much but they'd still have the same beliefs. They'd still broadcast their stereotypes and insult people in a more "civil" manner. And they'd have more ways to harass suzy lou who had the gall to publicly disagree with them.

Personally I'd rather read a few vulgar words than walk into a web of thinly veiled ignorance. The real name of anyone on a forum doesn't matter to me, it shouldn't matter.