What does the word loser mean to you? What does it mean from a sociological point of view? What makes someone a loser?
2007-09-11 14:15:11 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The word 'loser' has no meaning to a real sociologist. People will say something about 'making bad choices' or 'not learning from mistakes' but those are not sociological concepts.
It has more to do with an unfortunate feature of our culture. We all need someone to look down on with contempt. We look at someone who is worse off than we are and say 'Wow, I might have a crappy job I hate, no money in the bank, and my wife left me, but at least I'm better off than that -loser-!'
Look for yourself wherever you see someone being called a 'loser' and you'll see! It's never used in a way that shows any kind of concern or sincerity, only for derision and derogation.
2007-09-11 14:34:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
A loser is someone who does things over and over again and does not learn from their mistakes. Every mistake we make in life, is suppose to be a growing experience. Your only a loser if you keep repeating the same things. Being a follower of others when you know what there doing is wrong and not right in some way or other, is definitely a 'Big Time Loser' in the making. Be a 'Winner' and be someone you know you can be proud of.
2007-09-11 14:26:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's so much to say on this subject.
Loser is a pejorative term and I never ever use it to describe someone, even if I deeply dislike that person (I can always find other words to describe them though...:)). Why? Because I think the term "loser" is relative and unfair.
A "loser" is someone who is (repeatedly) unsuccessful in accomplishing what he wants to do or what others expect of him.
There are a few questions here though:
1) How far does the loser's responsibility go in terms of their lack of success? There are numerous factors that facilitate/hinder our success in life. Upbringing, education, family, financial and emotional security, these are only a few of the variables that mold us and determine our choices. It's very easy to be critical and scornful of others when life has been generous to you, but the truth is you can't really know how hard or easy someone's life is unless you ARE them.
2) Who am "I" to judge someone else's success? What IS success after all? Is it so important? What I consider important in life, might not be important at all to the person sitting next to me! Why should I consider you a "loser" just because you do not excel at what "I" think is important? Judging someone else by your own life goals is indeed quite relative and unfair.
3) The popularity of the term indicates the fact that we think of ourselves, or we desire to become a whole nation of winners. I think here is where the sociological relevance of the term can be found. Our social values focus on competition and "being on top" from all imaginable points of view (socially, financially, sexually, militarily). However, viewing life as a permanent competition is unhealthy. It engages people into a ceaseless race for "measurable" things, like money, material possessions, fame, even careers, awards, or number of books to be published!
I truly believe some of the most important things in life are of the "non-measurable" kind. That's why the "loser" next to you, even if a loser by your standards, might be one of the happiest people you know.
2007-09-11 15:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by vegas_girl 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Loser - a euphemism for a person who is held in ill regard or contempt. This term is entirely subjective and has no defined criterion.
2007-09-11 17:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"person who repeatedly fails to meet set expectations"
in fact, the expectations society has towards people today are numerous enough for a separate question.
"thy shall not steal"
"an apple a day keeps the doctor away"
"get a job"
......
the funny thing is that most people tend to take over those expectations for themselves, and then wonder why they are unhappy.
2007-09-11 14:29:55 · answer #5 · answered by baerchen80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loser...any one who does not succeed in accomplishing what he set out to do.
Any one who is not rich and gainfully employed.
People have different standards...
2007-09-11 17:05:05 · answer #6 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a man who doesn't pay his child support and be an acitve part of his child's life
2007-09-13 00:45:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who doesn't try at something, and doesn't have respect and responsibility.
2007-09-12 05:40:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually when someone has a L on their forehead
2007-09-11 23:57:54 · answer #9 · answered by Fugitive Peices 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋