MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > How Does One Avoid Ridicule?

How Does One Avoid Ridicule?

posted 6 years ago by [deleted]
34 replies | jump to latest

It seems everywhere you go someone is prepared to pull others down, usually for nothing more than their identity.

It's now getting to the point where men are ridiculed for being overweight and out-of-shape, and men are ridiculed for being super-fit 'gym bunnies' who take pride in their physique.

You can't win. If you don't take care of your appearance, you're a slobby neckbeard; if you do take care of your appearance, you're a vain poseur.

Cons are torn down for being bigots, whilst libs are also torn down for being bigots, but with the added burden of also being hypocrites and elitist snobs. And if you're not an open racist or misogynist, people will still question your intentions anyway, and assume you're simply a liar and better at hiding your bigotry.

So, like I say, how does one avoid being subject to ridicule and censure?

[–] sslssg (34330) 6 years ago

I'm not sure that one can ever avoid it, but I think as people we need to stand up for each other. We are so afraid of getting caught in crossfire (and I mean that in a words way, not guns.) that we, as society, allow it. It's like there are no consequences for it for the most part, unless it goes viral and then everyone is outraged, and then the consequences are beyond what is deserved.

We are so quick to grab out a phone and start recording something. Some people are assholes and walking away might be the best bet, but we have to record that person and call them out for their behaviour. We feed off of the confrontation. Just think of the way people talk to each other on board like this. It's becoming so second nature to name call and become confrontational that it's spreading to real life.

We are so hung up on what side of the political spectrum someone is on, and yet, so many of us are really in the middle. We can want things from our government that come from more than just one side. I also don't think of politics as just right and left. It's a 3D sphere for me. People are much more complicated than just right or left, or black or white, or fat or thin....

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

👏👏👏👏

Well said, all of it.

I also agree wholeheartedly with FroggyandToadie. There always have been and always will be those who enjoy ridiculing (and otherwise attacking) others. They think it makes them look better, when in reality all it does is reveal their unhappiness within.

The only person we have control over is ourselves. We can sometimes inspire others by our own behaviour, coming from our inner happiness and confidence, if they're open to it. Otherwise, it's simply not our business and we needn't allow it to affect us. Granted, at times that's easier said than done, but it is the bottom line and wise words to live by.

Do and say what you truly feel is right. The rest doesn't matter.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

If you love yourself (and loving yourself subsumes respecting yourself), you’re Teflon. The hate rolls off me. I am proud that those who dislike me do so, because it speaks well of me. We are known by our detractors as well as by our supporters. I am proud that those like Catbookss and twinA, strntz, Otter and AmeriGirl and others support me. I am proud that no one I have on Ignore likes me.

It also helps to have a wicked sense of humor. Rapier wit is a POWERFUL weapon. Most haters have the Comedy IQ of a mud puddle. I forget which comedian said this, but I want to say George Burns, of Burns & Allen fame: “Your enemy can’t hit you if he’s laughing.” It goes beyond that, however. Great wit can only be countered in one or both of two ways: equal or greater wit, and true dignity. Few or none who
would stoop to ridicule have either. There is a wonderful scene in the Steve Martin movie, Roxanne, where Martin’s character eviscerates a wannabe-bully who calls him ”Big Nose” in a bar in front of Martin’s friends. The film is based on the play, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Martin’s character has what the inimitable WC Fields called “a prominent proboscis, in the manner of all eminent men” (ah! William Claude!). Martin turns his attacker into a laughingstock in front of the whole bar. Please watch this movie. My bet is you’ve not seen it.

CATBOOKSS🐰🐰🐰😺😺😺!

[–] Kazak (2190) 6 years ago

One does not avoid ridicule, but to the extent that one can, one might minimize ridicule by not being ridiculous.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I don’t think ridicule can be avoided, but if you are happy and confident with who you are, and stand by your actions and beliefs, (whatever they may be) then ridicule from others shouldn’t affect you in the slightest.

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

You avoid social media.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

But ridicule existed before social media, and I'm not even talking about personal attacks.

I'm talking about generalisations concerning certain groups and demographics. We keep pigeonholing people, for instance they're 'hippies' or 'yuppies' or 'hipsters' and so on. To be honest, I don't even mind the categorisations per se, it's the nasty vitriol that surrounds the way people describe some of these groups of people that bothers me.

[–] Daddyo (289) 6 years ago

What is the old expression: It is better to remain silent and be thought the fool than to speak and remove all doubt!

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

We’re called gym rats, not gym bunnies.

[–] Stratego (30581) 6 years ago

Turn off your computer and don't go outside.

Depending on your family members, you should probably live on your own as well. And if you're particularly harsh on yourself, remove all mirrors from your house and go hide under the covers.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 6 years ago

Why be so concerned with the opinions of others?