Principles for the Internets: #1, Idiots are Everywhere.

[scottopic]

This isn't as cynical as it may sound.

Something I've had to learn many times over is that there are millions of people out there with opinions I find abhorrent, irrational, cruel, stupid and/or just plain wrong. It will be on everything from politics to haircare, religion to exercise - from the broad scope of entire worldviews to the minute nuances of a Swedish dialect - beyond a difference of opinion, they will be rude and emboldened-like-insurgents about their opinions or "facts" because the anonymity and removal of the internets keeps them from being punched in the teeth.

So really, in most cases, the principle is to just let idiots be idiots.

Yes, people's minds can be changed, and there are times to stand your ground to make a point.
And hell, you may get off on diving into hopeless endeavors.
But really, unless you do - just walk away. Even if you changed one Southern Republicratiarian's mind, there will be 1,000,000 more to take their place.
So the principle isn't even about you being 'right', them being 'wrong' - but preserving your own sanity. Learn when it matters, and when it doesn't. I guarantee...usually, it doesn't.
No one is keeping score, except perhaps the NSA.

Comments

[hippieatheart.livejournal.com]

Them's fightin' words.

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

NO U!

[pharminatrix.livejournal.com]

I know I know. But my kidneys are angry!

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

Dude, the chronic (literal) heartburn I've been having has both made this worse and made it an object lesson for me!

"I liked that movie"
"I didn't, because of blahblah"
*stomach hurts* "OH YEAH, WELL YOU SHOULD DRINK SOME DRAINO!"

[morbid-o.livejournal.com]

Well said, as always

People often don't understand this. From now on, I suppose I can just link them here. :)

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

Thanks - this is one of those things where it's really about me - no, really! but know it happens for other people as well :)

[birdofparadox.livejournal.com]

This is something to think of when I'm fighting stupid legislators.

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

That's a tough balance on the ground where you specifically fight, since your arguments can make an impact...but I think we can easily realize if we're in one that is pointless and we're just in it...to...say...one...last...thing...

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

Thanks and yeah.
I mean...the brick wall may yet come down, but what condition will my head be in when it does?

[servingdonuts.livejournal.com]

*I* AM KEEPING SCORE!!!!

[servingdonuts.livejournal.com]

At halftime:

Me: 1,729,433
World: 2