How to argue in a weasel-ey manner, or...
Nov. 25th, 2008 02:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chargirlgenius...How I learned to stop worrying and be disingenuous when I was losing on substance
“Honey, if you think that was insulting I’d hate to see how you handled a real insult!”
Closely related to: “I’m not insulting you. Believe me, when I’m insulting you, you’ll know it.” (In other words, I can say whatever the hell I want, and you’re not allowed to take offense at it.)
“I’m only talking about you if my completely insulting post describes you.” (In other words, if you’re offended, it’s still your own fault.)
“My post wasn’t about you, even though enough of the pertinent details are eerily close to you.” (In other words, I can say whatever the hell I want, and you’re not allowed to take offense at it.)
“I just tell the truth as I see it.” (In other words, when it’s me against the world, *obviously* the whole world is wrong.)
And especially, remove the offending post/comment so you can say “I didn’t say that!” when people try to actually argue the points with you down the road.
The nice part about these phrases, is that it's a pretty nice cue for knowing when the person has totally lost all the substance of their original point.
PS: And why, OH WHY, does every time somebody suggests some quick and dirty things that people *could* do to improve their look, do people feel like it’s an attack upon them? Folks, there’s no reason to defend why you do things the way you do. It’s *fine*. It’s really fine. You make your own choices for whatever your reasons are. However, if you WANT to look a little more medieval, then read the list. If you don’t, then just go read something else.
“Honey, if you think that was insulting I’d hate to see how you handled a real insult!”
Closely related to: “I’m not insulting you. Believe me, when I’m insulting you, you’ll know it.” (In other words, I can say whatever the hell I want, and you’re not allowed to take offense at it.)
“I’m only talking about you if my completely insulting post describes you.” (In other words, if you’re offended, it’s still your own fault.)
“My post wasn’t about you, even though enough of the pertinent details are eerily close to you.” (In other words, I can say whatever the hell I want, and you’re not allowed to take offense at it.)
“I just tell the truth as I see it.” (In other words, when it’s me against the world, *obviously* the whole world is wrong.)
And especially, remove the offending post/comment so you can say “I didn’t say that!” when people try to actually argue the points with you down the road.
The nice part about these phrases, is that it's a pretty nice cue for knowing when the person has totally lost all the substance of their original point.
PS: And why, OH WHY, does every time somebody suggests some quick and dirty things that people *could* do to improve their look, do people feel like it’s an attack upon them? Folks, there’s no reason to defend why you do things the way you do. It’s *fine*. It’s really fine. You make your own choices for whatever your reasons are. However, if you WANT to look a little more medieval, then read the list. If you don’t, then just go read something else.
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Re: Fun with semiotics.
Date: 2008-11-25 09:10 pm (UTC)I mean, I have sympathy for the fact that some people's experience is damaged by my lack of visible authenticity; but I don't want to give up what I do in order to do what they do, and I've not found a way to make it otherwise. When they complain, I find it hard not to get defensive. Which sucks for everyone.
On the other hand, there are some people who just like to be snarky and bullying who use one side or the other -- sometimes both sides at the same time-- of the authenticity debate to be nasty, and that makes it really awful.
Re: Fun with semiotics.
Date: 2008-11-25 10:36 pm (UTC)I just don't get the people who take offense at a suggestion. Snark, sure. Order from on high, okay. But a "hey, here are some good ideas"? that's just someone being too tetchy for sense.