I was just reading an article about Mars “Blueberries”…the article itself was fairly interesting, but what was even more enjoyable was the “intellectual” debate that took place in the comments section after it. This is where very logical, reasonable, intelligent, well-educated people converse on an adult level.
So…basically one person says something that another disagrees with, and the other person basically says “hogwash” in a very intellectual, snobby way. Then the first person questions, rather politely, WHY they can so easily dismiss it as “hogwash”. (I’m on the first person’s side in this one).
Ok, so then the second person responds in a SLIGHTLY less intellectual/snobby and slightly annoyed/mocking sort of way…and it goes ON and ON and ON…descending to Junior High level.
Basically the first person just wanted to discuss the point, but the second person basically said “No, I won, you’re stupid”. I mean…is this the “advancement” of human interaction? It was like an argument about Red Sox Vs. Yankees at the end, with one person saying “I win I won’t talk anymore *covering my ears* NYAH NYAH NYAH NYAH … by the way, I’m a very reasonable scientist.”.
Just as childish as any other arrogant snob claiming “victory”…they really did, I swear…they said – “I’m not talking anymore, I won”. Wow. I thought science was about discovery and friendly interaction for mutual understanding? I didn’t know it was a pissing contest.
Einstein must be rolling over in his grave at the state of some people that consider themselves “intellectual” today.
Here’s a comparable junior-high level framed-as-“intellectual” spat for comparison, courtesy of the Cheers episode ‘Abnormal Psychology’:
*Frasier* So am I to assume that you just naturally thought that I’d be at this drinking establishment?
*Lilith* Actually, knowing your obsessive-compulsiveness, I checked with your service. And indeed you’d left them a very complete itinerary of your day. I trust all went well at the dry cleaners?
*Frasier* Thank you, yes…and, I can assume from your questioning that you’re attempting to make idle conversation rather than articulating some control dysfunction with my personal habits.
*Lilith* That’s correct.
*Norm* Are they “fighting”?
*Lilith* First of all, I think any mention of our past relationship could tarnish the objectivity factor of the show.
*Frasier* You call that a “relationship”? I mean, we dated one time…the closest we came to physical contact was when you closed the car door on my hand.
*Lilith* Are you repressing?
*Frasier* Oh, forgive me, actually, you’re quite right. Yes I should be straightforward in telling you that you are passionless, stoic, and emotionally numb.
*Lilith* Apology accepted.
*Frasier* Merci.
*Woody* Yup, I’m pretty sure they’re fightin, he just asked for mercy.
-Puppy