Chocolate is the best; anyone who likes vanilla is dumb.
May 29, 2008 Rants
“I like using XP.”
“Well, I like Vista, and anyone who likes XP is an inbred cross eyed pterodactyl.”
“World of Warcraft is alright for some, it just wasn’t for me.”
“FRAK U. WORLD OF WARCRAFT IS THE AWESOMEST SAUCE ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET AND U SUCK FOR NOT LIKING IT N UR MOM SUCKS N UR FACE SUCKS.”
“Age of Conan is pretty awesome.”
“I’ve had nothing but problems with the game since I started. Therefore, the game is awful and you’re stupid for liking it.”
“I like Dooce.”
“Omg, Dooce does things in a manner I don’t agree with so that makes her the DEVIL.”
Can you spot the pattern in all of these pretend conversations that are almost-but-not-quite like a few I’ve read online lately?
In almost every conversation that boils down to people expressing their opinions on what they do or do not like, those who have opposing sides belittle and shoot down the other person simply because…well—their viewpoint differs.
Vista users mock those still using XP, Gamers from other MMORPG’s mock those who play WoW (look, I know there’s a stereo type stuck to WoW players but some of them are sane, really. I know a few of them!) and people are generally being arsehats to one another over the smallest things. When it comes to someone liking something that you do not, I beg a question of you:
So long as it isn’t illegal, harming anyone, mentally scarring or life threatening—what does it really matter?
If I am enjoying my chocolate cup cake with sprinkles on top and you notice me eating my delicious sugary treat and happen to be a crusader for vanilla; why stop everything you are doing to get worked up over it? Why stoop to insults, name calling and other behavior that is no doubt unhealthy for your blood pressure? Why can’t you eat your cupcake and let me eat mine? Isn’t there something far more constructive we can all be doing with all this pent up disagreement-energy we have floating around?
If you absolutely must make your point, or share that you disagree with something, people are more apt to listen to you if you come at them calmly, keeping in mind that not everyone likes what you like. If your opening argument is rife with belittling commentary, as well as name calling, you’re probably not going to get the sort of response you were hoping for and possibly risk being named a troll. Seriously take five minutes and do your best to think of things from their side. How would you react to things if you were their shoes?
I don’t get the trend lately for mocking someone for liking something we don’t like or for being different. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to be celebrating as part of humanity; diversity and the joy of being different?
If not, then I guess I still have my chocolate. This is of course, a thousand times better than vanilla and makes me a million times better than anyone who likes vanilla, because anyone who does is obviously dumb.
This is a real issue. Why can’t people stick to their own stuff? Or at least express their opinions calmly? I know somebody, who if you ask just a simple question, a polite question, he says, “What does it matter?” Or “none of your business!” In that mocking sort of tone that makes me wish I was podcasting this comment. If you are looking for diversity, try Vancouver, BC, Canada. I really wish I lived there. But instead I live in this effing place, PA US.
BTW, this is another blog I have “joined.” Looking forward to what comes next!
Nathaniel posted: Ideas And Updates Part Three on http://green-flamingo.com
There’s a time for being polite and a time for being not-so. Generally when someone is just casually disagreeing with us, it’s probably not the time to be not-so-polite
Thanks very much for making the blog part of your reads ;P Hopefully we won’t bore you too badly!