# I pit Halloween for bringing the woo-woos out! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 17, 2004, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669 "2004-10-17T14:28:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/101 "2004-10-18T18:16:46Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Nasty? Of course, it was meant to be nasty. Ignorant? No. I’m actually pretty well read on the paranormal. I found it interesting for a while. That is also how I know that it is horseshit; but, I didn’t come here to debate the topic either. I’ve done that, ad nauseum, other places over the years. I came here to vent my spleen at airy-fairies, creduloids, woo-woo’s and other determinedly irrational goofballs. You not only fit into that category, but you also seem to be pretty much of a douchebag into the bargain. Actually, I take that back, as I’ve no call to insult something as useful as a douchebag by likening you to one. Now go fondle your crystals and visualize having a nice aday. Fuck you! ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/102 "2004-10-18T18:17:14Z")
I, too, think it sucks that Halloween brings the “woo-woos” out. So does summer solstice. Have you ever seen the footage of Stonehenge during the solstice?? Hundreds and hundreds of people gathered in white robes singing Kumbayah (I hope I spelled that right). Still, I think that the people who believe in stuff like that (New Age stuff, mysticism, etc.) are more likely to stick their fingers in their ears and yell “Lalalalalalalala!” when confronted by some asshole who comes up to them and screams, “You idiot!!! God doesn’t exist! The supernatural doesn’t exist! You’re stupid for believing it! All people who believe in the supernatural are gullible morons!” I think that the vast majority of people who believe so firmly in stuff like this are probably beyond convincing otherwise, and you can make comments deriding their belief until you’re blue in the face, but you’ll never manage to fight certain individuals’ ignorance. In the end, the only thing you’re doing is getting more and more worked up yourself and being an asshole for no reason (meaning that once you’ve determined you’re not going to change their beliefs, why continue to rail against them anyway? Why not target the someone else who would be more suceptible to reason?). The really hard-core “woo-woos” aren’t going to change their beliefs. If they’re not foisting their beliefs on you, why try to foist yours on them if you know they won’t change? ---
**Author:** ![Ms\_Boods](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5e9695/32.png) [@Ms\_Boods](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms_Boods)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/103 "2004-10-18T18:33:53Z")
[Addam Family Values] 40 grand for summer camp…he’s Mr Woo Woo. [/AFV] By the way, when I clicked on this post, it had 1,666 views. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/104 "2004-10-18T18:36:06Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > Fuck you! It comes down to this as the argument for one who doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Haj ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/105 "2004-10-18T19:59:21Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > Fuck you! There you go with the bad vibes again. Come on now, center your spirit and breathe deeply…peach in, green out…peach in, green out… Purify those energies…open your soul to angelic influences…let the sunshine in…kumbiyah…let the crystal enhance your natural personhood…and use your innate psi talents to remote view what the world looks like with your head pulled out of your ass. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/106 "2004-10-18T20:30:20Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > You mean like Christians who try to get creationism to be part of public school ciriculum? I’ve seen them slammed a few times. I wasn’t aware there was a movement to get paganism to be a part of the public school curiculum. If you’ve got a cite purporting this, I’d be very curious to see it. > [@](#): > > Moslems who believe the suicide bombing will get them 72 virgins in heaven? Nor was I aware that there were suicide pagans out there. Color me suprised. > [@](#): > > You get the picture. Not really. Nor do I think you do, after seeing your examples. > [@](#): > > Religion/weird beliefs as a life philosophy = OK. Religion/wierd beliefs that cause harm to others or that are opposed to rational scientific theory = idiotic. Most religion is opposed to rational scientific theory. So are you saying that most religion is idiotic? Is there an acceptable religion? If so, what is it? > [@](#): > > If you are not dedicated to fighting ignorance you should either participate in that fight by seeking the truth or find somewhere else to post. Seriously. > > Haj Just because someone disagrees with you and doesn’t believe that belittling someone’s spiritual beliefs and launching personal attacks on them because of those beliefs does not mean they aren’t dedicated to fighting ignorance. You need to back off. Seriously. > [@overlyverbose](#): > > I think that the vast majority of people who believe so firmly in stuff like this are probably beyond convincing otherwise, and you can make comments deriding their belief until you’re blue in the face, but you’ll never manage to fight certain individuals’ ignorance. In the end, the only thing you’re doing is getting more and more worked up yourself and being an asshole for no reason (meaning that once you’ve determined you’re not going to change their beliefs, why continue to rail against them anyway? Why not target the someone else who would be more suceptible to reason?). The really hard-core “woo-woos” aren’t going to change their beliefs. If they’re not foisting their beliefs on you, why try to foist yours on them if you know they won’t change? Preach it. ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/107 "2004-10-18T21:03:20Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Here, I’ll make it REAL easy-there is a coin on my desk. It has been on my desk for over 15 years. Tell me what the coin is. \ OK, I’m getting an image… it’s golden color… it has… no denomination… it’s… a token… a token to… breasts… breasts?.. wait… there’s more… I see moving images… it’s a token… to… an adult book store arcade! What do I win? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/108 "2004-10-18T21:08:38Z")
**lezlers** , you asked this: > [@](#): > > I also find it curious that if anyone were to shit all over Christian or Muslim beliefs, they’d be shut down in an instant. Or at least lambasted for their insensitivity, post haste. [snip] > > I just don’t get the double standard and why you don’t see people bashing some of the more ridiculous beliefs of Christianity with the same reckless abandon as you see some people here using. I gave examples of people posting threads that criticized major religions that did not get “shut down in an instant.” In those threads you most certainly do see people “bashing Christianity with the same reckless abandon.” What exactly the fuck does this have to do with pagans purportedly doing the same thing? I never made that claim nor did anyone else. You completely missed my point. My point was that there is no double standard. Back off? No fucking way. If you make a claim, you need to be prepared to back it up. Haj ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/109 "2004-10-18T21:17:25Z")
Damn, **Scumpup** , when you called it, you called it. All the wierdos _are_ coming out! Oh, and I like how you’ve got Aeschines down to a one-phrase response. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/110 "2004-10-18T22:08:53Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > **lezlers** , you asked this: > > I gave examples of people posting threads that criticized major religions that did not get “shut down in an instant.” In those threads you most certainly do see people “bashing Christianity with the same reckless abandon.” What exactly the fuck does this have to do with pagans purportedly doing the same thing? I never made that claim nor did anyone else. You completely missed my point. My point was that there is no double standard. > > Back off? No fucking way. If you make a claim, you need to be prepared to back it up. > > Haj You gave examples of people bashing members of major religions for the _things they do_, not simply for believing in the tenents of those religions. You seem to be missing _my_ point here. I’ve completely backed up my claim. Give me a link to a thread where posters were going on and on in gleeful delight about how moronic Christians or Muslims are for believing in the tenents of their religions. Give me a link where they’re referred to as “morons” and “idiots” for doing _nothing more_ than having a belief _you_ don’t approve of. It’s doubtful you can do this, because _it doesn’t happen_. I’m not talking about con artists here. I’m talking about launching a personal attack on someone for _no other reason_ than their own private religious beliefs. In case you’ve missed it the second time around, _that_ was my claim, that it doesn’t happen. Because it’s not okay. It’s being an asshole. Think the people are morons all you like. But don’t attack them for merely having beliefs you don’t share. I’m also curious to hear your response to my question regarding which religions, if any, are “acceptable” to you, the believers thus escaping your ridicule and vitriol for _daring_ to believe in something you feel is ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/111 "2004-10-18T22:28:45Z")
> [@lezlers](#): > > I’m also curious to hear your response to my question regarding which religions, if any, are “acceptable” to you, the believers thus escaping your ridicule and vitriol for _daring_ to believe in something you feel is ridiculous. Fair enough. I think that all religion is bunk. I think that the Jesus myth, although based in some fact, is just as ridiculous as healing crystals and ghosts. I think that belief without evidence is asinine and that ignorant beliefs are damaging to society. I am very tolerant of other’s beliefs in real life but if they make a claim, I am going to call them on it, especially here. Believe it or not, I have an open mind and am always willing to listen to people claims and their evidence. So far, it has always been lacking. Haj ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/112 "2004-10-18T22:59:01Z")
And to think I once got admonished by a moderator for posting something that “disrespected the beliefs” of another poster. Fuck that. I refuse to acknowledge that any set of beliefs is sacred beyond questioning or derision. I see no difference AT ALL between the most egregious crystal-worshipping, ear-candling creduloid and someone who believes with all their heart that they’re going to Heaven because they believe in the message of Jesus Christ. None. They’re just two different shades of crazy to me. I also refuse to acknowledge that beliefs should be respected. The fact is that I do not respect them. I may respect a person for a variety of reasons - even someone who is religious - they may be intelligent, or extremely kind, or generous with their money, or supportive, or compassionate, or a million other things that actually do deserve my regard. I’ll respect them for any or all of these, but adherence to a crazy-assed myth is not likely to be one of them. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/113 "2004-10-19T00:55:32Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > it is all about woo-woos Definition: woo-woo (n.) 1. disturbed person who rants about imaginary threats to their mental health. 2. Scumpup ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/114 "2004-10-19T00:58:33Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Careful now, you’re spreading negativity or bad vibes or unbalancing your energy centers or whatever the fuck it is. And you are advancing the cause of science? Or just advertising for a position as cell-mate to Charles Manson? ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/115 "2004-10-19T01:00:17Z")
All we need now is **lekatt** to round out the Gallery of Dunces. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/116 "2004-10-19T01:01:52Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What can I say-some people fight ignorance, while others ignore and/or tolerate it. Oh, this is the “new wave” of fighting ignorance? Ranting for extreme intolerance? Change the channel. Sure, the candy will rot their teeth, but it keeps the kiddies from robbing liquor stores for a few years. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/117 "2004-10-19T01:03:44Z")
Correction: **Peter Morris** hasn’t reared his ugly head in this thread, either. Maybe we can get them all into one thread. Then, if we can get the thread locked, they’ll all be trapped in it, unable to escape, unable to spread their lame-brained notions to an unsuspecting world. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/118 "2004-10-19T01:06:09Z")
> [@SnakeSpirit](#): > > Oh, this is the “new wave” of fighting ignorance? Ranting for extreme intolerance? > > Change the channel. Sure, the candy will rot their teeth, but it keeps the kiddies from robbing liquor stores for a few years. I defy anyone, _ **anyone** _, to make sense out of this post. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/119 "2004-10-19T01:07:38Z")
> [@Greywolf73](#): > > **Scumpup** , I think you just need to adjust your tinfoil-covered pyramid shaped hat and have your chakras realigned. > > I am one of those believers in “supernatural horseshit” as you so eloquently stated. Actually, “believer” is too strong a word. Intriqued would be a better word. I am as skeptical as it’s possible to be without dismissing the possibilty that there are a few things in this world that are really and truly unexplainable. **Wolf** , you’re trying to be rational with irrational people. Believe me, it doesn’t pay. There’s other ways to fight ignorance that get better results. Leave these “woo-woos” to their self-induced negativity. Change the channel, you can’t help those who are beyond help. ---
**Author:** ![SnakeSpirit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snakespirit/32/7271_2.png) [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2004, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669/120 "2004-10-19T01:13:45Z")
> [@Epimetheus](#): > > 1920’s style nuclear ninja death sponges? I think that’s the “New Millenium style Nucular ninja death sponges.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-halloween-for-bringing-the-woo-woos-out/269669.md?page=7)