Why is everyone so "F"ing mean on DU now

[hatredisnotavalue]

I was here on DU years ago when every discussion at least in the lounge was civil. (I changed names because of lack of posts, 4, and and decided to come back again) Now it seems everyone has a problem . This mean spiritness has just got to stop. I think we are all on the same side, but jeez louise... now you can't say anything without someone jumping all over it..

[RagingInMiami]

1. You going to so something about it?

EDIT: I was kidding.

[n2mark]

2. I agree with you

[DebJ]

3. It's the Christmas Grinch.

[ForrestGump]

4. So what are you trying to say?

That my BOTTOM LOOKS BIG IN THESE PANTS?!?!?!?

Well, Mr or Ms Blackwell's-List-Wannabe, I've got a thing or two to say about THAT!!!

Step outside, you cad.

:P

[short bus president]

5. PISS OFF!

:hi:

People are mean everywhere. It's mean times in the world. Can't help but for some of it to creep in here.

[hatredisnotavalue]

6. But it used to be

You look great in those pants, what a wonderful thought, you are the best ever....now cripto pete, you say the sky looked wonderful today and people are what sky, you mean the one in iraq, well that isn't a great sky for those people dying there!

[lateo]

7. It has been boiling for some time...

The 2004 primaries were a pretty horrible time and after the selection of Kerry most people put aside their differences and got behind their candidate.

Then after the election...those problems came back up because of various reasons.

[hatredisnotavalue]

8. you are probably right.

But I believe people are still misdirecting their anger.

[lateo]

22. I don't disagree with that statement...

however...the DNC has given many people, post 2004 election, much to be unhappy about.

[LDS Jock]

9. don't let it get to you..

Yes, people on here can be mean. Personally, there are two posters I could do without and try to provoke when I get the chance. Welcome to DU. We always need new people with new perspectives. If anyone gives you a hard time, PM me so I can start picking on them too. :pals:

[hatredisnotavalue]

11. Thanks :)

I have been around DU for a very long time,but just decided to start posting after the election. I think I can take care of myself, but it is good to know that some one is watching my back :) Truly enjoy your posts...!!!

[NightTrain]

10. Because you're a douche bag, that's why!

:P

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. I don't think I am mean. There are several nice people here. Ignore the

meanies and perhaps they will go away.

[LDS Jock]

14. she's not mean, just grumpy

watch out for this poster! :evilgrin:

[ScreamingMeemie]

16. But "happily" grumpy. That counts as happy...right?

;) :hug: Good to see you.

[LDS Jock]

17. yes it does.. you know I'm just playing with ya

:loveya:

[Deja Q]

13. It's the holiday season. Everybody gets angry this time of year.

'Tis the season to be shopping, fa la la la, la la la lah.

Now we don our priced apparel, do dee doo dee doo, fah lah lah lah.

It's a tradition, spending money in the name of Jesus' birth.

Indeed, after the series finale of Blake's 7 was shown in December 1981, there were many reports of suicide and attempted suicide in London because of how downbeat the ending was...

[tigereye]

18. that ending surely was a downer

still bothers me although I haven't seen it for a very long time...

[No Mandate Here.]

15. I have had a few rude posts like "So what?"

and, yes, I am a bit tired of it.

Discourse is good. We could all stand a bit of new information (or a lot), but rudeness, not.

[BiggJawn]

19. Why, It's CHRISTMAS!!!!

Just bringing home all the love of my fellow man and human fellowship I experience when I'm out shopping and spreading it around! It's a roller-derby match out there!

[BattyDem]

20. I think ...

everyone is very depressed and frustrated right now ... and the holidays have a way of making those feelings worse. :-(

[Lone_Star_Dem]

21. I guess I missed DU's season of love.

For the most part I think everyone is pretty nice. There's so many people on here that you can't get along with everyone. I've had a couple of people be rude, I just don't let it bother me. It's like in the real world you don't mesh with everyone you meet.

My suggestion would be to ignore the snitty people and they won't bother with you as much. If you don't rise to the bait it's no fun. :)

[SarahB]

23. Because we're grounchy, dammit!

:grr:

[FuzzySlippers]

24. Oh, quit your whining and sniveling.

I'm sorry. I'm really a very nice person. Welcome back.:hi:

[name not needed]

25. Cause there's a hot curling iron up the collective ass?

I don't know. I guess everyone's just pissy since november.

[Nordic]

34. ain't that the truth?

seems a day can't go by in my house without my wife screaming about how she just HAS to get out of the country, she can't stand to be here anymore, blah blah blah .....

Man. I feel the same way but am I supposed to move my fucking family to another country without somebody having a JOB in said new country?

I think we're all under a bit of stress.

Oh, that and the goddamn holidays.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS OR I'LL KICK YOUR ASS!

[donheld]

26. I try my best to be kind to everybody

Occasionally someone brings out the mean in me, but i do try to always be kind.

[Gemini Cat]

27. It's the sElection!

Me personally, I've been fouler than someone foul since the bushie pissed all over democracy again. Secondly, I fear these next years and what will happen to this country and the world.

I don't think I've been pissy to anyone here however, and I haven't seen really pissy behaviour as well.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

28. 60-some-thousand f-ing mean people?

Don't you think the word "everyone" is pushing it just a bit?

I suspect you may be witnessing increased evidence of holiday stress combined with post-election/pre-inaugural funk.

I'm not trying to excuse it; but once you understand where it's coming from, it's easier to avoid impulsively reacting to an impulsive reaction...

You might want to try seeking out the positive posts for awhile, and ignore the flamebait. Or maybe you should consider a vacation from DU for a few days. Whatever you decide, I hope you feel better about this place soon! :hi:

[RevCheesehead]

29. Believe me, I hear you!

I was blessed with a computer crash this week, and went through DU withdrawl for a few days. When I came back, the Elections 2004 forum seemed like it was on steroids!

I think many people are getting their hopes dashed in overturning the election before the inauguration, and just can't see the bigger picture. There are many who are way too emotionally invested, and some who are puffed up with their own self-importance.

I will probably be on a self-imposed DU time-out on Jan. 20. In my opinion, Jan. 21 is when the real work of DU begins.

People need to spend less time here arguing, and more time with their families, friends, and pets. And don't forget to go visit some people in the nursing home. They know what real loneliness and physical pain is all about.

I suspect the anger will pass, but not without more pain.

[Nordic]

30. Well apparently I'm an "asshole", so I don't know what to tell you

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2246422&mesg_id=2246422

It's true! I'm an asshole!

[barb162]

32. no you're not n/t

[Nordic]

33. thanks, Barb

never jump into a "gay" thread without adhering strictly to whatever they consider to be PC or you'll get your head chomped off.

That was a weird one.

[barb162]

37. I read just a tiny bit of that thread and I have been on threads like

that where I was called a bunch of not-so-nice things because I put my two cents in. Sometimes we can put our opinion in and it's fine and other times, World War III. I really didn't see where you said anything out of line...you were more questioning than anything. I think that was possibly a thread where the only thing you were supposed to do was be understanding, pat on the back and that kind of thing.

Oh well we live and learn

[Name removed]

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[enigmatic]

42. Will, drop the hostility.

I'm an admirer of your work, but the more I see of you posts here, the less I think of you (sadly) as a person. The Lounge, (and DU as a whole) has enough of this garbage right now w/o you (and others) throwing fuel onto the fire; how about we relax and tone it down instead?

[Name removed]

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[enigmatic]

45. I saw his posts...

He apologized to the OP; the OP accepted it. It's over.

If you want to continue to pour gasoline on the fire, knock yourself out. I've defended you a few times on this board from people here who don't think much of you, i guess the joke's on me.

Oh well.

[WilliamPitt]

46. I just saw the apology

and was glad to see it. As far as the rest goes, well, if anyone chooses to attack you should you make yourself vulnerable here, I will defend you. I'll wear the black hat, no big deal, and maybe the next time someone chooses to make themselves vulerable here (i.e. acts as though this is actually a community), perhaps my asshole reaction tonight will cause any wanna-be attacker assholes to think twice.

[Name removed]

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[Nordic]

56. dude, I'm married

I'm done looking

[Name removed]

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[Nordic]

58. by the way my Mom's dead but you might like that

[Name removed]

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[Moderator]

61. Knock it off, both of you!

It is getting very tedious having to delete all your personal attacks.

[Nordic]

62. LOL! Sorry for all the work! If it's any help ----

I complimented you earlier on deleted that one disruptor's posts.

I'm done fighting with Will Pitt Bull.

But he should IM me with that last post in response to my Mom being dead. I missed that one.

It's just been a real warm fuzzy night on DU for me! Gosh I love December!

[BeHereNow]

63. Want me to smack em both for ya?

Come here you two...
WHACK!
Stop making the mod work so hard!
BeHereNow has spoken...

[enigmatic]

53. Please don't defend me if it happens

I'm not worth your time.

I never should bothered w/ this.

[FizzFuzz]

60. I was just at that thread. I think you just expressed yourself awkwardly

that's all. Being online with no facial expressions can make things even tougher. Also, telling someone, anyone (gay, straight, not the issue) that they have just TMI'd can be quite hurtful, unless you're clearly doing friendly teasing. Just a word to the wise.

The OP in that thread was very cordial and helpful in explaining the points you were confused about, don't lose sight of that.

[Guaranteed]

76. It's an issue that isn't dealt with very often.

Whatever people's reactions, if it isn't outright hostility, it should be understood and worked with.

People need to be exposed to it more, is all.

[FizzFuzz]

81. yep, totally agree.

AIT did beautifully, I thought. I get the feeling he's young too. Impressive!

[Guaranteed]

83. Well, he's obviously been exposed to it.

;)

[barb162]

31. I think a lot of people are depressed, despondent, scared, etc.,

thinking about the next 4 years. It shows up in meanness, anger, being snippy, snotty, smartass and a host of other things. I also think there is a general thing going on in society right now where people are not acting as civilized as they did 10 or 20 years ago.

[HuskiesHowls]

35. I think its the pervasive aura of fear

and terror that the current administration has been working on for 4 yrs now.
In Richard Clarke's book, he pointed out that Clinton was doing all the work against terrorism in the background, and quietly, because he (Clinton) didn't want the American people living and working in a fearful way.

I believe it was a Democratic president who said one time "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself" when he was trying to encourage the country. Now, the current administration is working hard to encourage the fear, to keep it prevalent in our lives.

[barb162]

41. I think you have something there. Soembody spills white fine

powder on a sidewalk now and hazmat trucks come out and it crosses the minds of people, perhaps in a blink, it could be anthrax. I think since 9/11 we have not really come to grips with what happened that day or that it can happen again and be worse. We were never fearful in this nation except for a very few times (1812, Civil War, etc)in the history of the country. Now we have threat levels being raised and lowered and there is this background or foreground fear in us.

[Solly Mack]

36. Hanlon's Razor

``Never attribute
to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity''.

Weed out the few stupid comments, take into account the terminally smart-assed <G> and that brings the meanness quotient down by at least half... surely.

[WilliamPitt]

38. Lotta n00bs trying to plant a flag

or 'be cool' or whatever. Plus a lotta people working through their inner assholes in public, but that's the same as it ever was.

Oh, we also lost two elections in a row, and people are a little tweaked. 'Ignore' is your friend.

[Turn CO Blue]

77. Yes. I'll risk seconding that

I suspect (know) that there are some talented Freeps on here masquerading as "be cool" Dems or "show me the proof" Dems or even "the sky is falling" Dems (and obviously I know that rational, thoughtful people can be proponents of any of those views.) Still...the Freeps brag about disrupting DU over on FR.

[sans qualia]

49. All this acrimony is really upsetting

Trite as it sounds, I wish people would stop worrying so much about who's right and who's wrong all the time and just try to be nice to each other.

[HEyHEY]

50. Because DU has bowed to stupidity

A bunch of PC fucks have taken over and everyone seems to accept it. So others are bitter

[Turn CO Blue]

64. "Why is everyone so mean on DU now"?

My thoughts:

1. Irritability is just part of the grieving process -- and make no mistake, anyone who was FOR Kerry or AGAINST Bush is truly grieving right now!

2. Infighting is also part of the grieving process (I thought my family would rip each other apart when my mother was dying!)

3. On a thread today, I read about great quote on a bumper sticker:
-- Mean people are suffering --
It really changes your whole paradigm regarding what's going on with grouchy people or Repubs, huh?

[barb162]

67. excellent points and so darn true

[Turn CO Blue]

79. Oh yeah, I spent most of November bewildered

and depressed. Now I'm trying to re-focus my energies on action.

[Bouncy Ball]

65. Kind spirits WILL win the day.

I am convinced of that. Both here and in our world in general. As for DU, ride it out. If you think about it, it has only been about six weeks since the election. Just speaking for myself, it is only now beginning to really sink in that we are stuck with this shithead asshole bastard ass mofo filthy lying election stealing warmongering murderous son of a bitch for another four years and I think that might have DUers teeth on edge a bit.

It's no excuse but it certainly helps to explain it. Before the election the lounge was practically in a state of communal orgasm 24/7.

[Turn CO Blue]

71. OMG! That was LOL funny!

The contrast of your first sentence:
"kind spirits WILL win the day"

against your next statement:
"it is only now beginning to really sink in that we are stuck with this shithead asshole bastard ass mofo filthy lying election stealing warmongering murderous son of a bitch for another four years" --

really struck me as hysterical!

______________
I can sooooo totally relate to both sentiments!

[Bouncy Ball]

73. bush and company make me

feel very bi-polar, they do, indeed.

I didn't even think about that, but I re-read it after reading your post and the juxtaposition is pretty giggle-inducing. He just brings out the absolute worst in me.

That's why I think we should have a Daily Curse Bush thread where we get it all out instead of sniping at each other, but the last time I started a Curse Bush thread, it got locked. We were issuing actual curses and talking about voodoo dolls so I guess that might have been a bit much!

:hi:

Peace to you and yours!

[Turn CO Blue]

75. Again, I totally relate to what you said - we could all use the venting

but I suppose the mods and the Secret Service wouldn't be at all amused if we all started talking too seriously...

I sincerely pray to the God of Mercy and Justice for all good blessings to fall on *'s head! O8)

[Misunderestimator]

86. LOL... Communal.... er....

I might not go that far, but I agree with you on the rest... especially coming to grips with the "shithead asshole bastard ass mofo filthy lying election stealing warmongering murderous son of a bitch" remaining in power.

:hi:

[Skittles]

66. WHO IS BEING MEAN

I WILL KICK THEIR ASSES

[Bouncy Ball]

68. Hee hee.

I heart Skittles.

:hi:

[barb162]

69. hi Skittles! But it's too exhausting at this hour to kick ass, isn't it?n/

[BeHereNow]

72. Exhausting? This hour? Skittles?

Surely you jest...
Skittles is just getting starting at this hour!
Stick around- the REAL ass kicking has yet to commence!
bhn

[barb162]

74. ohhh, okay. yep!

[Skittles]

82. I just ended a 64 hour week and I start a new one 6PM tomorrow night

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[HEyHEY]

78. RE: DU mean/changes...etc

Seriously..this site is becoming a terrible place to chill. Not what it used to be...agree?

[enigmatic]

80. Agree

Too bad, too.

[Seabiscuit]

70. "You talkin' to me???"

I agree with you, BTW.

[Longgrain]

84. Some of us are just being sarcastic...

When I want to be civil I either check out GD or look into the Groups. I think I got a good feeling for the tone around the Lounge. Mostly it's just good natured brawling.

[blondeatlast]

85. Because we're Democrats, of course.

We can never direct our anger to the proper target because then we'd be...

I can't even type the word, but you know, the big farting ELEPHANT in the room.t

[AusTexDem]

87. You talk'n to me?... You talk'n to me?...

Cuz I don't see anyone else here?

[barb162]

88. was that the line from Taxi; it's a great line

[SmokingJacket]

89. It's easy to be rude when you don't have to look at someone's face

when you do it.

[livinginphotographs]

90. I've always been mean.

I dare say I'm probably one of the meanest people here.

Don't believe me? Try me...