Author Topic: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?  (Read 6793 times)

Grandpa Shooter

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I know I am old fashioned and grew up in an America where individual rights were respected, but one thing about modern times really bugs me.  If someone brings up an example of how our individual rights as guaranteed by the Constitution are being infringed upon, or gives an example of the potential for abuse of our rights, inevitably someone comes along and paints the person as "paranoid" or talks about putting on their "tinfoil hat".

The one which really sets me off is the "If you have nothing to hide, it shouldn't bother you" argument.  Having nothing to hide has nothing to do with ardently desiring to protect one's fundamental rights.  The right of privacy is one of my primary peeves.  Coming on the internet does not mean I am choosing to give up my privacy, it only means I am seeking to interact with intelligent adults in a civilized and courteous manner.  I have gotten somewhat used to the idea that I can Google myself and read what I just wrote a few minutes ago, but it still bothers me that people find it amusing or permissable to ridicule others for their concerns.

Is it just me, or does it bother others as well?

Gewehr98

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2008, 09:23:46 PM »
Give us some examples here at APS, and we'll go from there.

Some stuff that gets posted online is really unbelievably paranoid, and yes, it will get the tinfoil hattery moniker when it's that far out in orbit...

Google "Tactical Wheelbarrow" to understand where things go awry in the whole SHTF scheme of things.
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Grandpa Shooter

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2008, 10:24:18 PM »
Mike Irwin
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    Re: Oh great now they want to read our minds?
« Reply #35 on: Today at 01:51:34 PM » Quote 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keep huffing that carbon monoxide.

It protects you from the mind reading rays. 
 
 
This was recently posted by one of the members.  You know which one.  Is this kind of stuff really necessary?  There was a comment about tin foil hats on the same thread, and another comment on how you give up your rights when you get on a plane.

I don't know about you, but I don't plan on ever giving up my rights.  Some entity may decide to deny me my rights, but give them up?  I don't think so.

Headless Thompson Gunner

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2008, 10:31:05 PM »
There's nothing wrong rationally discussing liberties and rights lost or strategies for recovering them.  There is, however, a powerful tendency for such topics to turn into irrational rants, paranoia, conspiracy theories, and fanatical support for certain political figures.  Lots of people just can't help dragging the conversation down those paths, which destroys any value the discussion might have had.

Liberty is an important subject.  It should be discussed seriously, without all of the foaming and frothing.  As a result, many of us have a low tolerance for that sort of asshattery, and we jump on anything that might lead a useful conversation astray.

Also, and a lot of it is just sarcasm and humor.  Don't take it too literally.
« Last Edit: December 04, 2008, 10:54:59 PM by Headless Thompson Gunner »

Lee

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2008, 10:53:41 PM »
Quote
Coming on the internet does not mean I am choosing to give up my privacy,

How do you figure that?  I understand what you're saying, but posting on the internet exposes you to responses of a billion people...about 25% of them crazier than hell.

I log on every day just to realize how nice it is to be able to shut it down and walk away.  I wish I could do that at work (and home sometimes).

The other end of the extreme applies as well.  Log on to some gun sites and make the statement "a toddler doesn't have a right to bear arms" and you'll get someone (or a bunch of someones) who will accuse you of being Obama's homosexual lover and a closet socialist.

That little red X at in the upper right hand corner is a beautiful thing sometimes.   


Standing Wolf

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2008, 10:54:40 PM »
Quote
The one which really sets me off is the "If you have nothing to hide, it shouldn't bother you" argument.

Believe it or not, there's never been a shortage of bullies, tattletales, or busybodies.
No tyrant should ever be allowed to die of natural causes.

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2008, 11:06:05 PM »
Quote
How do you figure that?  I understand what you're saying, but posting on the internet exposes you to responses of a billion people...about 25% of them crazier than hell

I think your percentage is a little low...

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Monkeyleg

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2008, 11:37:50 PM »
I think your percentage is a little low...



OK. Confession time. Who here is nuts?

(Raises hand).

roo_ster

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2008, 11:45:24 PM »
And some many misanthropes.  

Grandpa Shooter:

The above folks' points are valid.

The 'net is a free-for-all.  The only civility is in places where civility is enforced.  

Also, refer to my first statement.  Lots of misanthropes with limited social skills.
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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2008, 11:46:08 PM »
Expecting people to not be arrogant, boorish fools is setting yourself up for failure.

Add in the perceived anonymity of the internet, and the actual lack of social or physical consequences of bad behaviour. Plus a lot of nerd rage.
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roo_ster

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2008, 11:46:52 PM »
OK. Confession time. Who here is nuts?

(Raises hand).

[almond_joy_mounds]Sometimes I feel like a nut.  Sometimes I don't.[/almond_joy_mounds]
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roo_ster

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BReilley

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #11 on: December 05, 2008, 12:47:07 AM »
On a related note - I worry that posts I have made here and elsewhere(but mostly elsewhere) would become public domain, were I ever to run for some sort of political office or otherwise become a semi-important person.  I'm sure I've said dumb things in the past, and I've certainly shown my share of tasteless humor.  I'm a pretty down-to-earth guy in the real world, but the internet is what it is - humor is just different when you're anonymous.
You only really possess anonymity until someone takes an interest in you, be he a reporter, political opponent, or general busybody.

Edit: I also try to be *very* careful of what I post on "gun" forums, etc.  I'm quite certain that my character will come into question in some way or other if I somehow become involved in a defensive situation, and I don't want to EVER give the impression that I think I am Rambo, or believe in vigilante justice, or anything of that sort.  I think it's good advice for anyone to consider any "serious" post and think about what a semi-objective, uninitiated observer(like a juror) might think of it.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2008, 12:50:48 AM by BReilley »

gunsmith

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #12 on: December 05, 2008, 01:21:22 AM »
sometimes I say things that I regret, sometimes I'm really impressed with what I've written in the past.
sometimes I'm being serious and bringing up an important right being overlooked and get reamed for it
( that old thread this summer about the FLDS Church for instance )
I was questioning the right of the State to confiscate babies based on info from fake/prank phone calls and was called
a would be pedophile because of it :mad:

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K Frame

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #13 on: December 05, 2008, 01:37:17 AM »
JESUS CHRIST!

GROW, GET, BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL A SENSE OF HUMOR.


If you fail at doing any of those, at least stop whining about your iddle widdle feelings being hurtsied...   ;/
« Last Edit: December 05, 2008, 12:56:18 PM by Mike Irwin »
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ArfinGreebly

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #14 on: December 05, 2008, 01:57:19 AM »
I know I am old fashioned and grew up in an America where individual rights were respected, but one thing about modern times really bugs me.  If someone brings up an example of how our individual rights as guaranteed by the Constitution are being infringed upon, or gives an example of the potential for abuse of our rights, inevitably someone comes along and paints the person as "paranoid" or talks about putting on their "tinfoil hat".

The one which really sets me off is the "If you have nothing to hide, it shouldn't bother you" argument.  Having nothing to hide has nothing to do with ardently desiring to protect one's fundamental rights.  The right of privacy is one of my primary peeves.  Coming on the internet does not mean I am choosing to give up my privacy, it only means I am seeking to interact with intelligent adults in a civilized and courteous manner.  I have gotten somewhat used to the idea that I can Google myself and read what I just wrote a few minutes ago, but it still bothers me that people find it amusing or permissable to ridicule others for their concerns.

Is it just me, or does it bother others as well?



1) tinfoil hat:  I'm surprised I don't get this more often.  However, I did some work years ago with a group that helped expose COINTELPRO.  It's not nearly as funny when you discover that your own government really is plotting against you.

2) nothing to hide:  This is a control mechanism used to nullify others.  It also has a direct application as a way to embarrass someone into allowing you to compromise their security.  It's a crap argument and deserves no respect.

3) amusing to ridicule others:  Sometimes it's good-natured ribbing.  Every so often someone will throw a barb of "aren't you a moderator somewhere?"  Well, I did set myself up for that, so I don't take it seriously.  Other times I wade into a discussion knowing I'm going to draw fire, maybe because I'm defending something unpopular, or because I'm going to propose something uncomfortable, or what have you.  I know there's gonna be heat, and I take my lumps.


Oh THR, meef has a sig line that warns people that there's no such word as "alot."

I've occasionally tormented him by posting something in a thread where he's active, saying something like "oh, there's really alot of that going on" or perhaps, "yeah, I like that alot."  All in good fun.

It wouldn't work, of course, if there wasn't already a certain level of respect and affection in place.

I don't rib people I don't like.  That's too much like rudeness.

"Look at it this way. If America frightens you, feel free to live somewhere else. There are plenty of other countries that don't suffer from excessive liberty. America is where the Liberty is. Liberty is not certified safe."

JonnyB

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #15 on: December 05, 2008, 02:21:54 PM »
JESUS CHRIST!

GROW, GET, BEG, BORROW, OR STEAL A SENSE OF HUMOR.


If you fail at doing any of those, at least stop whining about your iddle widdle feelings being hurtsied...   ;/

Hmmm..

I think Grandpa Shooter can rest his case.

Way to go, Mike; your compassion is underwhelming.

jb
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Brad Johnson

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #16 on: December 05, 2008, 02:23:23 PM »
Hmmm..

I think Grandpa Shooter can rest his case.

Way to go, Mike; your compassion is underwhelming.

jb

And your sense of humor is missing.

Brad
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JonnyB

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #17 on: December 05, 2008, 02:36:23 PM »
And your sense of humor is missing.

Brad

Maybe. That doesn't change the fact that Mike, though an administrator, can be a condescending pr*ck at times.

jb
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Brad Johnson

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #18 on: December 05, 2008, 02:38:01 PM »
Yeah, and...?

Brad
It's all about the pancakes, people.
"And he thought cops wouldn't chase... a STOLEN DONUT TRUCK???? That would be like Willie Nelson ignoring a pickup full of weed."
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ctdonath

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #19 on: December 05, 2008, 02:49:30 PM »
Some ideas ARE crazy enough to warrant ridicule, and some people DO believe them.

And some people DO have a sense of humor that others find offensive.
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JonnyB

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #20 on: December 05, 2008, 03:08:02 PM »
Yeah, and...?

Brad

Touche!  :laugh:

Thanks, Brad, for a ray of sunshine. Grandpa *did* ask a serious question, though.

I learned a long time ago that the general public is an ass. Working retail (full-service gas station) at 15-16 years of age shows one the dark side of humanity. We're a bunch of a-holes; some of us (myself included, I hope) have a fairly decent veneer of social grace covering the ugly interior. Some have less of it, and it shows.

The internet is pretty much anonymous, so people feel free to be jerks. "Courage is great when the danger is distant", you know.

jb
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Gewehr98

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #21 on: December 05, 2008, 03:11:56 PM »
"Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round...

http://neuralmisfires.blogspot.com

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ArfinGreebly

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #22 on: December 05, 2008, 03:22:54 PM »
Y'all are going to think I've gone spare . . .

I am completely in favor of an unrepentant hardass prick as an administrator.

Discipline depends on predictability.  Politeness and courtesy depend on a certain discipline.

However.

I do prefer that my hardass pricks have a sense of humor -- even if somewhat crude.

I have found that, even for myself, the "gentle soul" persona doesn't do much to establish and keep order.  I found that as a parent, and I found it again as a teacher.

My kids never doubted that I loved them, even when their posteriors needed dusting.  Even when getting their attention required a verbal two-by-four.

I'm not a big fan of myself when I have to be the hardass.

Doesn't mean I don't do it when I have to.

And I don't let it cost me my sense of humor.

"Look at it this way. If America frightens you, feel free to live somewhere else. There are plenty of other countries that don't suffer from excessive liberty. America is where the Liberty is. Liberty is not certified safe."

K Frame

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #23 on: December 05, 2008, 03:59:58 PM »
"We're a bunch of a-holes; some of us (myself included, I hope) have a fairly decent veneer of social grace covering the ugly interior. Some have less of it, and it shows."

And some of us don't believe in the hypocrisy of a thin candy coating

Some of us believe in a wysiwyg approach to the 'tardnet and life as a whole.

Life is too short for that crap.



Now, this so called "serious topic" over which apparent semi-humorous asides were found to be highly offensive...

The original post is about the actions of the Federal government, NOT some soul wrenching, tear jerking life crisis.

Of all things in the corporeal world, I find few that are naturally humorous (and frightening) and worthy of varying levels of derision as the actions of government.

I have a suggestion -- If you feel that your topic is somehow above the inclusion of humorous asides, rejoinders, jests, one liners, jokes, jibes, etc., then by all means...

Find a more serious board on which to post it, a board where the humor levels are nil to negative and everything is seen as a mighty crisis.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2008, 04:08:28 PM by Mike Irwin »
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Grandpa Shooter

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Re: Curiosity question: Why do people make fun of others on serious topics?
« Reply #24 on: December 05, 2008, 04:04:20 PM »
Hmmm..

I think Grandpa Shooter can rest his case.

Way to go, Mike; your compassion is underwhelming.

jb

'Nuff said!