I am an atheist and sometimes christian fundies call me stupid because I have a different opinion about our origins than they do. They also misunderstand atheism. Most atheists are good decent people. Of course, I am not naive enough to say that all atheists are good people.
I'm glad that you haven't taken too much abuse because of this video. I think its good to see someone that people like and listen to taking a stand on this. It bothers me that there is so much hatred and cruelty on YouTube and the internet in general. YouTube used to seem like something interesting and sometimes fun to watch. I'm starting to think that its just going to keep getting worse.
I encourage people to agree with me. And pat me on the back accordingly. If they don't they are stupid. Cuz I'm awesome dammit. AWESOME I say! The fool saith in his heart I'm not awesome.. ;)
This has been among many other statements, on my channel page, for years now, not just for others, but for myself as well;
"The critical comment, indicates no merit for the speaker."
I re-read what I have written often, lest I forget, and over react to some imagined offense. I will be sad the day that YouTube forces the disappearance of my condensed thoughts from my channel. But by then, I too, may disappear.
Oh it's not just online, I don't have enough fingers to count how many times people perception of me changes from "a pretty cool dude" to "you're a dick" by calmly and maturely revealing my lack of belief in supernatural deities when it comes up. Here, in the supposedly enlightened metropolitan north, I have been physically threatened for daring to disagree outwardly with believers, and refuse to humm along and pretend, or shut up. :)
@reliablestuff In my experience Abby is never a dick ,why bother being rude to someone who is never rude to others ,be rude to me come on i thrive on the stupidity of rude people !
"It's one thing if they are legitamtely being stupid..."
That's the problem with your proposition. Some people think it's legitimately asinine if you are democrat or republican, believe in God or don't believe in God. You can't just stand back and say well if most of us agree this person is really dumb then we can be mean about... That's your opinion, but that doesn't help people come to terms and respect each other. In the same way I doubt you'd respect a gay hater.
Intelligent rational discussion is a violation of YouTube's terms of service. Stupid arguments drive traffic, creates free content, and sells more advertising. Stupidity on the internet is big business, and business is good!!
The moments of one's life are precious, and YOU are the only one qualified to determine where, and upon whom, you choose to spend them. I left Facebook several years ago upon realizing the copious amount of time it consumed, for very little useful information provided.
So I say "Bully for you!" if they want your attention they need to EARN IT!
They must do this according to YOUR criteria and standards of evaluation because it is YOUR eyes they want to attract.
People say with pride, here in the UK, " I don't suffer fools gladly " - they don't realise that this makes them 'jerks' - for me it is the epitome of arrogance, conceit and intolerance.
"You like [teamname]? They've been doing terribly. You're a stupid person for liking them!". The fact that sports fans get into fistfights over teams shows off the example."
Arguing on the Internet is a sport. Atheism, Theism, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green - they're all the equivalent of a sports team. Everyone has their "team", and each team has star players and fans.
Just encountered a jerk HERE watch?v=ONdqy8DKWgU and thought I'd share:
Me: "You almost make me wanna watch the SOTU to see if I can find something you missed -- almost :)"
Random Stupid Jerk: "I don't think you have the required attention spam for watching the SOTU '12, just stick to hearing other people's thoughts on it. It's what you do best :)"
Me: "Mmm... attention spam."
I doubt he'll understand more than one level of my response, but it was still fun.
I usually only pull out full on jerk mode when people make outrageous and offensive claims based on what they believe yet cannot prove. Such as when people like Nephilimfree assert that because I don't believe as they do, I am an inherently evil person. Things like that cause phrases like "delusional jackass" to stream forth from my fingers.
I used to never be inflammatory then I took an arrow to the knee, which inflamed it! Okay maybe not an arrow to the knee but a concrete base of a light post and it hurt X'(. Okay, that was my snowclone of the day. Anyway, please people don't be a dick unless you are doing it in visible just (or in bed ;) ;))
I tend to agree. I don't mind people being inflammatory in order to provoke discussion, such as is the case with TheBarkingAtheist, but being inflammatory for it's own sake is simply rude and unnecessary.
Silly girl! YouTube only exists for fools and idiots who want to spend their days trashing other people from the safety of their bedrooms. Its a place for the weak and powerless, the kids who got their lunch money taken at school, and the girls that never went to the prom to feel important while never really exposing themselves to any real consequences for the things that they say.
I think most people just like to call other people names. I deleted my old channel after getting sick of all of that. When the AmazingAtheist called me a child killer, I had pretty much enough of YouTube. Whatever delusions that I had that YouTube would be some forum for people to intelligently discuss important issues died that instant. It just seems to be a place for angry people to mindlessly attack other people. There are only a few channels that I still watch from time to time.
Say what you want but following any of the major religions IS stupid if you take into account the countless contradictions, idiotic claims and barbaric laws those religions are based on.
The only religious people i can respect are deists because at least they don't follow some ancient barbaric doctrine and their claims have not yet been disproven.
I simply have a switch in my brain that does not allow me to respect anyone who holds beliefs that are proven to be false.
This includes all dogmatic followers of the major religions as well as those believing in the new age god of the gaps while picking and choosing which of their gods sacred laws should still apply
I can still to some degree respect the belief in a god but i can't respect any of the fundamentally flawed religions
@abbynormal0ne Technically I never called anyone stupid. I called believing in any of the major religions stupid.
An intelligent person can still hold a stupid belief with proper compartmentalization, which is why there is still a minority of accomplished scientists who are obviously intelligent but still follow these flawed religions.
Its only "personal" if they ACTUALLY know you as a Person.
If all they know of you is your posts, comments, etc. they really DON'T know YOU at all. All they know is the facade you've displayed. And as we've all learned, those are a dime a dozen.
@Solidus1086 It seems interesting that athiests frequently mention how bigoted christians are, and its true, some are, yet I have never once read a comment or watched a video made by an atheist that isn't bigoted or hateful. You should respect all people who treat you with respect, but as you state in your comment, you can't. If atheism were to be judged by the things that they say, it would seem that they embrace ignorance, intolerance and hatred of others as something to aspire to..
@TheCommonMan101 I would say that is because the views of many christians are indeed bigoted and backwards. The case that I usually try to make, however, is against the book itself, not the person. That is, the christian bible is filled with such vile and horrific outdated ideals as to make any modernly moral person cringe. It makes no sense to abandon those obviously incorrect and disgusting "morals" from the book but still cling to it as the inspired word of a perfect being.
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) so, what response should an atheist give then, to a person who is thumping their bible, asserting that those without the message inside it are vile sinful wretches who will burn for all eternity, when the very book they are using as justification reads like a twisted horror novel from Stephen King? My response is to point out that the things contained in those pages are not to be emulated, but are the outdated, immoral mutterings of backwards peasants of 2000 years ago.
@pfarabee Cont. With that being said, your comments about the bible are precisely the hateful, bigoted, and somewhat ignorant things that atheists always seem to have to say. If you don't believe that some things should be accepted on faith, and you don't believe in god, fine. Good for you, but do you have to constantly express hatred and intolerance for those who do? Why can't tolerance and respect be a part of atheism?
@TheCommonMan101 One last thing. While I may view the comments and videos that are made by members of the atheist community, I should also add that I find myself increasingly disgusted by the ignorant and hateful comments that I see on YouTube in general. It seems that hate and intolerance while probably not a core belief of atheism, those things do seem to be becoming the central theme of YouTube in general.
@TheCommonMan101 my comments are not hateful or intolerant, they are true. There are countless things glorified in the bible that are nothing other than disgustingly filthy and vile acts, and pointing that out is not hate or intolerance. Also, my post was just an example of how I normally attempt to respond to those who thump the bible at me as if it were the perfect word of a perfect being. It is, frankly, the most respectful way I can see to respond to such assertions.
@TheCommonMan101 what is sad are people who are insulted by facts. If the truth of what is in the book offends you, put it down. Don't trumpet a text filled with things that are categorically, undeniably, universally disgusting as the perfect word of a divine being and then expect others to not correct you out of some sense of "tolerance and respect". Pointing out reality in such a context is not intolerance or rudeness. Expecting others to ignore such claims is, however.
@TheCommonMan101 Tolerance is the recognition of another person's right to believe whatever they wish to believe about the divine. Tolerance is NOT, however, keeping your mouth shut in the face of religious claims. I don't believe abby's original point was suggesting such, either. Her objection seems to be more against the nature of the opposition to religious views.. IE those who simply call religious people stupid or delusional, which I try to avoid when appropriate.
@pfarabee Its sad that people confuse facts with insults in an effort to rationalize bigotry, hatred and intolerance. No one has presented a fact. Not one single fact. Calling something vile isn't presenting a fact. It is expressing an insulting opinion. There is a difference, though most bigots would probably disagree. They tend to perceive their opinions as facts.
@TheCommonMan101 Fine, read Genesis 19, where Lot, after the men of the town demanded that he offer his houseguests to be raped, offers his two virgin daughters instead.. because.. what, he's righteous, right? AND they are just women, after all, right? Just *one* DISGUSTING example of twisted, ignorant, immoral behavior that passed for righteousness 3000 years ago. Now, please explain why offering your own children to be raped by a mob is an example of moral behavior?
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) remember the context of my original posts, which continues to all others.. my arguments in response to someone who is:
1) Making offensive claims based in christianity like people who don't believe as they do are evil, vile, and will burn and be tortured for all eternity.
2) Use the bible as authority to assert unfounded claims, insisting it is the perfectly inspired word of an all-good, perfect being.
@pfarabee Its interesting how people who wish to express their intolerance and bigotry against christians will always resort to quoting the Old Testiment. Christians by definitition are people who follow the teachings of Christ. Those are found in the New Testiment. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you are simply looking to validate your hatred, bigorty and intolerance then have fun with that.
@TheCommonMan101 then christians should stop quoting leviticus when talking about homosexuality, etc. They don't get to use intolerant and hateful verses of the old book to justify backwards, offensive positions and at the same time claim that christianity is about the new testament and is somehow magically disconnected from the old. If christianity is about the new testament, they should stop printing the rest of it, or at the very least, stop using it to browbeat others.
@theCommonMan101 (cont) of course, there are quotes in the new testament that are objectionable as well. I corinthians 11, for instance, is a particularly misogynistic bit of bullcrud. Another example, in 1 timothy 6, jesus clearly endorses slavery. There are textual contradictions as well, such as the story of Judas, which has conflicting details in separate tellings. This isn't my opinion. This isn't intolerance, it is fact. All you have to do to verify it is open a bible and read.
@pfarabee It seems that you are committed to bigotry, hatred and intolerance. Hating an entire group of people because of the statements of a few is wrong. Its sad that people are so devoted to their bigotted views and hatred of others. Hatred is wrong, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Its too bad that you don't see that.
@TheCommonMan101 I never said I hated christians? I can have kind-hearted feelings for someone and still disagree with them. I usually don't talk about religion with my christian friends, only bringing arguments against religion as a response to unfounded assertions made by others. Of course, if hearing the blatant contradictions and immoral behavior endorsed by the bible offends you, perhaps you should blame the authors of the book? No, I guess that would be too simple.
The only thing that offends me is people taking the bible out of context in an effort to express hatred and intolerance towards a group of people. You never needed to say that you hated christians. Your hateful words reflected that more than adequately. I seem to remember southern whites saying similar things about blacks back during the civil rights movement. That they didn't hate them. It is similarly disingenuous.
@TheCommonMan101 please explain to me in what context it is acceptable to offer your two virgin daughters to a mob of people to be raped, or in what context it is acceptable to slice open the stomachs of pregnant women and dash their babies on rocks, or in what context it is acceptable to suggest that women shut up and cover their faces, or in what context it is ok to endorse slavery and tell slaves to obey their masters as they would god.. I'm calling BULLSHIT on that one.
@pfarabee No amount of my discussing this is going to change your thought process on this. Hatred and bigotry is something that is not rational. Trying to discuss something with an irrational person is a futile gesture. I've already stated what context, and you have made the decision to ignore that. Call bullshit all you want, you are just rationalizing bigotry, hatred and intolerance. If this is the person that you want to be, then so be it.
@TheCommonMan101 lol, one thing I find interesting is that her video was, in essence, about people name-calling others that don't agree with them (on any topic). To that effect, you've called me an intolerant bigot constantly in this discussion, and I've not called you any name. As for context, you just said "out of context".. which doesn't indicate what context. Of course, it really doesn't matter, because the things I mentioned are still unacceptable in any context.
@pfarabee I didn't originally call you anything. I don't even know you. But you have expressed and defended bigotted, hateful views. I would say the same thing about David Duke. As for me I've only tried to defend tolerance and respect. If you can think of a negative term to attach to that, well good for you.
@TheCommonMan101 for the last time, tolerance is NOT sitting mute in the face of extraordinary claims. Tolerance is recognizing your right to believe whatever you want. Tolerance is also recognizing my right to disagree and point out that which I find fault with. Notice I'm not calling YOU intolerant for spiritedly disagreeing with me, because that isn't what tolerance is!! If someone tells me I'll burn in hell because I don't believe what they do, I'm going to call them on it.
@TheCommonMan101 checking them is not intolerance, it is disagreeing with them. Once more, all of my arguments have been in the context of what I would say to that person who comes up and demands I concede that I will roast in the fire pit because I don't accept XYZ. Seriously, do you actually expect an atheist to sit quietly by as someone browbeats them with bible passages and not respond? Are you suggesting that the proper response to "turn or burn, filthy sinner" is silent respect?
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) Fine let's run with the racism example.. say someone came up to you and explained that a book filled with racial slurs and derogatory comments about minorities was their new guide for morality. When you point out the offensive passages, are you being rude? NO. When they say "oh but that's in the first half of the book, the real message is in the final chapter", does that mean they get a pass? NO, especially if there are still offensive passages in that chapter.
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) again, tolerance is recognizing your right to believe what you want. Tolerance is NOT sitting idly by ignoring issues with what you believe, especially when those issues are so glaringly obvious and egregious. Your choices are pretty simple: 1) admit and accept that the bible is not the flawless word of a perfect being or 2) embrace the immorality in the bible as holy and just. The sad thing is how many people actually pick #2
@TheCommonMan101 yup man tolerance is all ,christian or atheist as i am ,but it must be mutual ,intolerance degrades atheist who profess to hate religion for its own intolerance , hypocrisy !
@TheCommonMan101 You ask the question "Why can't tolerance and respect be a part of atheism?" The answer is that it very well could be, if the religious of the world would allow it to be so. However, when faced with the harsh reality, many are forced to take a more active adversarial stance. Evolution being actively undermined in school is just one of many examples. Another is the fact that whenever an atheist billboard goes up in this country, there are protests and threats.
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) non-christians get to read countless christian messages on church signs and billboards, as well as prayer at events all over the land. Christians constantly remind us that we MUST turn or burn, and frankly, we're sick of it. If christians want atheists to shut up about christianity, then they should, themselves, shut up about christianity. The dialogue is, however, not only open, but shoved in our faces all day every day. Demanding we not respond is ludicrous.
@pfarabee You should adress those who attack you as individuals just as you wish to be respected as individuals. Instead I see video after video of people condemning a belief and those who share it. I very rarely see atheists talk about a specific individual who has done something specific. For that matter even you have not mentioned an act by a christian that harmed you. Only that their beliefs are vile. Bigotry is wrong, no matter how you try to rationalize it.
@TheCommonMan101 "Only that their beliefs are vile".. I never said that christian's beliefs are vile. What I said was that things written in the bible are vile. There is a MAJOR difference. Anyone who calls themselves a christian and believes we should be kind to one another, etc, I have respect for. However, if they cheer at the passages in the bible that are disgusting, then I would call their beliefs vile. For example, if they endorse Lev 20:13, then their beliefs ARE vile.
@pfarabee Atheists don't need anyone's permission to be decent people. They can decide to be bigots or they can decide to not be. The choice is theirs, and is up to each individual regardless of what label they decide to adopt. Just because someone decides to call themselves an atheist doesn't mean they are forced to hate someone else because the believe differently than them.
@TheCommonMan101 this is EXACTLY the point of my approach to those who get me started on religion. I don't need the bible to tell me how to behave. In fact, much of the bible is a very poor template to follow for actual moral behavior. I simply point that out to people, and, in essence, my message is, "Sure, maybe there are some good passages in there, but what about all this bad stuff? The book is far from perfect, and you don't need it in order to do the good things in it."
@pfarabee I did acknowlege that the views of many christians are bigotted. This is a fact. However it is also a fact, and I would say that Abby is proof of this, that there are many good people who are christian. Unfortunately time and time again I see atheists making videos or leaving comments that are bigoted, hateful, and promoting intolerance. Now it is also entirely possible that it is not neccesarily atheists who are hateful and intolerant. Just the ones who are on YT.
@Solidus1086 She probably wasn't talking about people like you AT ALL! You just said that most of my family is stupid, as well as many of my friends. Maybe they are misguided. Maybe they simply see things differently than you and I do. Maybe they think you are the stupid one, and maybe they are right.
@MyGrammarRules As I said before, there is a difference between being stupid and having a stupid belief.
Intelligent people can have stupid beliefs sometimes because humans are prone to compartmentalization, this explains why there are some accomplished scientists who are clearly intelligent but still believe in this religious bullshit.
@Solidus1086 there is no difference between insulting a person, and insulting their beliefs. Perhaps you should avoid making offensive comments, particularly about people like Abby. That might help you avoid looking like a weasel when you try to rationalize why your insults really aren't insults. They really are.
@DarthTroller Heh i finally found someone here who i can simply call stupid.
Seriously, if you don't have the intelligence to make the distinction then i gladly call you an idiot.
Furthermore i don't give a piss who gets offended by me pointing out that an irrational belief that can't be backed up by any facts is stupid or what they think of me for doing it.
Some dicks are so hard to handle. But I can hold down my dick. After a lot of practice, anyone can learn how to deal with a dick. It takes time though, and a lot of patience, and maybe paper towels. Dicks can be fun and they can be annoying. It all depends on how you use your dick.
(1/2)When it comes to American issues for me personally I find it amazing how a country can behave a certain way whilst preaching the opposite. Its just one of those things that scares me and blows my mind at the same. When I read people's posts about things I have to bite my lip and when I re post things its without researching and I get corrected and move on LOL. Ron and heather were having a back and forth yesterday about religion and cont...
@gingergreek (2/2) what I find fascinating is that I think me and Chunx as far as I know are for the death penalty and we're atheists. Which is why I get a bit miffed when people think the DP is a religious thing. But I then find myself agreeing with the comparison when the issue of Abortion pops up because the two things contradict each other if you're for one and against the other. I think? lol
@gingergreek It makes sense. I don't see you as being a dick for dick's sake unless the people are genuinely deserving it, mate. I think you're a good guy. Won't change my mind!
@abbynormal0ne Cool its just a head up cos after all this SOPA PIPA stuff my hatred for America has been reignited LOL kind of puts a dampener for visiting the states but friends are one thing and politics another. So luckily you lot will get to bask in my awesomeness one day..probably not this year though the prospect of New York is very high because one of my best friend may be running the marathon
@gingergreek Haha, I can't say I'm particularly happy with my country for a few political reasons, so I agree with you there, but I can't wait to meet up with you again, mate.
I'm never an asshole just because I disagree or just to be an asshole, but I am blunt at times. However, once someone gets abusive, I might let them have it, depending on my mood.
When I was a Christian, I certainly wasn't stupid, and I didn't appreciate someone being a dick. You simply wouldn't get through to me. I've heard people say that mocking is the way to get through to someone with another religious belief because it will piss the person off to the point where they will investigate. It's possible, but that's usually not the case. You'll usually just piss the person off to where they won't talk to you anymore.
@MidwestThinker The best way to have these conversations is face-to-face, especially with people you know personally. I have lost way too many friends over religious conversations, and I'm tired of it. There seems to be two sides to every person who frequents the Internet...The Web side and the face-to-face side. At the end of the day, I would like to be able to get along with as many people as possible and not ruin my face-to-face persona with them.
At first I thought - oh no, am I behaving badly? And then the more you talked the more I thought, nope, I'm not a jerk. It was reassuring. I'd rather not ever be a jerk or be around jerk. Good for you for offloading them. Your mind will be muuuuch happier.
I was wondering how I became subscribed to you, but someone explained to me that my friends list is now a subscribers list, now i have a shit load of subscriptions lol
Religious people are NOT stupid in and of that fact alone. Stupid people are stupid.
Regardless of beliefs, there are stupid people all around. Living In a small state, I know that people in all the different states around me, including my own, have stupid drivers, because when I drive, the road is full of Dumbasses. Get my comparison?
Hello.I like to think most people online are closer to the guy who eats shoe polish.You know,that guy who looks strangely healthy even though he eats household cleaning products.His eyes are amazing.There's not much nobility online and dignity is sparse.That's really all I have to say.
I can't stand online debates. Because generally it's an argument that has been made over and over. The result is still the same in the end. Oh but they're changing minds right? Pfft that's going to take more than one video.
@GodlessManitoban Altho a personal argument may not change the minds of those involved, the online nature of the exchange can inform others & bring up other issues, inspire new videos, etc. Thus, having an argument may not leave things the same as they were, even if the two involved don't budge from their positions each may refine their thinking & semi-inspire others to consider the issue further who may not have gotten involved in the subject before even if often mentioned.
Yep. I hear ya. Being inflammatory verbally can serve its purpose sometimes but just saying something to pat your own back or for the sake of being "right", you offer NOTHING to anyone else in conversation and might as well be talking to yourself. If people want to really dialogue and put forth contributions to it I will talk to them indefinitely but if they aren't going to give me the respect I deserve in the conversation Im going to shake the dust off my feet and give my time to someone else.
Religious people are stupid, or ignorant, one of the 2 or both. It you are stupid it is not a choice, being ignorant can be a choice. I don't speak for anyone but myself, but if I write something it is never to get a pad on the back or to start an argument, it is simply because it is the way I see it. If anyone does it to get a pad on the back or to start an argument they are stupid. Sometime I call people stupid or idiot because that is what they are, and I rarely keep talking with them.
@TheRenekruse So you basically are calling me stupid without knowing me at all. You've pretty much just proven what I've said in this video. Thank you.
@TheRenekruse I don't think a lot of theists are stupid or ignorant. They may be ignorant on specific areas of science because of religion. The vast majority of religious people I talk to, religion is their comfort zone. They know it comes down to faith. Those people I don't have qualms with and usually just leave alone.
This is coming from a woman who is still subbed to me after I went off on a troll and hit "reply all" instead of "reply." She was so confused and didn't know I existed until that moment, but she let me explain what happened. Do you realize how much of a dick you have to be for her to unsub to you? Seriously. And I can't say I disagree with her.
What came to mind: Angry man: WHADDAYOU WANT? Man: Well, Well, I was told outside that... Angry man: DON'T GIVE ME THAT, YOU SNOTTY-FACED HEAP OF PARROT DROPPINGS! Man: What? A: SHUT YOUR FESTERING GOB, YOU TIT! YOUR TYPE MAKES ME PUKE! YOU VACUOUS TOFFEE-NOSED MALODOROUS PERVERT!!! M: Yes, but I came here for an argument!! A: OH! Oh! I'm sorry! This is abuse! M: Oh! Oh I see! A: Aha! No, you want room 12A, next door. M: Oh...Sorry... A: Not at all! A: (under his breath) stupid git.
@firefly4f4 Good vid abby. Please let me know if I cross the line -- I try to be funny about it when I do, but try to pull me back in line if I cross it, please.
There's really only one time that I set out to be a dick. If I am trying to break through the character that someone is portraying in their arguments, and trying to get to the real person underneath, then I will try to jolt them out of the script that they are reading and try to get a real response, any kind of genuine response! I have no interest in going through the motions of predictable back and forth. I'll be rude to break out of that.
Depends on ones mood. Another persons mood may effect the inflection of the comment. A sarcastic or intentionally humorous remark may be mistaken as dickish.
Most of the time one tries to be lighthearted but there are times one needs to vent and blame a stranger for the problems of the world.
The last time I intentionally insulted a person was like 3 months ago during a 'debate' over food stamps grow the economy. Called him a fucking retard. Tact and logic just were not working...bad mood too
On the rare occasions that I found myself so enraged with someone's position in a video or comment, and have responded in a rude or dismissive manner, I've instantly regretted it. If I find someone 'stupid' or such, I'll just ignore and move on. And I moderate that behaviour on my own videos. Internet disconnect is a big problem. Some people need to learn that that disconnect of time and space isn't a fair excuse for behaving like poorly raised children. Even if they are poorly raised children!
Well, if you don't agree with my religion and my politics than you are stupid. LOLz, JK. I say things to incite inflammatory discussion(s) on issues that have to do with abuse, murder, or death... for instance: the circumcision debate. It's an issue that I'm passionate about. Most of the rest of the time you can take what I say with a grain of salt as my humor doesn't often translate well into words.
The funny thing about being insulting is you don't need words like "stupid" or "dick". I had an argument with someone yesterday where he called me "brah" over and over and kept ending his comments with shit like "DO YOU GET IT NOW?". After enough of this, I decided to tell the guy that he is the single dumbest mother fucker that I've met on youtube in YEARS. He then cried about my abusive language. lolll
I've unsubbed to most of the "cool kids" already. Same old arguments over and over.
I trimmed down my list of people that I follow/subscribe on basically all social media a couple months ago. I think it hit a boiling point when my Twitter feed was all "Brett Keane this" and "Brett Keane that". I don't necessarily have a problem with someone acting like a dick if they are either funny, as you mentioned, or at least have a valid point. George Carlin was as popular as he was in large part because he was both. Also, one smart friend who disagrees with you > 10 sycophants.
@CollinMaessen I am not sure (I watch too many video's) It was about the definition of what an atheist is, with weird ominous music, apparently atheists are all alcoholics or something.
@angrywhenroused Well, this type of comment is at least a tad creative and amusing, while also being potentially accurate in the sense that the video maker may have been in an especially & uncharacteristically foul mood or be acting out anger & need to chill. Such a comment may be dickish, but I enjoy seeing such comments, & it seems more on the side of the funny dick -- if not up to the level of being a wise & fully comedic dick like G. Carlin.
I do sometimes slap someone down, but that's when they actually deserve it. Like for example not following up on sources that I give but expecting that I do. Or just being rude when I've been polite.
And sometimes I just poke fun at some people. But I do try to make it clear when I do that. Stereotypes can be fun. *eyes his american friends*
But oh do I like it when someone on the other side makes sense and makes me think. But they are oh so rare on the web.
You should name names so people know who you are talking about. I only know one person on youtube who merely insults and makes no points, and that would be Ujames1978Forever.
@lazyperfectionist1 Lol, I know a few people who are like that just to be funny. It's easy to tell malice and irritability versus being funny because the people are genuinely deserving ridicule because of *their* behavior.
Had to go check if you were still following me on Twitter, and you were. I'm not a dick, yaaay!
In terms of why do I say things I say, it's a little bit of all of the above. I like having civil discussion and dialogue, I like - while not necessarily for the sake of being patted to the back - talking with like-minded people and I do also like heated arguments. When it comes to the latter, while I can be very confronting, I very very rarely take it to a personal level.
I find the issue of what is inflamatory, and 'dickish', can be a bit hard to judge.
There are some people, where you know their behaviour is consistantly over your comfort line, and not in a positive kinda boundary-pushing way... That's the only way I can tell - because when that happens, even if the person *isn't* being a jerk, for jerkiness sake, it's obvious to me, that I can't handle their antics anyways.
I hope I'll never be like that for anyone... But, I know everyone's standards differ.
A good argument can be epic. A bloody row is just a way to vent frustration but does very little else than gets people riled up and angry.
And lets be honest, what is the response from 'Your an idiot and I don't agree with you' other than 'Erm. Ok?'.
Oh, and for the record. I like being patted on the back. Who wouldn't? But I would not want to put someone down to get it. Thats too much like the schoolyard bully with his hangers-on mates (sheep). Thats not for me.
@kalamain I like being patted on the back too, but you're exactly right. I don't want congratulations if the only reason I'm getting them is by being mean for mean's sake.
0:40 Doesn't sound rude at all. I hate when someone's main mode of communication is angry and ranty. It just isn't any fun to be exposed to for a prolonged period of time... even if you agree with them. I'd unsub like it was going out of style from someone like that.
I would not, however, leave one of those asinine "unsubbed" comments. How useless are those?
oh btw if this is a little too colorful language sorry, it's just it really does fit the Internet experience.
I've also come to another resolve about online debate, for those that do it will be more than happy to turn around and do it to you to exploit you for their numbers if there bigger than you and for those that don't what's the point of being a anchor or someone just killing other peoples views ?
thats a fine line because sometimes I get so sick of peoples meandering pandering crap that I may be a dick to them because I just said something they didn't like but I usually at least try to give a reason for it.
But honestly I give up on the Internet because who's mind are you gonna change, what is so great about being a professional arguer and is it really worth the effort to out 'dick' someone, plus would you really wanna admit if your wrong ?
It seems like some people are only interested in being smug, incendiary, twats sitting around circle jerking each other to their latest trollfest. A trollfest, I should clarify, that is devoid of the comedic value that power-trolls provide. It is often pedantic, cherry picked and intentionally inflammatory. At least a power-troll is clever in how he/she incites reactions. Most of these "dicks" are just sloping their bile against the wall to see what sticks.
sometimes i do it just to piss people off but only when i am fairly certain the person is a lost hope such as ppsimmons or bereanbeacon but with someone like yourself i would not be an asshole
Also, there's a lot of "preaching to the choir" and much less thought-provoking vids. This happens with anyone adopting any position. It's tedious and boring, and it doesn't further the quality of the discussion at hand.
If the inflammatory word exchange leads to a less violent discussion then i can live with it, even try calm the situation (even if the other person is a asshole), but if it turns into a name calling contest or superiority complex then there is no reason to pursuit any contact. It would be a waste of valuable brain cells.
i would generate your discussion any day
NlHlLlZM 1 week ago
I am an atheist and sometimes christian fundies call me stupid because I have a different opinion about our origins than they do. They also misunderstand atheism. Most atheists are good decent people. Of course, I am not naive enough to say that all atheists are good people.
connerjd 2 weeks ago
"If you're being a dick to be a dick, bye", well said, Abby:) I like you.
tims581 2 weeks ago
I do my best to avoid arguments. Unfortunately, sometimes arguments are unavoidable.
connerjd 3 weeks ago
I'm glad that you haven't taken too much abuse because of this video. I think its good to see someone that people like and listen to taking a stand on this. It bothers me that there is so much hatred and cruelty on YouTube and the internet in general. YouTube used to seem like something interesting and sometimes fun to watch. I'm starting to think that its just going to keep getting worse.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 I just choose not to pay attention to the jerks (for the most part). It's much less pain-inducing.
abbynormal0ne 3 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne Unfortunately jerks are growing in numbers and popularity, and nice people seem to be getting fewer and fewer, and are harder to find.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@RuinSonic Good point!
viciousviri 3 weeks ago
I encourage people to agree with me. And pat me on the back accordingly. If they don't they are stupid. Cuz I'm awesome dammit. AWESOME I say! The fool saith in his heart I'm not awesome.. ;)
GluteusIlluminatus 3 weeks ago
This has been among many other statements, on my channel page, for years now, not just for others, but for myself as well;
"The critical comment, indicates no merit for the speaker."
I re-read what I have written often, lest I forget, and over react to some imagined offense. I will be sad the day that YouTube forces the disappearance of my condensed thoughts from my channel. But by then, I too, may disappear.
Great video Abby, excellent point.
DonQuixotedeKaw 3 weeks ago
Oh it's not just online, I don't have enough fingers to count how many times people perception of me changes from "a pretty cool dude" to "you're a dick" by calmly and maturely revealing my lack of belief in supernatural deities when it comes up. Here, in the supposedly enlightened metropolitan north, I have been physically threatened for daring to disagree outwardly with believers, and refuse to humm along and pretend, or shut up. :)
proximoto 3 weeks ago
Some people prefer arguing and head-butting. I am not saying that it is right, but that is just the way that it goes.
connerjd 3 weeks ago
Stop being a dick, Abby.
reliablestuff 4 weeks ago
@reliablestuff In my experience Abby is never a dick ,why bother being rude to someone who is never rude to others ,be rude to me come on i thrive on the stupidity of rude people !
woofalot13 3 weeks ago
@woofalot13 It was a joke
reliablestuff 3 weeks ago
"It's one thing if they are legitamtely being stupid..."
That's the problem with your proposition. Some people think it's legitimately asinine if you are democrat or republican, believe in God or don't believe in God. You can't just stand back and say well if most of us agree this person is really dumb then we can be mean about... That's your opinion, but that doesn't help people come to terms and respect each other. In the same way I doubt you'd respect a gay hater.
RuinSonic 4 weeks ago
Sometimes arguments and conflicts are unavoidable.
connerjd 4 weeks ago
Well said Abby whats the point its dumb but some times its hard not to get dragged into peoples crap .
woofalot13 4 weeks ago
Intelligent rational discussion is a violation of YouTube's terms of service. Stupid arguments drive traffic, creates free content, and sells more advertising. Stupidity on the internet is big business, and business is good!!
DarthTroller 4 weeks ago 6
The moments of one's life are precious, and YOU are the only one qualified to determine where, and upon whom, you choose to spend them. I left Facebook several years ago upon realizing the copious amount of time it consumed, for very little useful information provided.
So I say "Bully for you!" if they want your attention they need to EARN IT!
They must do this according to YOUR criteria and standards of evaluation because it is YOUR eyes they want to attract.
LeoAutodidact 4 weeks ago
People say with pride, here in the UK, " I don't suffer fools gladly " - they don't realise that this makes them 'jerks' - for me it is the epitome of arrogance, conceit and intolerance.
Hythloday71 4 weeks ago 2
"You like [teamname]? They've been doing terribly. You're a stupid person for liking them!". The fact that sports fans get into fistfights over teams shows off the example."
SeventhCycle 4 weeks ago
Arguing on the Internet is a sport. Atheism, Theism, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green - they're all the equivalent of a sports team. Everyone has their "team", and each team has star players and fans.
SeventhCycle 4 weeks ago
Just encountered a jerk HERE watch?v=ONdqy8DKWgU and thought I'd share:
Me: "You almost make me wanna watch the SOTU to see if I can find something you missed -- almost :)"
Random Stupid Jerk: "I don't think you have the required attention spam for watching the SOTU '12, just stick to hearing other people's thoughts on it. It's what you do best :)"
Me: "Mmm... attention spam."
I doubt he'll understand more than one level of my response, but it was still fun.
thethegreenmachine 4 weeks ago
I usually only pull out full on jerk mode when people make outrageous and offensive claims based on what they believe yet cannot prove. Such as when people like Nephilimfree assert that because I don't believe as they do, I am an inherently evil person. Things like that cause phrases like "delusional jackass" to stream forth from my fingers.
pfarabee 4 weeks ago
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco said this in a magazine interview:
“ 'Look at this beautiful kitten.' 'Fuck you, that kitten's a socialist.' 'You're a fag.' Basically, that's the crux of all Internet discussion."
kirke420 4 weeks ago 2
I used to never be inflammatory then I took an arrow to the knee, which inflamed it! Okay maybe not an arrow to the knee but a concrete base of a light post and it hurt X'(. Okay, that was my snowclone of the day. Anyway, please people don't be a dick unless you are doing it in visible just (or in bed ;) ;))
TheRepublicOfUngeria 4 weeks ago
I tend to agree. I don't mind people being inflammatory in order to provoke discussion, such as is the case with TheBarkingAtheist, but being inflammatory for it's own sake is simply rude and unnecessary.
VarmitCoyote 4 weeks ago
I feel better about all the crap that comes my way because I realized most of these people are too cowardly to do it in real life.
That's satisfying to know.
DawahFilms 4 weeks ago
@DawahFilms I never thought I would find myself agreeing with you in the comments section of a video... but here I am. :)
kirke420 4 weeks ago
Silly girl! YouTube only exists for fools and idiots who want to spend their days trashing other people from the safety of their bedrooms. Its a place for the weak and powerless, the kids who got their lunch money taken at school, and the girls that never went to the prom to feel important while never really exposing themselves to any real consequences for the things that they say.
AyatrollaYoMommie 4 weeks ago
Sometimes, I call people idiots. Only because they act that way. I will never call someone an idiot for no reason.
connerjd 4 weeks ago
I think most people just like to call other people names. I deleted my old channel after getting sick of all of that. When the AmazingAtheist called me a child killer, I had pretty much enough of YouTube. Whatever delusions that I had that YouTube would be some forum for people to intelligently discuss important issues died that instant. It just seems to be a place for angry people to mindlessly attack other people. There are only a few channels that I still watch from time to time.
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
I like my words to be inflammatory. Specifically, I like to inflame the genitals of women on the internets with my words.
razoras 4 weeks ago
Say what you want but following any of the major religions IS stupid if you take into account the countless contradictions, idiotic claims and barbaric laws those religions are based on.
The only religious people i can respect are deists because at least they don't follow some ancient barbaric doctrine and their claims have not yet been disproven.
Solidus1086 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 It's nice to know you don't respect me.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago 6
@abbynormal0ne No reason to take it personally.
I simply have a switch in my brain that does not allow me to respect anyone who holds beliefs that are proven to be false.
This includes all dogmatic followers of the major religions as well as those believing in the new age god of the gaps while picking and choosing which of their gods sacred laws should still apply
I can still to some degree respect the belief in a god but i can't respect any of the fundamentally flawed religions
Solidus1086 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 You say "no reason to take it personally," as though flippantly calling someone stupid isn't something personal.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne Technically I never called anyone stupid. I called believing in any of the major religions stupid.
An intelligent person can still hold a stupid belief with proper compartmentalization, which is why there is still a minority of accomplished scientists who are obviously intelligent but still follow these flawed religions.
Solidus1086 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne
Its only "personal" if they ACTUALLY know you as a Person.
If all they know of you is your posts, comments, etc. they really DON'T know YOU at all. All they know is the facade you've displayed. And as we've all learned, those are a dime a dozen.
LeoAutodidact 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 It seems interesting that athiests frequently mention how bigoted christians are, and its true, some are, yet I have never once read a comment or watched a video made by an atheist that isn't bigoted or hateful. You should respect all people who treat you with respect, but as you state in your comment, you can't. If atheism were to be judged by the things that they say, it would seem that they embrace ignorance, intolerance and hatred of others as something to aspire to..
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 I would say that is because the views of many christians are indeed bigoted and backwards. The case that I usually try to make, however, is against the book itself, not the person. That is, the christian bible is filled with such vile and horrific outdated ideals as to make any modernly moral person cringe. It makes no sense to abandon those obviously incorrect and disgusting "morals" from the book but still cling to it as the inspired word of a perfect being.
pfarabee 4 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) so, what response should an atheist give then, to a person who is thumping their bible, asserting that those without the message inside it are vile sinful wretches who will burn for all eternity, when the very book they are using as justification reads like a twisted horror novel from Stephen King? My response is to point out that the things contained in those pages are not to be emulated, but are the outdated, immoral mutterings of backwards peasants of 2000 years ago.
pfarabee 4 weeks ago
@pfarabee Cont. With that being said, your comments about the bible are precisely the hateful, bigoted, and somewhat ignorant things that atheists always seem to have to say. If you don't believe that some things should be accepted on faith, and you don't believe in god, fine. Good for you, but do you have to constantly express hatred and intolerance for those who do? Why can't tolerance and respect be a part of atheism?
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 One last thing. While I may view the comments and videos that are made by members of the atheist community, I should also add that I find myself increasingly disgusted by the ignorant and hateful comments that I see on YouTube in general. It seems that hate and intolerance while probably not a core belief of atheism, those things do seem to be becoming the central theme of YouTube in general.
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 my comments are not hateful or intolerant, they are true. There are countless things glorified in the bible that are nothing other than disgustingly filthy and vile acts, and pointing that out is not hate or intolerance. Also, my post was just an example of how I normally attempt to respond to those who thump the bible at me as if it were the perfect word of a perfect being. It is, frankly, the most respectful way I can see to respond to such assertions.
pfarabee 4 weeks ago
@pfarabee Its sad that you don't see how hateful and bigotted your comments actually are.
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 what is sad are people who are insulted by facts. If the truth of what is in the book offends you, put it down. Don't trumpet a text filled with things that are categorically, undeniably, universally disgusting as the perfect word of a divine being and then expect others to not correct you out of some sense of "tolerance and respect". Pointing out reality in such a context is not intolerance or rudeness. Expecting others to ignore such claims is, however.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 Tolerance is the recognition of another person's right to believe whatever they wish to believe about the divine. Tolerance is NOT, however, keeping your mouth shut in the face of religious claims. I don't believe abby's original point was suggesting such, either. Her objection seems to be more against the nature of the opposition to religious views.. IE those who simply call religious people stupid or delusional, which I try to avoid when appropriate.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee Its sad that people confuse facts with insults in an effort to rationalize bigotry, hatred and intolerance. No one has presented a fact. Not one single fact. Calling something vile isn't presenting a fact. It is expressing an insulting opinion. There is a difference, though most bigots would probably disagree. They tend to perceive their opinions as facts.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 Fine, read Genesis 19, where Lot, after the men of the town demanded that he offer his houseguests to be raped, offers his two virgin daughters instead.. because.. what, he's righteous, right? AND they are just women, after all, right? Just *one* DISGUSTING example of twisted, ignorant, immoral behavior that passed for righteousness 3000 years ago. Now, please explain why offering your own children to be raped by a mob is an example of moral behavior?
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) remember the context of my original posts, which continues to all others.. my arguments in response to someone who is:
1) Making offensive claims based in christianity like people who don't believe as they do are evil, vile, and will burn and be tortured for all eternity.
2) Use the bible as authority to assert unfounded claims, insisting it is the perfectly inspired word of an all-good, perfect being.
I don't dump it on every christian I come across.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee Its interesting how people who wish to express their intolerance and bigotry against christians will always resort to quoting the Old Testiment. Christians by definitition are people who follow the teachings of Christ. Those are found in the New Testiment. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you are simply looking to validate your hatred, bigorty and intolerance then have fun with that.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 then christians should stop quoting leviticus when talking about homosexuality, etc. They don't get to use intolerant and hateful verses of the old book to justify backwards, offensive positions and at the same time claim that christianity is about the new testament and is somehow magically disconnected from the old. If christianity is about the new testament, they should stop printing the rest of it, or at the very least, stop using it to browbeat others.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@theCommonMan101 (cont) of course, there are quotes in the new testament that are objectionable as well. I corinthians 11, for instance, is a particularly misogynistic bit of bullcrud. Another example, in 1 timothy 6, jesus clearly endorses slavery. There are textual contradictions as well, such as the story of Judas, which has conflicting details in separate tellings. This isn't my opinion. This isn't intolerance, it is fact. All you have to do to verify it is open a bible and read.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee It seems that you are committed to bigotry, hatred and intolerance. Hating an entire group of people because of the statements of a few is wrong. Its sad that people are so devoted to their bigotted views and hatred of others. Hatred is wrong, no matter how you try to rationalize it. Its too bad that you don't see that.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 I never said I hated christians? I can have kind-hearted feelings for someone and still disagree with them. I usually don't talk about religion with my christian friends, only bringing arguments against religion as a response to unfounded assertions made by others. Of course, if hearing the blatant contradictions and immoral behavior endorsed by the bible offends you, perhaps you should blame the authors of the book? No, I guess that would be too simple.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
The only thing that offends me is people taking the bible out of context in an effort to express hatred and intolerance towards a group of people. You never needed to say that you hated christians. Your hateful words reflected that more than adequately. I seem to remember southern whites saying similar things about blacks back during the civil rights movement. That they didn't hate them. It is similarly disingenuous.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 please explain to me in what context it is acceptable to offer your two virgin daughters to a mob of people to be raped, or in what context it is acceptable to slice open the stomachs of pregnant women and dash their babies on rocks, or in what context it is acceptable to suggest that women shut up and cover their faces, or in what context it is ok to endorse slavery and tell slaves to obey their masters as they would god.. I'm calling BULLSHIT on that one.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee No amount of my discussing this is going to change your thought process on this. Hatred and bigotry is something that is not rational. Trying to discuss something with an irrational person is a futile gesture. I've already stated what context, and you have made the decision to ignore that. Call bullshit all you want, you are just rationalizing bigotry, hatred and intolerance. If this is the person that you want to be, then so be it.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 lol, one thing I find interesting is that her video was, in essence, about people name-calling others that don't agree with them (on any topic). To that effect, you've called me an intolerant bigot constantly in this discussion, and I've not called you any name. As for context, you just said "out of context".. which doesn't indicate what context. Of course, it really doesn't matter, because the things I mentioned are still unacceptable in any context.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee I didn't originally call you anything. I don't even know you. But you have expressed and defended bigotted, hateful views. I would say the same thing about David Duke. As for me I've only tried to defend tolerance and respect. If you can think of a negative term to attach to that, well good for you.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 for the last time, tolerance is NOT sitting mute in the face of extraordinary claims. Tolerance is recognizing your right to believe whatever you want. Tolerance is also recognizing my right to disagree and point out that which I find fault with. Notice I'm not calling YOU intolerant for spiritedly disagreeing with me, because that isn't what tolerance is!! If someone tells me I'll burn in hell because I don't believe what they do, I'm going to call them on it.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 checking them is not intolerance, it is disagreeing with them. Once more, all of my arguments have been in the context of what I would say to that person who comes up and demands I concede that I will roast in the fire pit because I don't accept XYZ. Seriously, do you actually expect an atheist to sit quietly by as someone browbeats them with bible passages and not respond? Are you suggesting that the proper response to "turn or burn, filthy sinner" is silent respect?
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) Fine let's run with the racism example.. say someone came up to you and explained that a book filled with racial slurs and derogatory comments about minorities was their new guide for morality. When you point out the offensive passages, are you being rude? NO. When they say "oh but that's in the first half of the book, the real message is in the final chapter", does that mean they get a pass? NO, especially if there are still offensive passages in that chapter.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) again, tolerance is recognizing your right to believe what you want. Tolerance is NOT sitting idly by ignoring issues with what you believe, especially when those issues are so glaringly obvious and egregious. Your choices are pretty simple: 1) admit and accept that the bible is not the flawless word of a perfect being or 2) embrace the immorality in the bible as holy and just. The sad thing is how many people actually pick #2
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 yup man tolerance is all ,christian or atheist as i am ,but it must be mutual ,intolerance degrades atheist who profess to hate religion for its own intolerance , hypocrisy !
woofalot13 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 You ask the question "Why can't tolerance and respect be a part of atheism?" The answer is that it very well could be, if the religious of the world would allow it to be so. However, when faced with the harsh reality, many are forced to take a more active adversarial stance. Evolution being actively undermined in school is just one of many examples. Another is the fact that whenever an atheist billboard goes up in this country, there are protests and threats.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 (cont) non-christians get to read countless christian messages on church signs and billboards, as well as prayer at events all over the land. Christians constantly remind us that we MUST turn or burn, and frankly, we're sick of it. If christians want atheists to shut up about christianity, then they should, themselves, shut up about christianity. The dialogue is, however, not only open, but shoved in our faces all day every day. Demanding we not respond is ludicrous.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee You should adress those who attack you as individuals just as you wish to be respected as individuals. Instead I see video after video of people condemning a belief and those who share it. I very rarely see atheists talk about a specific individual who has done something specific. For that matter even you have not mentioned an act by a christian that harmed you. Only that their beliefs are vile. Bigotry is wrong, no matter how you try to rationalize it.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 "Only that their beliefs are vile".. I never said that christian's beliefs are vile. What I said was that things written in the bible are vile. There is a MAJOR difference. Anyone who calls themselves a christian and believes we should be kind to one another, etc, I have respect for. However, if they cheer at the passages in the bible that are disgusting, then I would call their beliefs vile. For example, if they endorse Lev 20:13, then their beliefs ARE vile.
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee Atheists don't need anyone's permission to be decent people. They can decide to be bigots or they can decide to not be. The choice is theirs, and is up to each individual regardless of what label they decide to adopt. Just because someone decides to call themselves an atheist doesn't mean they are forced to hate someone else because the believe differently than them.
TheCommonMan101 3 weeks ago
@TheCommonMan101 this is EXACTLY the point of my approach to those who get me started on religion. I don't need the bible to tell me how to behave. In fact, much of the bible is a very poor template to follow for actual moral behavior. I simply point that out to people, and, in essence, my message is, "Sure, maybe there are some good passages in there, but what about all this bad stuff? The book is far from perfect, and you don't need it in order to do the good things in it."
pfarabee 3 weeks ago
@pfarabee I did acknowlege that the views of many christians are bigotted. This is a fact. However it is also a fact, and I would say that Abby is proof of this, that there are many good people who are christian. Unfortunately time and time again I see atheists making videos or leaving comments that are bigoted, hateful, and promoting intolerance. Now it is also entirely possible that it is not neccesarily atheists who are hateful and intolerant. Just the ones who are on YT.
TheCommonMan101 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 She probably wasn't talking about people like you AT ALL! You just said that most of my family is stupid, as well as many of my friends. Maybe they are misguided. Maybe they simply see things differently than you and I do. Maybe they think you are the stupid one, and maybe they are right.
MyGrammarRules 4 weeks ago
@MyGrammarRules As I said before, there is a difference between being stupid and having a stupid belief.
Intelligent people can have stupid beliefs sometimes because humans are prone to compartmentalization, this explains why there are some accomplished scientists who are clearly intelligent but still believe in this religious bullshit.
Solidus1086 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 there is no difference between insulting a person, and insulting their beliefs. Perhaps you should avoid making offensive comments, particularly about people like Abby. That might help you avoid looking like a weasel when you try to rationalize why your insults really aren't insults. They really are.
DarthTroller 4 weeks ago 2
@DarthTroller Heh i finally found someone here who i can simply call stupid.
Seriously, if you don't have the intelligence to make the distinction then i gladly call you an idiot.
Furthermore i don't give a piss who gets offended by me pointing out that an irrational belief that can't be backed up by any facts is stupid or what they think of me for doing it.
Solidus1086 4 weeks ago
@Solidus1086 Blaa, Blaaa, Blaaa. Go eat a book you ignorant fool. Its clear you have never actually read one.
DarthTroller 3 weeks ago
@calumlittle Lol, no, it's not about you.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
Some dicks are so hard to handle. But I can hold down my dick. After a lot of practice, anyone can learn how to deal with a dick. It takes time though, and a lot of patience, and maybe paper towels. Dicks can be fun and they can be annoying. It all depends on how you use your dick.
Penis.
♥
TheLaughingOut 4 weeks ago 6
@TheLaughingOut By far the best explanation I've read ;)
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne I don't care about anything except getting my comment thumbed up. ;)
TheLaughingOut 4 weeks ago
(1/2)When it comes to American issues for me personally I find it amazing how a country can behave a certain way whilst preaching the opposite. Its just one of those things that scares me and blows my mind at the same. When I read people's posts about things I have to bite my lip and when I re post things its without researching and I get corrected and move on LOL. Ron and heather were having a back and forth yesterday about religion and cont...
gingergreek 4 weeks ago
@gingergreek (2/2) what I find fascinating is that I think me and Chunx as far as I know are for the death penalty and we're atheists. Which is why I get a bit miffed when people think the DP is a religious thing. But I then find myself agreeing with the comparison when the issue of Abortion pops up because the two things contradict each other if you're for one and against the other. I think? lol
gingergreek 4 weeks ago
@gingergreek (3/3) I just read what I wrote back and if it doens't make any sense let me know LMAO!!
gingergreek 4 weeks ago
@gingergreek It makes sense. I don't see you as being a dick for dick's sake unless the people are genuinely deserving it, mate. I think you're a good guy. Won't change my mind!
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne Cool its just a head up cos after all this SOPA PIPA stuff my hatred for America has been reignited LOL kind of puts a dampener for visiting the states but friends are one thing and politics another. So luckily you lot will get to bask in my awesomeness one day..probably not this year though the prospect of New York is very high because one of my best friend may be running the marathon
gingergreek 4 weeks ago
@gingergreek Haha, I can't say I'm particularly happy with my country for a few political reasons, so I agree with you there, but I can't wait to meet up with you again, mate.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
I'm never an asshole just because I disagree or just to be an asshole, but I am blunt at times. However, once someone gets abusive, I might let them have it, depending on my mood.
thethegreenmachine 4 weeks ago
When I was a Christian, I certainly wasn't stupid, and I didn't appreciate someone being a dick. You simply wouldn't get through to me. I've heard people say that mocking is the way to get through to someone with another religious belief because it will piss the person off to the point where they will investigate. It's possible, but that's usually not the case. You'll usually just piss the person off to where they won't talk to you anymore.
MidwestThinker 4 weeks ago
@MidwestThinker The best way to have these conversations is face-to-face, especially with people you know personally. I have lost way too many friends over religious conversations, and I'm tired of it. There seems to be two sides to every person who frequents the Internet...The Web side and the face-to-face side. At the end of the day, I would like to be able to get along with as many people as possible and not ruin my face-to-face persona with them.
MidwestThinker 4 weeks ago
@MidwestThinker They will probably retreat into their 'comfort zone' like bullied children will.
That's probably not the best analogy I could use...But you get what I mean. No insult intended I assure you.
kalamain 4 weeks ago
At first I thought - oh no, am I behaving badly? And then the more you talked the more I thought, nope, I'm not a jerk. It was reassuring. I'd rather not ever be a jerk or be around jerk. Good for you for offloading them. Your mind will be muuuuch happier.
LJonYT 4 weeks ago
I was wondering how I became subscribed to you, but someone explained to me that my friends list is now a subscribers list, now i have a shit load of subscriptions lol
Sindrake 4 weeks ago
I see myself in your evaluation.
ChunxOfEarth 4 weeks ago
Religious people are NOT stupid in and of that fact alone. Stupid people are stupid.
Regardless of beliefs, there are stupid people all around. Living In a small state, I know that people in all the different states around me, including my own, have stupid drivers, because when I drive, the road is full of Dumbasses. Get my comparison?
tamc1337 4 weeks ago
I see no god, only people claiming to know the will of a god.
This will often harms men, women, children, homosexuals and so on...
The only good i see religion doing is that it encourages people to THINK about morallity.
Yahweigh 4 weeks ago
Hello.I like to think most people online are closer to the guy who eats shoe polish.You know,that guy who looks strangely healthy even though he eats household cleaning products.His eyes are amazing.There's not much nobility online and dignity is sparse.That's really all I have to say.
MoorLetoh 4 weeks ago
I can't stand online debates. Because generally it's an argument that has been made over and over. The result is still the same in the end. Oh but they're changing minds right? Pfft that's going to take more than one video.
GodlessManitoban 4 weeks ago
@GodlessManitoban Altho a personal argument may not change the minds of those involved, the online nature of the exchange can inform others & bring up other issues, inspire new videos, etc. Thus, having an argument may not leave things the same as they were, even if the two involved don't budge from their positions each may refine their thinking & semi-inspire others to consider the issue further who may not have gotten involved in the subject before even if often mentioned.
gedgetips 4 weeks ago
Yep. I hear ya. Being inflammatory verbally can serve its purpose sometimes but just saying something to pat your own back or for the sake of being "right", you offer NOTHING to anyone else in conversation and might as well be talking to yourself. If people want to really dialogue and put forth contributions to it I will talk to them indefinitely but if they aren't going to give me the respect I deserve in the conversation Im going to shake the dust off my feet and give my time to someone else.
DreamsOfCottages 4 weeks ago
Religion: Make-believe for adults.
Shoregrey 4 weeks ago
@Shoregrey I see, so you do not wish to engage in discussion. You wish to be inflammatory. Got it.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago 2
@Shoregrey So is Atheism too though.So is what I happen to make-believe.Chill out petal.Take a chillax pill and relaxify.
MoorLetoh 4 weeks ago
Religious people are stupid, or ignorant, one of the 2 or both. It you are stupid it is not a choice, being ignorant can be a choice. I don't speak for anyone but myself, but if I write something it is never to get a pad on the back or to start an argument, it is simply because it is the way I see it. If anyone does it to get a pad on the back or to start an argument they are stupid. Sometime I call people stupid or idiot because that is what they are, and I rarely keep talking with them.
TheRenekruse 4 weeks ago
@TheRenekruse So you basically are calling me stupid without knowing me at all. You've pretty much just proven what I've said in this video. Thank you.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne "Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." -- Will Rogers
thethegreenmachine 4 weeks ago
@TheRenekruse I don't think a lot of theists are stupid or ignorant. They may be ignorant on specific areas of science because of religion. The vast majority of religious people I talk to, religion is their comfort zone. They know it comes down to faith. Those people I don't have qualms with and usually just leave alone.
Michigan1985 4 weeks ago
@Michigan1985 unless they start gay bashing, or telling me I'm going to hell. Then I get out the big guns.
Michigan1985 4 weeks ago
I won't call somebody stupid, becouse they disagree with me. I will call somebody stupid if they ignore obvious evidence to make a claim
ThePeacefulAtheistt 4 weeks ago
You're more than welcome to come follow my twitter. I try to avoid that childish bullshit like the plague :-)
firewall5OOO 4 weeks ago
True.
Poisonouscouscous 4 weeks ago
This is coming from a woman who is still subbed to me after I went off on a troll and hit "reply all" instead of "reply." She was so confused and didn't know I existed until that moment, but she let me explain what happened. Do you realize how much of a dick you have to be for her to unsub to you? Seriously. And I can't say I disagree with her.
kelliko70 4 weeks ago
firefly4f4 4 weeks ago
@firefly4f4 Good vid abby. Please let me know if I cross the line -- I try to be funny about it when I do, but try to pull me back in line if I cross it, please.
firefly4f4 4 weeks ago
@firefly4f4 Hahahahah, love, love the Monty Python reference! I haven't seen you be a bully, FFF. :)
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
There's really only one time that I set out to be a dick. If I am trying to break through the character that someone is portraying in their arguments, and trying to get to the real person underneath, then I will try to jolt them out of the script that they are reading and try to get a real response, any kind of genuine response! I have no interest in going through the motions of predictable back and forth. I'll be rude to break out of that.
Friendough 4 weeks ago
I can be a dick sometimes, but it's only when someone leaves a stupid comment on a video. Then I try to think of the most creative insults. :)
StanMarsh1 4 weeks ago
Depends on ones mood. Another persons mood may effect the inflection of the comment. A sarcastic or intentionally humorous remark may be mistaken as dickish.
Most of the time one tries to be lighthearted but there are times one needs to vent and blame a stranger for the problems of the world.
The last time I intentionally insulted a person was like 3 months ago during a 'debate' over food stamps grow the economy. Called him a fucking retard. Tact and logic just were not working...bad mood too
deadman12078 1 month ago
On the rare occasions that I found myself so enraged with someone's position in a video or comment, and have responded in a rude or dismissive manner, I've instantly regretted it. If I find someone 'stupid' or such, I'll just ignore and move on. And I moderate that behaviour on my own videos. Internet disconnect is a big problem. Some people need to learn that that disconnect of time and space isn't a fair excuse for behaving like poorly raised children. Even if they are poorly raised children!
DaithiDublin 1 month ago
@DaithiDublin It's too easy to be dismissive online because people don't connect the person commenting with an actual, corporeal human.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
I approve this message
DeeDemonwitch 1 month ago
Well, if you don't agree with my religion and my politics than you are stupid. LOLz, JK. I say things to incite inflammatory discussion(s) on issues that have to do with abuse, murder, or death... for instance: the circumcision debate. It's an issue that I'm passionate about. Most of the rest of the time you can take what I say with a grain of salt as my humor doesn't often translate well into words.
thereprieve 1 month ago
The funny thing about being insulting is you don't need words like "stupid" or "dick". I had an argument with someone yesterday where he called me "brah" over and over and kept ending his comments with shit like "DO YOU GET IT NOW?". After enough of this, I decided to tell the guy that he is the single dumbest mother fucker that I've met on youtube in YEARS. He then cried about my abusive language. lolll
I've unsubbed to most of the "cool kids" already. Same old arguments over and over.
onlywhenprovoked 1 month ago
I trimmed down my list of people that I follow/subscribe on basically all social media a couple months ago. I think it hit a boiling point when my Twitter feed was all "Brett Keane this" and "Brett Keane that". I don't necessarily have a problem with someone acting like a dick if they are either funny, as you mentioned, or at least have a valid point. George Carlin was as popular as he was in large part because he was both. Also, one smart friend who disagrees with you > 10 sycophants.
PJsCreed 1 month ago
@PJsCreed Yes, that did make me remove people from my lists as well. I agree about Carlin as well.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
I admit I left a comment on a video
"looks like someone forgot to take their Haloperidol"
But more in disdain at the video, than just to be a dick
angrywhenroused 1 month ago
@angrywhenroused ooh, I think I know who you are talking about. Stiggy perhaps? ;)
CollinMaessen 4 weeks ago
@CollinMaessen I am not sure (I watch too many video's) It was about the definition of what an atheist is, with weird ominous music, apparently atheists are all alcoholics or something.
angrywhenroused 4 weeks ago
@angrywhenroused hmm, this video per chance?: watch?v=W8iv7o9rnPI
(I saw your comment, hence I immediately thought of Stig).
CollinMaessen 4 weeks ago
@CollinMaessen Yes that's the one,
Maybe I was A bit harsh but come on, reality calling.
angrywhenroused 4 weeks ago
@angrywhenroused Well, this type of comment is at least a tad creative and amusing, while also being potentially accurate in the sense that the video maker may have been in an especially & uncharacteristically foul mood or be acting out anger & need to chill. Such a comment may be dickish, but I enjoy seeing such comments, & it seems more on the side of the funny dick -- if not up to the level of being a wise & fully comedic dick like G. Carlin.
gedgetips 4 weeks ago
Ah pfew seems I'm also not a dick.
I do sometimes slap someone down, but that's when they actually deserve it. Like for example not following up on sources that I give but expecting that I do. Or just being rude when I've been polite.
And sometimes I just poke fun at some people. But I do try to make it clear when I do that. Stereotypes can be fun. *eyes his american friends*
But oh do I like it when someone on the other side makes sense and makes me think. But they are oh so rare on the web.
CollinMaessen 1 month ago
@CollinMaessen Collin, dear, you are nowhere near being a dick. Poking fun is fine. Again, that's a bit different from being a dick for dick's sake.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
You should name names so people know who you are talking about. I only know one person on youtube who merely insults and makes no points, and that would be Ujames1978Forever.
zarkoff45 1 month ago
@zarkoff45 I don't really believe in name dropping. It's not important.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
Is the act of butting heads arguing or debating?
Why do I get the impression that, when you talked about "being a dick to be funny," you had a certain someone in mind?
lazyperfectionist1 1 month ago
@lazyperfectionist1 Lol, I know a few people who are like that just to be funny. It's easy to tell malice and irritability versus being funny because the people are genuinely deserving ridicule because of *their* behavior.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
I have never engaged in that manner of behaviour.
Seriously, I don't need to any more, If I feel like a row there are always plenty of people using that tactic under my videos.
gabiotta 1 month ago
Y U No LIKE DicK??
Nonthinker1 1 month ago
i dont understand why everybody wants everybody to follow them on Twitter.
"hi i talk ino a webcam for a living,,,,,,,,,,,,,follow me on twitter!"
ooh maybe we can live vicariously through people as they run errands!
Atheist vs Theist debates are a waste of breath
theres no win or lose there is only programmers and deprogrammers.
im a funny dick
wideosvatcher 1 month ago
Had to go check if you were still following me on Twitter, and you were. I'm not a dick, yaaay!
In terms of why do I say things I say, it's a little bit of all of the above. I like having civil discussion and dialogue, I like - while not necessarily for the sake of being patted to the back - talking with like-minded people and I do also like heated arguments. When it comes to the latter, while I can be very confronting, I very very rarely take it to a personal level.
Wuggynaut 1 month ago
I find the issue of what is inflamatory, and 'dickish', can be a bit hard to judge.
There are some people, where you know their behaviour is consistantly over your comfort line, and not in a positive kinda boundary-pushing way... That's the only way I can tell - because when that happens, even if the person *isn't* being a jerk, for jerkiness sake, it's obvious to me, that I can't handle their antics anyways.
I hope I'll never be like that for anyone... But, I know everyone's standards differ.
PurpleGhost 1 month ago
A good argument can be epic. A bloody row is just a way to vent frustration but does very little else than gets people riled up and angry.
And lets be honest, what is the response from 'Your an idiot and I don't agree with you' other than 'Erm. Ok?'.
Oh, and for the record. I like being patted on the back. Who wouldn't? But I would not want to put someone down to get it. Thats too much like the schoolyard bully with his hangers-on mates (sheep). Thats not for me.
kalamain 1 month ago
@kalamain I like being patted on the back too, but you're exactly right. I don't want congratulations if the only reason I'm getting them is by being mean for mean's sake.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
Reminds me of a youtube video PSA by 808X:
"It's ok to not like things.
"it's ok,
"but don't be A DICK about it.
"it's ok to not like thiiiiings
"Don't be A DICK about the things you don't like."
Great video Abby.
ObserversEyes 1 month ago
@ObserversEyes I love, love, love that song. It's in my favs, I think.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
0:40 Doesn't sound rude at all. I hate when someone's main mode of communication is angry and ranty. It just isn't any fun to be exposed to for a prolonged period of time... even if you agree with them. I'd unsub like it was going out of style from someone like that.
I would not, however, leave one of those asinine "unsubbed" comments. How useless are those?
jussts 1 month ago
@jussts It may help the person if they only have a small number of followers to know that people disagree with them and maybe then they will change?
However...When they have a huge following it would probably mean little. I suppose it may also depend on WHO it is and why they are doing it.
Maybe. B-)
kalamain 1 month ago
@jussts I don't see the "unsubbed" comments as helpful at all especially if they don't really give a reason. I also find it's a dick move.
abbynormal0ne 4 weeks ago
@abbynormal0ne Exactly... resubbed!
;)
jussts 4 weeks ago
@Curas1
It's really team America philosophy because once you understand assholes, pussies and dicks that's about all there is to online arguements.
It's just nuts !
Curas1 1 month ago
@Curas1
oh btw if this is a little too colorful language sorry, it's just it really does fit the Internet experience.
I've also come to another resolve about online debate, for those that do it will be more than happy to turn around and do it to you to exploit you for their numbers if there bigger than you and for those that don't what's the point of being a anchor or someone just killing other peoples views ?
Curas1 1 month ago
I don't seek conflict, but I will humiliate someone who goes out of their way to insult someone for no reason.
WigglyMalmsteam 1 month ago
thats a fine line because sometimes I get so sick of peoples meandering pandering crap that I may be a dick to them because I just said something they didn't like but I usually at least try to give a reason for it.
But honestly I give up on the Internet because who's mind are you gonna change, what is so great about being a professional arguer and is it really worth the effort to out 'dick' someone, plus would you really wanna admit if your wrong ?
Curas1 1 month ago
*hugs* Awesome vid Abby.
It seems like some people are only interested in being smug, incendiary, twats sitting around circle jerking each other to their latest trollfest. A trollfest, I should clarify, that is devoid of the comedic value that power-trolls provide. It is often pedantic, cherry picked and intentionally inflammatory. At least a power-troll is clever in how he/she incites reactions. Most of these "dicks" are just sloping their bile against the wall to see what sticks.
itsmaxinthebox 1 month ago
sometimes i do it just to piss people off but only when i am fairly certain the person is a lost hope such as ppsimmons or bereanbeacon but with someone like yourself i would not be an asshole
wearestarstuffsagan 1 month ago
Also, there's a lot of "preaching to the choir" and much less thought-provoking vids. This happens with anyone adopting any position. It's tedious and boring, and it doesn't further the quality of the discussion at hand.
Afriboy10 1 month ago
If the inflammatory word exchange leads to a less violent discussion then i can live with it, even try calm the situation (even if the other person is a asshole), but if it turns into a name calling contest or superiority complex then there is no reason to pursuit any contact. It would be a waste of valuable brain cells.
Uhmu45 1 month ago
I've been stalking your last.fm page. hehe
FAA041909 1 month ago
I wouldn't say they are being jerks, more like being smug.......
MrSoprano0125 1 month ago
Nice video
Professoranton 1 month ago