Check out the book Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism.
> I'd think that's how people you happen to hang out with, or talk with on the internet, might be.
You literally have no data to support that comment, whereas I'm referencing existing documents throughout American history that show just how vitriolic communications were.
You realize that our politicians used to get into fistfights on the floor of Congress, right?
> But not people in general, at least not the ones I've met from the US (lots of people).
What you've just described is selection bias, but I understand why would you feel that way. You're likely not exposed to a diverse selection of Americans. Do you know many corn farmers from the Midwest states? Do you know any deep sea welders from Mississippi? Do you know many club promoters from California? Do you know many book editors from New York?
Selection bias. I'd think that's how people you happen to hang out with, or talk with on the internet, might be.
But not people in general, at least not the ones I've met from the US (lots of people).