Comments on Re: Re: ash_pradhan - Re: We are all learning...

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Talion_ - it could well be a combination of all of these things

I would add that a certain level of ignorance sometimes has the comment author not realizing just how foolish they look. What I find particularly amusing are the creationists, as I have mentioned in some of my posts, I have yet to meet one that can fully define the scientific theory of evolution. Many of them speak entirely from a perception drawn from misconception and the most ironic thing about their constant diatribes, is how they insist on usurping the moral high ground by proclamation alone.

What really surprises me is their actions seem not to matter, they seem to have no datum line by which to measure right from wrong in an absolute sense. They have elevated an individual's willingness to agree with their religious constructs to a position as the paramount criteria for judging people. I often wonder how such a large segment of a modern industrialized society can adhere so steadfastly to ancient religious superstitions in this manner?

Why they come here to get whupped over and over again is in some ways the manifestation of a group think phenomena. Many of these people actually equate their behavior as commenters here with serving their imaginary God, or to some degree as a means of professing their faith.

posted by gomedome on March 15, 2009 at 8:59 PM | link to this | reply

gomedome

I've always wondered why some continually visit your blog even after learning the content. At first I thought it was grisly curiosity, like rubbernecking at a bad car wreck, but that's not really it. Rubbernecking is only passively watching the carnage. Some go out of their way to engage you, actually becoming a part of the car wreck.

Then I thought it was a twisted code of honor thing. When you write something they find offensive, they feel compelled to "stand up for themselves" and their beliefs. Out of pride, they must set the record straight. I certainly have this knee-jerk reaction when stumbling upon some blogs on this site and only a few deep breaths (and occasionally a shot of whiskey if it's really ridiculous) do I calm down enough to let it pass without firing off a comment I may later regret. However, after the first or second instance, they should realize you aren't changing your mind and insults only beget more insults. With the comment thread there for all to see, it soon seems pretty obvious who's the idiot and who isn't. Evidently standing up for themselves is more important than semi-publicly making a fool of themselves, which runs contrary to the code of honor thing. That can't be it either.

Maybe it's the good guy vs. bad guy thing we've discussed before. In order for a hero to be a hero, there must first be a villain to defeat. Along comes you with this blog and the rest, as they say, is history. However, even this theory doesn't hold much water. Except for the original person this concept is based upon, no others have expressed the one thing most often associated with heroism, selflessness. No, those who frequently return for more battles with you aren't even pretending to act on the behalf of others.

My wife loves horror movies and for the life of me I don't understand why. Who in their right mind wants to be frightened? I detest horror movies and will do so until I go blind or die, but I've realized something after sitting in darkened movie theaters waiting for the terror to come. There's a certain rush involved with fear. The way the heart pounds, the way the breathing comes in rapid gasps, if you're able to breathe at all, and that awesome feeling of relief when that bump in the night was only the cat or a loose shutter. This time. Not that your posts are particularly frightening, but maybe some feel the same rush, the same charge, the same thrill. Maybe you and your posts are like some strange drug, Christian crack, fundamentalist heroin, etc. The know they should leave it alone, but it feels so damn good they just can't help themselves...

To be honest, I don't know why anyone who isn't in this choir you're preaching to insists on picking the songs, but I must admit, it's often fun to contemplate.      

posted by Talion_ on March 15, 2009 at 8:19 PM | link to this | reply

.ash_pradhan - absolutely, the privilege is universal..
But some of these folks don't seem to understand that. I have no good explanation as to why some of them return here over and over again.  

posted by gomedome on March 15, 2009 at 5:11 PM | link to this | reply

Yes, in life it's best to ignore some folks / situations...
to also recognize that that privilege is universal...and to hope that they constitute a very small percentage of the overall participants / situations. Actually, I prefer not knowing the past, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, but learning as I go along. I appreciate your efforts to connect with me, and they will receive the consideration & moderation that I myself preach so often, peace,

posted by ash_pradhan on March 15, 2009 at 1:24 PM | link to this | reply