JohnStockalypse
Well-Known Member
Due to recent events I started thinking about how in this world it often much more acceptable to belittle someone due to their intelligence than it is to do so because of their physical appearance/lack of general attractiveness. Why do you think this is?
Obviously there's limits to the intelligence part. It is certainly unacceptable to ridicule a mentally handicapped person for lack of mental capacity. GENERALLY, if someone had done NOTHING to you it is also looked down upon to just start hurling insults regarding intelligence as well.
But say you're in an argument with someone and they say something you don't think is very smart and you call them "stupid" or "idiot" or "moron" or even the "r"-word. It seems like most people wouldn't see that as a very big deal (r-word may be an issue).
However if you see someone and think they are a hideous beast troll thing it is seem as childish or immature or mean spirited to call them a fat ugly troll beast thing that smells like last week's garbage.
My first thought was the thing your mom always told you growing up: "They can't help it, that's how they were born." But with more thorough analysis, that shouldn't be a distinction. Some people are born dumb, some are born more intelligent. The obvious, but easily debunked, counterargument here is that people work hard (study, read, etc.) to become smart. But we all know that certain people just aren't very intelligent no matter how hard they try and others find academic stuff much more easier. So really, dumb people are "born that way and cant help it" too.
As for fat and ugly people, while some of it may be due to genetics, there is also things THEY can do to improve themselves. Manly eat better and excersise. If you're really just hideously ugly, you can also have plastic surgery (though sometimes that can turn out even worse than your hideous self in the first place)
That led me to another question: Why does plastic surgery carry such a stigma (by myslef included)???? People will see it as cheating, say the patient is "fake." But what about when an ADD kid takes medication to help him focus on studying and therefore increase his intelligence????? Why is that cheating or fake intelligence???? Neither example would achieve what they had without the aid of doctors.
WHAT DO YOU LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THINK ABOUT ALL THIS????
Sirkickyass - while this train of thought was started by our recent lover's quarrel, I AM NOT DIRECTING THIS AT YOU. I am asking a SERIOUS question. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU OR YOUR GIRL FREIND LOOK LIKE!!!!!
Obviously there's limits to the intelligence part. It is certainly unacceptable to ridicule a mentally handicapped person for lack of mental capacity. GENERALLY, if someone had done NOTHING to you it is also looked down upon to just start hurling insults regarding intelligence as well.
But say you're in an argument with someone and they say something you don't think is very smart and you call them "stupid" or "idiot" or "moron" or even the "r"-word. It seems like most people wouldn't see that as a very big deal (r-word may be an issue).
However if you see someone and think they are a hideous beast troll thing it is seem as childish or immature or mean spirited to call them a fat ugly troll beast thing that smells like last week's garbage.
My first thought was the thing your mom always told you growing up: "They can't help it, that's how they were born." But with more thorough analysis, that shouldn't be a distinction. Some people are born dumb, some are born more intelligent. The obvious, but easily debunked, counterargument here is that people work hard (study, read, etc.) to become smart. But we all know that certain people just aren't very intelligent no matter how hard they try and others find academic stuff much more easier. So really, dumb people are "born that way and cant help it" too.
As for fat and ugly people, while some of it may be due to genetics, there is also things THEY can do to improve themselves. Manly eat better and excersise. If you're really just hideously ugly, you can also have plastic surgery (though sometimes that can turn out even worse than your hideous self in the first place)
That led me to another question: Why does plastic surgery carry such a stigma (by myslef included)???? People will see it as cheating, say the patient is "fake." But what about when an ADD kid takes medication to help him focus on studying and therefore increase his intelligence????? Why is that cheating or fake intelligence???? Neither example would achieve what they had without the aid of doctors.
WHAT DO YOU LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THINK ABOUT ALL THIS????
Sirkickyass - while this train of thought was started by our recent lover's quarrel, I AM NOT DIRECTING THIS AT YOU. I am asking a SERIOUS question. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU OR YOUR GIRL FREIND LOOK LIKE!!!!!
