Why do so many people erroneously equate disapproval with bashing?

Question

Is it simply an attempt to silence all disapproval by nominally associating it with something that makes it sound bad but is clearly inaccurate? If you diapprove or reject of something, let us say for instance a child's behavior and wish to correct him or point him or her to some alternative or you hating or bashing? I do not think so. I find a relevant proverb to this,
How do you interpret this in daily life?
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult. Whoever rebukes a wicked person incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or they will hate you. Rebuke a wise person and they will love you. Proverbs 9:7-8

Interesting , all answers are very pleasant to read. Victim mentality is true but yet I find as is often the case underneath self pity, victim crying, and even apparent insecurity there is actually great pride, and defiance lurking and all are just tools and mechanism to protect oneself and achieve one's desired end, to win.

Answer 1

It's very common, and not limited to religion or politics.

A lot of people have their identity and their worth closelty entangled with what they believe. In such a case to challenge the latter appears almost the same as (verbally) assaulting them as a person.

If my relative ignorance can be improved, and I have to abandon beliefs or facts because I have discovered, or been shown, better ones, I, as "I" am not the worse off. Quite the reverse.

And unless the tone obviously betrays the intent, it is much more likely that the proffered information is not intended to do me personal harm, and is believed to be genuine.

Mind you, I know why I think as I do so a challenge to my stance had better be well-founded. And there's where the fun of debate starts to come in!
"Wheeltapping": an old railway practice. Hitting something with a hammer to see if it is cracked or whether it "rings true". It wasn't attacking a wheel, it was checking it.

Answer 2

Good point. It has become obvious that people don't understand that disagreeing with something does not equal hate or bashing. It is entirely possible to disagree and not feel negatively toward someone. The problem is we are constantly bombarded with the message that we are suppose to live by our emotions and react to everything as if emotions were the most important thing in the world. Emotions can indicate things but they should not be what drives your behavior or outlook on life.

Answer 3

Like most things there is a thin line between disapproval and bashing. There is a way to disapprove of something and then there is crossing the line. If you are being equated with a hater or a basher then you have probably crossed the line in someway, even if you don't realize it. You should think about how you disapproved and then put yourself in the other person's shoes to put it in perspective.

Answer 4

To answer your question with two words -
Victim Mentality.
I like the point you've made about correcting people when they're wrong. I agree, but the problem we face in this day and age is the overblown 'cult of the individual'. We have to walk on eggshells with everyone, now.
Individuality has taken over from individual responsibility, the courage to admit your faults is no longer seen as a good quality in a person.
It's a pity things are like that.
And if you don't agree with me, I'll stamp my feet and cry...
(Kidding!)

Answer 5

are you speaking in general or on here?

The attitudes you come across on here are very different...people can be much more mocking and careless here because it is fairly anonymous. Some people who roam the question and answer sections say things simply to get a rise out of other people.

Also, when you speak of things that are so passion filled and opinionated as politics and religion...you can't expect any less.

Answer 6

i agree it is sometimes hard to diasagree with soemone when they consider you a basher. I totally disagree with homosexuals but I do not hate or bash them I give them good solid scripture to read to prove what God says about it. i do not Judge for that is for God to do. I think some peopel like to make a mountain out of a mole hill to cxause an uprising of sorts. I guess that is their right. We can all get along if we try and understand we can disagree without hate.

Answer 7

You have to think of it in our society's perspective. We are always saying "you, you, YOU" and blaming others. "You" always invites defensiveness. Suprisingly, the most effective way to "rebuke" is with "I". By focusing it on yourself, the person feels less apt to say your hating or bashing.

Answer 8

There is a fine line between the two: if you deliver your dissapproval too strongly or in a way that is considered "not constructive" then it crosses the line into bashing/harrassment.

Answer 9

I may not agree with everything that another person thinks.

My opinion may be considered helpful or harmful....but that depends on how open-minded the other person is.

Answer 10

Be live in the Lord Jesus and Live