Sometimes we think people "just don't get it" when really, we just don't communicate it very well. If we find ourselves often thinking other people don't get it -- maybe we should look in the mirror!
You win the "TLG847 Observant Viewer Award" as the first person to comment on this ironic T-shirt! It was produced by the hilarious Ze Frank and I've had it for a few years. Nice catch!
I don't think I use the phrase, especially not in a general sense. I might say "He doesn't get it," where "it" is, say, a certain kind of music, or a skill, and it would mean that the person doesn't understand it or can't get his head around it.
I wouldn't say "He doesn't get it" to mean that someone is behind the times or out of touch. If someone described another person to me that way, I'd have to ask for clarification.
Btw, I like your pile o' technology in the background. =)
Interesting and you are going to really make me think. Alright, I will use vids as an i.e. I try to be as clear as possible and when someone comes back with a comment and not a question that is what is frustrating. They missed the whole point of the vid and having to explain yourself again and they just don't get it. They are not on the same wavelength I suppose. If someone asked me what do you mean by this? It would be easier to deal with. Lack of open communication with repetitiveness i.e.
I tend to use it mostly in areas where I perceive that a paradigm shift is underway and someone is continuing to operate or make assumptions based on the old paradigm.
When the head of my department said that to me I wanted to punch him in the face. That's my perspective on it. I knew what he was telling me but he's horrible at human relations and communications. So how does he try to balance this? Insulting us. Good job sir.
There are two kinds of "just don't get it" situations. There are those subjective situations where each person in the equation thinks the other doesn't get it, and they're both right from their POV. And there are objective situations where the other person is clearly talking out of their ass. Trouble is we always are convinced that we're the objective one. See what I mean? Or do you just not get it?
But seriously: Saying "you don't get it" often means "I can't explain it right."
I think the phrase is just a way to not have to think about how to explain ourselves (really define our beliefs and statements) and to not have to take the time to try and see where other people are coming from and really listen to them.
It justifies to us that a person or set of people are not worth our time or thoughts.
To me one current, huge example of those who don't get it are people who intuitive technology explained to them. In my experience this is not age-related, but a symptom of a particular mindset. In this instance I think it's entirely fair to say they "just don't get it"!
Not getting my message understood in the way I intend contributes to me feeling anxious and discouraged. "You don't get it" might be one way of me expressing the feelings along with a bit of frustration. To give up on getting the understanding that I am wanting is to give up on getting my needs met. It says much more about me than it does about the person I am judging.
I few days ago you kindly Retweeted something I said about Marcus Welby - When it comes to something like Health Reform in the USA I think it is important to understand the reasons for which many people "don't get it". Not so we can label them and laugh at that their ignorance and stupidity but so that we can learn to articulate a message that they can get and so that real dialog can happen.
That's a bit presumptuous, so it can be dangerous for the person doing the judging, but I don't think people who say that want to see their targets become enlightened. There's no fun in that.
I would rarely say "You Don't Get it" , because it's rather arrogant, as we don't really know if someone does or not--usually find out later when there's a lack of wisdom in action.
Who gets it is directly related to who you get together with. Getting it is only relevant to people around you who also get it. Getting it is a basis for bigotry and prejudice. Getting it is an argument by those who don't get it that you don't get it..
I don't ever use that expression, at least I don't think so. I think that folks who don't understand and appreciate what I say are just on a different plane of existence, maybe they get it on their own level, in their own way. Maybe they even have more insight into what I'm saying than I do myself.
Nah, who am I kidding? Those folks just don't get it!!
Seems to me, saying or thinking "you/they just don't get it" is giving up on the conversation in frustration. Maybe more patience, understanding, and dialog would be the solution. But then, maybe I "just don't get it". =o)
I'd consider someone who "doesn't get it" to be literally someone who persistently doesn't understand what I'm saying. If I'm having a discussion with some people about time dilation and one guy in the back keeps saying "time doesn't dilate, it doesn't have muscles," I can safely assume he doesn't understand the basic premise. I think what makes the term so negative is that when we say someone "doesn't get it" there's an underlying implication that they never really will.
Getting it depends entirely upon what is being got. In other words, with difference of opinion comes difference of understanding. Trying to get someone to understand something that they otherwise would not is like tweaking or changing entirely that person's opinion whether it be a simple topic or a serious issue. However many people make the mistake of saying "you don't get it" when they really mean "you don't agree with me" or "your wrong". "I like "insert" but I understand why others don't."
Sometimes it's better that way, if you get it, you may get stuck with it and never be able to get rid of it... unless, that is, you want to hoard it all for yourself. Some people consider getting it a good thing, others, a bad thing, and yet others, well they don't care because they either don't want it or they just don't get it.
they react with "but you guys are all in the same situation." It's very difficult to explain gay prejudice against bisexuals unless you've experienced it yourself.
I suppose sometimes it's used just becomes the person (the "I" in the situation) doesn't feel like explaining further.
But there are certainly times where a person "doesn't get it" because "I" have had different life experiences than that other person, whether its because of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. For instance,(using a real example), I'm bisexual, yet I feel more prejudice from gay people than I do straight people. When I try and explain this to straight people (cont.)
Our society today has been publically reduced to those we agree with "getting it" and people we don't "not getting it"... Perhaps more so in the politics arena than any other... Those who believe in principles of bygone generations contrasting with those who want to adopt new ones for their time... The lack of tolerance for the "not getting it" seemingly more guttural each day... Fortunately living in the boonies is a good thing for us foggies...
The way I see it, it's about someone not having the insight about something and/or being unable to grasp it;
the reason being they're either mentally and/or emotionally incapable of it, (un/willingly) ignorant (or "uneducated") about it, or in denial about some things pertaining to the subject matter.. (doesn't fit "their reality")
But that doesn't mean the one labeling someone should be entitled to it necessarily, certainly not without trying to explain things to the one being labeled :)
You know this all started with Tom Hanks in the movie BIG. A building that becomes a robot. Mr Hanks has gone around the moon, met 3 sitting presents, solve the Da Vinchi code, and invaded france on D-Day. and still he don't get that building in Big. There are just things we don't get.
I got it once but its gone now... does that mean I don't get it anymore or is it possible it will recur? I hope I don't get it again... or maybe I should... pfft... I'm not sure!! Did ya get that?
I think it's probably more useful when applied to one's self, as in "Ironing clothes? I just don't get it." But then the "I don't get it" river is often bridged by that "Aha! I get it!" moment. It's lovely when that happens.
Hey, my friend, good to see you here. It definitely is lovely to have the epiphany you describe. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer of us leave ourselves open to that possibility.
what people mean when they say "you don't get it" is often lost because of the variables of who says it and who is listening to it. Very often it's not what you mean but what is heard by the listening party, as in "you're so outmoded and behind that it's unexplainable to you and not worth my time"
We are in such a charged atmosphere right now that the meaning of phrases and words too easily can become "fighting words." I notice that once fairly neutral comments are more sensitive now.
I think the label "you just dont get it" is a detriment. People arent oblivious to your view for no apparent reason. Usually it is because of have a opposing views.
By labeling them as ignorent, is just a way to ignore their view and idea. If you dont stop and try to figure out what the viewpoint of the other person then there is a good chance that the person who doesnt get it is you.
Truly a person who only cares about their own views are the truly ignorant.
Sometimes we think people "just don't get it" when really, we just don't communicate it very well. If we find ourselves often thinking other people don't get it -- maybe we should look in the mirror!
AltmanInitiative 1 year ago
you remind me of Robert De Niro lol
Xbox360FanSite 1 year ago
getting it is to hear.. what the other did not say in words...
AI2flesh 1 year ago
Uh, I've just noticed.. "THINKING - so you don't have to" ??
What's up with that t-shirt? People aren't supposed to think for themselves?
It's bad enough the media (TV) keeps "suggesting" so, on a consistent basis...
detubator 2 years ago
You win the "TLG847 Observant Viewer Award" as the first person to comment on this ironic T-shirt! It was produced by the hilarious Ze Frank and I've had it for a few years. Nice catch!
tlg847 2 years ago
Oh thank you :) Now I've gotta google for Ze Frank..
detubator 2 years ago
Hmm, a bit of innocent over-analysis maybe? Seems pretty straightforward.
Ringollo 2 years ago
And there are a lot worse things you can say about somebody!
Ringollo 2 years ago
I don't think I use the phrase, especially not in a general sense. I might say "He doesn't get it," where "it" is, say, a certain kind of music, or a skill, and it would mean that the person doesn't understand it or can't get his head around it.
I wouldn't say "He doesn't get it" to mean that someone is behind the times or out of touch. If someone described another person to me that way, I'd have to ask for clarification.
Btw, I like your pile o' technology in the background. =)
Prepoceros 2 years ago
I don't get it ;-)...mikma was here
mikma 2 years ago
I'm guilty of using that phrase myself & usually when talking about vlogging, YouTube, or aspects the Internet.
Sometimes it just comes down to a lack of understanding, which is not always the persons fault.
Some people just don't want to "get it' though :)
andymooseman 2 years ago
Interesting and you are going to really make me think. Alright, I will use vids as an i.e. I try to be as clear as possible and when someone comes back with a comment and not a question that is what is frustrating. They missed the whole point of the vid and having to explain yourself again and they just don't get it. They are not on the same wavelength I suppose. If someone asked me what do you mean by this? It would be easier to deal with. Lack of open communication with repetitiveness i.e.
mia0899cs 2 years ago
I tend to use it mostly in areas where I perceive that a paradigm shift is underway and someone is continuing to operate or make assumptions based on the old paradigm.
IslandHermit 2 years ago
When the head of my department said that to me I wanted to punch him in the face. That's my perspective on it. I knew what he was telling me but he's horrible at human relations and communications. So how does he try to balance this? Insulting us. Good job sir.
KrisMTL 2 years ago
There are two kinds of "just don't get it" situations. There are those subjective situations where each person in the equation thinks the other doesn't get it, and they're both right from their POV. And there are objective situations where the other person is clearly talking out of their ass. Trouble is we always are convinced that we're the objective one. See what I mean? Or do you just not get it?
But seriously: Saying "you don't get it" often means "I can't explain it right."
kenrg 2 years ago
I think the phrase is just a way to not have to think about how to explain ourselves (really define our beliefs and statements) and to not have to take the time to try and see where other people are coming from and really listen to them.
It justifies to us that a person or set of people are not worth our time or thoughts.
lady7nichole 2 years ago
To me one current, huge example of those who don't get it are people who intuitive technology explained to them. In my experience this is not age-related, but a symptom of a particular mindset. In this instance I think it's entirely fair to say they "just don't get it"!
talk74 2 years ago
Hey, Tom. Why not do the community a favor and rebuild YT's community. VH almost fatally injured it.
Gimmeaflakeman 2 years ago
You give some food for thought there my friend. Good work.
terwilligar1981 2 years ago
Perhaps someone should explain the joke better.
Evilspartacus 2 years ago
Not getting my message understood in the way I intend contributes to me feeling anxious and discouraged. "You don't get it" might be one way of me expressing the feelings along with a bit of frustration. To give up on getting the understanding that I am wanting is to give up on getting my needs met. It says much more about me than it does about the person I am judging.
2of6Solutions 2 years ago
I few days ago you kindly Retweeted something I said about Marcus Welby - When it comes to something like Health Reform in the USA I think it is important to understand the reasons for which many people "don't get it". Not so we can label them and laugh at that their ignorance and stupidity but so that we can learn to articulate a message that they can get and so that real dialog can happen.
CrappyCartoons 2 years ago
That's a bit presumptuous, so it can be dangerous for the person doing the judging, but I don't think people who say that want to see their targets become enlightened. There's no fun in that.
kalacaw 2 years ago
Huh? ;-)
californiacrazybeck 2 years ago
Sorry, I may be a wee thick, but doesn't "get it" sometimes mean "accept whatever I'm saying without question"?
httprover 2 years ago
I would rarely say "You Don't Get it" , because it's rather arrogant, as we don't really know if someone does or not--usually find out later when there's a lack of wisdom in action.
MomAngel7 2 years ago
I couldn't leave a comment on your blog (the post button wouldn't activate) so I left it on your vloggerheads profile.
P00P0STER0US 2 years ago
Who gets it is directly related to who you get together with. Getting it is only relevant to people around you who also get it. Getting it is a basis for bigotry and prejudice. Getting it is an argument by those who don't get it that you don't get it..
Get it??
JimmerSD 2 years ago
I don't ever use that expression, at least I don't think so. I think that folks who don't understand and appreciate what I say are just on a different plane of existence, maybe they get it on their own level, in their own way. Maybe they even have more insight into what I'm saying than I do myself.
Nah, who am I kidding? Those folks just don't get it!!
theloathlydaddy 2 years ago
Seems to me, saying or thinking "you/they just don't get it" is giving up on the conversation in frustration. Maybe more patience, understanding, and dialog would be the solution. But then, maybe I "just don't get it". =o)
Be Well! ~ Zen
ZenArcher 2 years ago
Hey, Zen. If anybody gets it, you do!
Yeah, I think you're right: it's a way of shutting down and shutting out. More patience is almost always a good suggestion.
Thanks.
t
tlg847 2 years ago
Zen, I tried "conversing" with you a long time ago. But for you the answer was blocking. I was civil. Who didn't "get it" there? You or me?
I don't expect an answer.
Gimmeaflakeman 2 years ago
mmmhhh I didn't get it...
GHortaV 2 years ago
I'd consider someone who "doesn't get it" to be literally someone who persistently doesn't understand what I'm saying. If I'm having a discussion with some people about time dilation and one guy in the back keeps saying "time doesn't dilate, it doesn't have muscles," I can safely assume he doesn't understand the basic premise. I think what makes the term so negative is that when we say someone "doesn't get it" there's an underlying implication that they never really will.
Cerebrocaust 2 years ago
Getting it depends entirely upon what is being got. In other words, with difference of opinion comes difference of understanding. Trying to get someone to understand something that they otherwise would not is like tweaking or changing entirely that person's opinion whether it be a simple topic or a serious issue. However many people make the mistake of saying "you don't get it" when they really mean "you don't agree with me" or "your wrong". "I like "insert" but I understand why others don't."
smallmaniac 2 years ago
If you ask me, you don't get it means the same as "I won't invest my time in helping you explain my perspective".
Zea107 2 years ago
I think the people that don't get it are simply not paying attention.
gerry2345 2 years ago
I stopped getting it years ago.
FantasticBabblings 2 years ago
Immunity!
dorotwhy 2 years ago
I didn't get it! Just kidding! Hello Tom!!
Zipster08 2 years ago
ZIPSTER08! You got IT baby and it sure has been wonderful being able to watch you share it with us.
dorotwhy 2 years ago
There are at least 2 comments here that I do NOT understand what the hell they're trying to say. So, uhh, I guess I just don't get it!
thornekatt 2 years ago
Sometimes it's better that way, if you get it, you may get stuck with it and never be able to get rid of it... unless, that is, you want to hoard it all for yourself. Some people consider getting it a good thing, others, a bad thing, and yet others, well they don't care because they either don't want it or they just don't get it.
dorotwhy 2 years ago
Indeed. Got it. : ]
thornekatt 2 years ago
they react with "but you guys are all in the same situation." It's very difficult to explain gay prejudice against bisexuals unless you've experienced it yourself.
My two cents.
doubtingthomas100 2 years ago
I suppose sometimes it's used just becomes the person (the "I" in the situation) doesn't feel like explaining further.
But there are certainly times where a person "doesn't get it" because "I" have had different life experiences than that other person, whether its because of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. For instance,(using a real example), I'm bisexual, yet I feel more prejudice from gay people than I do straight people. When I try and explain this to straight people (cont.)
doubtingthomas100 2 years ago
Our society today has been publically reduced to those we agree with "getting it" and people we don't "not getting it"... Perhaps more so in the politics arena than any other... Those who believe in principles of bygone generations contrasting with those who want to adopt new ones for their time... The lack of tolerance for the "not getting it" seemingly more guttural each day... Fortunately living in the boonies is a good thing for us foggies...
PappyStu 2 years ago
I tone and context changes the meaning, with a soft encouraging tone you can say as "learn and get better"
with a sarcastic snippy tone, its like saying "Are you daft?"
Ranblv 2 years ago
The way I see it, it's about someone not having the insight about something and/or being unable to grasp it;
the reason being they're either mentally and/or emotionally incapable of it, (un/willingly) ignorant (or "uneducated") about it, or in denial about some things pertaining to the subject matter.. (doesn't fit "their reality")
But that doesn't mean the one labeling someone should be entitled to it necessarily, certainly not without trying to explain things to the one being labeled :)
detubator 2 years ago
You know this all started with Tom Hanks in the movie BIG. A building that becomes a robot. Mr Hanks has gone around the moon, met 3 sitting presents, solve the Da Vinchi code, and invaded france on D-Day. and still he don't get that building in Big. There are just things we don't get.
vmanvand 2 years ago
I could play with this all day! Do you want it back or may I keep it for a while?
dorotwhy 2 years ago
It's OK. Now that you've got it, keep playing with it!
tlg847 2 years ago
You suppose we should share?
dorotwhy 2 years ago
We could...but then, who gets it?
tlg847 2 years ago
Eenie meenie my knee moe...
dorotwhy 2 years ago
"I think he's got it... Yes! and that ends the inning!
dorotwhy 2 years ago
YOU ARE NOT GETTING IT! For the thousandth time!!! IT is not in our budget, so you might as well forget it!
dorotwhy 2 years ago
You got it! FINALLY! I knew I should have sent it FedX!
dorotwhy 2 years ago
I got it once but its gone now... does that mean I don't get it anymore or is it possible it will recur? I hope I don't get it again... or maybe I should... pfft... I'm not sure!! Did ya get that?
dorotwhy 2 years ago
I think it's probably more useful when applied to one's self, as in "Ironing clothes? I just don't get it." But then the "I don't get it" river is often bridged by that "Aha! I get it!" moment. It's lovely when that happens.
periurban 2 years ago
Hey, my friend, good to see you here. It definitely is lovely to have the epiphany you describe. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer of us leave ourselves open to that possibility.
tlg847 2 years ago
Are we friends again? lol Oh....... I GET it! All the best.
periurban 2 years ago
Get WHAT?? LOL
dorotwhy 2 years ago
I DON'T GET IT !
: )
**Kisses**
ASECONDCHANCEAROUND 2 years ago
You, my dear, definitely get it. You're consistently engaging, which people who don't get it definitely are not. Love those kisses!!
tlg847 2 years ago
what people mean when they say "you don't get it" is often lost because of the variables of who says it and who is listening to it. Very often it's not what you mean but what is heard by the listening party, as in "you're so outmoded and behind that it's unexplainable to you and not worth my time"
We are in such a charged atmosphere right now that the meaning of phrases and words too easily can become "fighting words." I notice that once fairly neutral comments are more sensitive now.
jrsnyderjr 2 years ago
The Amish just don't get it.
robrobbins 2 years ago
They keep reproducing... so someone must be getting it! ;O)
dorotwhy 2 years ago
I think the label "you just dont get it" is a detriment. People arent oblivious to your view for no apparent reason. Usually it is because of have a opposing views.
By labeling them as ignorent, is just a way to ignore their view and idea. If you dont stop and try to figure out what the viewpoint of the other person then there is a good chance that the person who doesnt get it is you.
Truly a person who only cares about their own views are the truly ignorant.
Rinrenken 2 years ago