You do realize that The Dummies series of books are generally written by experts in the field, PHD, MDs, etc.
We know the authors aren’t really trying to insult us. But I can see how a person could give out the books as an attempt at an insult. Personally, I wouldn’t be much bothered by it (it’s a pretty lame attempt), but I can see that the intent could be there depending on the person and circumstance.
Well, I will concede it can be a poor insult, but it is much more likely to be a thoughtful gift.
Years ago, I built a Win95 PC for my parents and I got then Win95 for Dummies and Word for Dummies. It was a gift, it was clearly not insulting, my parents already had a Dummies book for Windows, (as in Win 3.1)
It would be a weak insult in most cases and as I doubt this has happened more than a handful of times, it would probably be the case of the receiver take insult where none was intended.
Jim
Because the title doesn’t say “people who don’t know much about {subject}” or “uneducated people” or “ignorant people.” It says “Complete Idiots.”
Telling me I don’t know much about a subject isn’t an insult (depending upon the subject, I suppose). Calling me a complete idiot can’t be taken as anything but an insult.
It would be the difference between someone giving you a bottle of shampoo for “people with problem hair” and a bottle for “hopelessly ugly people.”
They’re trying to be funny and clever and rip off the Dummies books, but maybe “The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to” would work a little better.
Geez, I almost sound politically correct here, kinda scary. :eek:
I have the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Investing, and I came out on top in the first Internet bubble.
I also have the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Catholicism, and I… um… nevermind. Forget I said anything.
I hear they are publishing a “Not getting offended by weak humor for Dummies” book. Maybe you should look into picking it up. 
I would accept the gift in the spirit in which it was intended. Lighthearted, fun, and friendly. I wouldn’t feel insulted because I’m not a hypersensitive maniac. Maybe I am a complete idiot. You can’t be insulted if it’s true.
“Not getting offended by weak humor for ignorant, but otherwise perfectly intelligent people.”
I’ve bought one of these books. The titles don’t offend me. However, if I mention them to someone, I usually preface it with something like “I don’t mean this personally” and say I’ve bought one. That seems to eliminate them taking offense.
If I were given a book with one of those titles, I might take a bit of offense if the giver meant it as a dig, but I’d probably just think the giver was an asshole and brush it off. However, even with that intention, if I really didn’t know anything about the subject, I’d just admit that and start reading.
Just in general, admitting up front that you don’t know something is the best policy.
You could get philosophical about the title. The first step in learning is to admit (at least to yourself) that you are ignorant. If you can’t get past that, you’ve surrendered in the fight against ignorance before the battle started.
I freely admit I’m ignorant. But I don’t admit I’m a complete idiot. Maybe a partial idiot, but not complete!
You’re missing my point entirely. I never said I had a problem with the publisher, author, or content–or even the title, if that’s what floats your boat. What I said was that giving someone a book “for complete idiots” is just like giving them a t-shirt that says “complete idiot.” It’s rude and offensive.
Bingo.