2007-05-25 14:09:22 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Generally, it pisses people off either because (A) they are insecure because they know they're kind of stupid and, in assuming they know nothing, you're pointing out that you know they're stupid; or (B) they are very smart and even smarter than you so it's insulting that an ignoramus like you is daring to presume to know more than they know.
If the person is approximately your intellectual equal, they might cut you some slack by empathizing about how many people they've had to deal with in their lives that didn't know a thing and how, the few times they started with the expectation that the other person knew the basics, it came back later to bite them in the @ss. Like the time I thought a graduate of a paralegal program would, at minimum, know how to mail a certified letter... or the time I thought a college student would
2007-05-26 08:51:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Absolutely.
Unfortunately, it is something I am more than used to. I am almost sixteen years old, and I have severe cerebral palsy, severe autism, severe PTSD, and many "experts" suspect I may be mildly retarded, despite the fact that I have an IQ of 179. I cannot speak. I cannot sit up or roll onto my side by myself. I wear diapers. By the grace of God, I have learned to type, and can express myself that way. I have recently been adopted by a loving family who takes great care of me, but it is not easy for me. I have to be carried or wheeled everywhere I go. I have to be fed and I drink out of a sippy cup. I need help bathing, brushing my teeth and hair, being dressed and undressed, and having my diapers changed.
Because of this, I am often assumed to be a complete idiot. I hate it when so-called "experts" are quick to slap on a diagnosis of "profoundly retarded", "vegetative", or (my personal least favorite) "a pillow angel". But I'm not, and I truly hate it when people assume I know nothing.
2007-05-25 21:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anna H. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you assume I know nothing than I have the advantage. If you have a low expectation of me, then you truly are unaware of the potential of what I am capable of doing. I will do it and you will be left behind therefore, by assuming I know nothing you are being harmful to yourself....because there is no telling what I can achieve......
Peace.
2007-05-25 23:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well that depends on the circumstance, sometimes it's actually a face saver for the other person.
For an example, although I'm an intelligent and capable person, I do sometimes get things wrong, or forget things I should know, in that case in can be nice for some one to say, OK I'll presume ypu know nothing, and go through it all for you.
2007-05-25 22:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by Cowgirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. This will give people low self-esteem, and may possibly make them think they are not good enough to be associating with you.
Everyone deserves a chance, and everyone deserves a break. Don't assume the worst, assume the best. For one thing, it will make YOU feel better about yourself.
2007-05-25 21:14:27 · answer #5 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have met just a handful of people in my life, very intelligent people, who do not know WHAT the average person knows. It is amusing if you don't have to spend too much time with the person. For instance, the other day a physician's assistant explained to me what a generic medicine was, and how to find one at Walmart...
2007-05-25 21:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by Cris O 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you also put yourself at a disadvantage by underestimating another person. You make yourself more vulnerable and could get quite a nasty surprise. It is best to show respect to others for a variety of reasons.
2007-05-25 21:32:27 · answer #7 · answered by clarity 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no offense, but, uh...no. the most harmful thing you could do to me would be to harm my son.
to assume that i know "nothing" would lead me to think that perhaps you were ill informed. or naive, or simply retaliating against some percieved attack.
i know what i know. i would never let another's judgement of that harm me.
2007-05-25 21:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, I think killing me would be a lot more harmful than just assuming I know nothing, Id just think you're the twit who really knows nothing.
2007-05-25 21:17:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, Most people do that though because that's how other people treat them
2007-05-25 21:13:34 · answer #10 · answered by MissTT 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋