Yes, that’s exactly what they’re doing. You wouldn’t let anyone, (even someone you liked), walk into your livingroom and disrespect you! So why would you let them do it online? Why is online different? To hell with the marketplace of ideas. Insults and other “bs” isn’t a discussion, and actually derails it.

Not only that, but you also need to think about your other guests, who will also be privy and subjected to this stranger’s rudeness. Your other commenters can see it. As a Black woman, I block people not just for my own piece of mine, but so I don’t inadvertently traumatize those guests who want to interact with me. (I’m not sure how this works on Medium, though.)

I know plenty of times I’ve been in some favorite writer’s comment section, only to be broadsided by some troll-ish nonsense, and it can be incredibly jarring.