I'm always honest in my answers-at least the best to my ability and experience. So, when I write something that is maybe stern, harsh, or negative people get mad and send me threatening emails. If the point of a question is to get an answer, then why does it seem assumed that only 'puff' questions are correct. By 'puff' I mean happy, jolly, desired responses. Are Americans that delusional? Can they not take constructive criticism? If it is not wrapped in a 'Disney'-like, Christian, hope-filled package of an answer can it not be heard? Giving and rewarding desired answers is counterproductive. Do you care? Anyone agree or disagree? Please comment if you feel up to it! I am an American by the way-always striving to make society a better system!
2006-07-06 15:44:55 · 7 answers · asked by 46&2 2 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Because people like to hear the answer they were hoping for. They like to hear the good answer. Sure people come on here for an answer, but they already have an answer set in their mind for what they want to hear. If they don't hear it, they get mad, don't believe it, and deny it. Everyone does it.
2006-07-06 15:49:06 · answer #1 · answered by goshimwaycool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't agree with you more. In fact I have been known on numerous occasions to intentionally play the devil's advocate just for the sake of insuring that all perspectives are taken into consideration. As you say that sometimes ruffles the edges of some people's comfort zone. Still I think that it is part of intelligent discource and applaud it. What I don't like to see is the use of a lot of slang, cursing, or curt answers that typically indicate an ability on the part of an individual to develop an articulate response. So I say don't stop what your doing. I may be the next one you hit right between the eyes with one of your responses. If all else fails, I'll let you know that I have no problem in agreeing to disagree.
2006-07-06 16:37:41 · answer #2 · answered by Sonie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes when people ask questions, they want affirmations more than an honest opinion. Especially when the question is phrased "Don't you think...?" or "Am I right to say...?". I like to give my own opinion too so if I feel the question is biased or rhetorical I simply won't respond to it.
And when people have strong beliefs in their own ideas they can't stand others countering them. It's just the way people are and we can only accept that. People with strong beliefs/pride will always take critism personally. So next time if someone thinks your negative answer is wrong just ignore them. It's a free world after all and people are free to have their own opinions, right or wrong. Just acknowledge the fact that you've tried to talk sense into them but they didn't want your help, you've done what you feel is right, and that's good enough for improving society.
2006-07-06 15:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by Aurora 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, everyone wants people to be nice to them. It may not be that it's not the answer they want to hear, but maybe it's said in a way that seems mean to them. For example, I help people improve their writing all the time, and most people don't mind if you tell them what they need to work on, but they do mind if you scream at them and tell them their work is crap. I agree that some people don't like to hear what they don't want to believe, and if that's true, they shouldn't ask. Still, it has to be said in a way that doesn't hurt anyone's feelings or insult anybody, or else the person saying it isn't helping anyone, they're just making themselves feel bigger by bullying other people around. Email me please, I'm bored. (Sorry, but I am. That wasn't part of my answer!)
2006-07-06 16:03:27 · answer #4 · answered by midnightmarshmallow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't read any of your answers, but I think that you should be commended for being up-front with people. In order to truly improve our lives, I think that it is very important that we have an open, honest dialogue with both ourselves and others. Earlier today I was reading an answered question in which a girl was asking about her boyfriend's suspicious behavior. Out of the 20 or so people who responded, about 18 of them gave this girl sound advice about how to deal with the situation. It was obvious to me that this guy was being deceitful and dishonest, yet out of the 20 answers the poor girl chose the one answer that encouraged her to continue the relationship without questioning anything. It made me pretty sad. I think that in a forum such as Yahoo! answers the entire point is to learn from people who we otherwise wouldn't meet, and to take in answers and ideas that we ourselves wouldn't have thought of. Unfortunately that's not always how it turns out.
So, keep being honest in your answers. I can only hope that if I ever seek advice that people like yourself will be there to answer so that I might learn more and consider other views, whether I end up agreeing with you or not :)
2006-07-06 15:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People want to hear what they want to hear. Not always the truth of it. If you want ppl to listen to what you have to say or take your advice; sometimes you have to "puff" the answer or "wrap" it in a way so that they understand it and are willing to listen to the truth between the lines so to speak (but always get your point across).
Just curious why did you target "Americans?" ... I would think all people in general like to hear what they want.
2006-07-06 15:52:31 · answer #6 · answered by LittleFreedom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why ask why
2006-07-06 16:05:24 · answer #7 · answered by johnnystl71 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋