Is there ever any real excuse/justification for rude or offensive language, either "out there" or "in here"

Question

In other words, is any issue so important that insults or "one-upmanship" is required in a response?
Why is it always an us and them mentality?
Why the attacks and why the defensiveness?
Would we behave the same way, say the same things in the same way in an alternative, non-cyber space?

jonmc: Just out of curiousity, could you be any more condescending? Yea, I get the whole human nature thing...does that dismiss the questions? Don't think so, and I'm sure people with opinions different from yours would agree.

jonm again: You sound condescending because that's your intent? Why would anyone be pretentious on purpose? What's the point? When someone asks for an opinion, since there can be no facts in something this subjective, your education or employment will always become just another part of the opinion, particularly in a forum such as this. You may think it's a "better" more "well-informed" opinion, but it is an opinion, nonetheless. There is no need to exhibit your self-defined superiority to me, or to anyone else answering. I asked the question, you answered. Thanks

Arrogant, you're absolutely right. There are only flat words until we fill them with meaning. That I understand; however, the fact is, there are meanings to certain words and phrases, and we generally agree that certain words have certain connotations. In here, you can't use the word ****, even though it's someone's name. And that's because the word has been given a completely different connotation. So, aside from your valid point, is there an excuse for using words culture has agreed are/can be offensive or rude?

Answer 1

No, none, never ever.
Except, when talking about a democrat.... Just kidding.
Never okay.

It is just a lazy way out of actually having to define your thoughts

Answer 2

No, there's no real excuse but it's a good way to release anger and show other(s) you're angry.

As for your second question, it's mostly because of the negative image feminism has and feminists perpatuating it by saying nonsensical things such as ''You have 2 choices: to be a feminist or a masochist.'' - this doesn't really help and makes no sense at all since a masochist is someone who gets turned on by inflicting or receiving pain. Like BDSM. It's like saying you have 2 choices: to like carrots or to like beef.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnOyilGAVI10MXD.UmT7X77ty6IX?qid=20070822041920AAXNEWX&show=7#profile-info-eiuloY45aa

As for your third question, probably not. I actually don't talk much in real life and never say more than I need to, unlike here. Some people might be intimated by others and not even insult anyone.

Answer 3

I am not sure I understand the question but I will attempt to give MY perspective.

I work in a field where everyday I have to see and hear things that are terrible and heart wrenching. When it comes to being on task I find that I must remain outside of the situation emotionally in order to remain professional. I catch myself swearing or being very callous when I am forced to face (again) another very cruel or devastating situation. I think for me, I must have an outlet for the incredible frustration and sadness that some of these situation bring. (I am lucky I don't drink...).

Later when I am alone or with others that are walking the line with me I can deal with the real feelings I have. I think it feels like a safe coping mechanism at the time.

Answer 4

I think it's ok sometimes - like now, with jonmcn. Have you ever met a bigger blowhard than that? The guy's stock response is virually the same to each and every question. He is an automaton, a robot. It gets really frustrating because he refuses to answer the question; in my imagination I keep hearing: "does not compute...haridan...does not compute... moralistic fallacy..." and that's what he actually posts.

Check out a List of 89 Fallacious Arguments
http://www.don-lindsay-archive.org/skeptic/arguments.html

and just start ticking them off after each response from jonmcn. You just won't believe how many you can tick off!

No wonder he drives people crazy . The man is completely insufferable.

And now back to your question. The case of jonmcn is PROOF POSITIVE that being curt is sometimes ok; even mentally healthy to do... and actually SHOULD be done. We are doing him a favour, ultimately. All he ever does is ignore the question and insult the poster; what can you do with that except TO BITE it.

Answer 5

Why do you not understand human nature? We try, but are still human and will be developing the moral circle for some time to come.

Come out of the " moralistic fallacy " and into the real world.

I doubt you " get " anything about human nature at all. I always seem condescending in the social science section, as I, a scientist, am not interested in opinion; just the evidence.
Do you even know what the " moralistic fallacy " is?

Neither you, nor the Canadian harridan below have the slightest idea of what I am talking about. It is confirmation of the ten to fifteen degree variance in mean IQ between social scientists and scientists to "listen" to you two blather about nothing. Sly verbosity without substance is all one can expect here.
Your " why " question was answered with my first sentence. It is that you and the twit below are so ignorant that you did not notice. Fell asleep in biology, did you? Probable was wide awake for that feminist and social science incoherence, though.

Check off the first fallacy on the list, Canadian trash, as if " the shoe fits, wear it. " Of course, no Cinderella, you.

Answer 6

Using rude or offensive language sometimes gives one a sense of satisfaction. And it is easier with the anonymity of the Internet.
.

Answer 7

The only excuse is lack of self control and egotistical, stubborn, me-istic, pride.

O person that has self control controls their tongue, as well as fingers and thoughts.

A person that thinks of themselves as a fellow human and not all that usually don't want to hurt others.

Answer 8

Never.
When anyone uses offensive language towards me I inform them that their epistemology is suffering from infinite regression.
Works every time.

Answer 9

There is no excuse for that type of language. People are all people and should all be treated with respect.

Answer 10

There is no such thing as offensive language, only offensive intent.