# Yes. When YOU do it, it's still persecution. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 15, 2014, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162 "2014-04-15T09:06:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/141 "2014-04-19T13:08:18Z")
I think we’ve found our rosetta stone. ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/142 "2014-04-19T13:45:32Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Roll it down, OP. The way you’re pulling and yanking, you’re going to stretch yourself all out of shape. This place can get hot, and if you tumble around for too long you’re going to fade. Maybe even disappear. Try to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while. Don’t be too short, and don’t try to cover up too much, or you’ll just look silly. No matter how unique you think you are, there’s bound to be another just like you. Do you cotton to what I’m saying, or is it still wooly? OK, I get it - I shouldn’t be as I am, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t speak, I shouldn’t exist. Anything else? ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/143 "2014-04-19T13:51:43Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > OK, I get it - I shouldn’t be as I am, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t speak, I shouldn’t exist. Anything else? … how do you feel about Obamacare? ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/144 "2014-04-19T13:51:53Z")
Hmm… Rats. I thought we had someone who knew how to translate. I guess not. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/145 "2014-04-19T14:43:10Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > OK, I get it - I shouldn’t be as I am, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t speak, I shouldn’t exist. Anything else? That’s a good rundown. Had more, but I got cold feet. Darn! ---
**Author:** ![Fuji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@Fuji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuji)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/146 "2014-04-19T14:50:15Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > That’s a good rundown. Had more, but I got cold feet. Darn! Sock it to 'em, **VT**! ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/147 "2014-04-19T15:05:38Z")
> [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](#): > > Hmm… Rats. I thought we had someone who knew how to translate. I guess not. Did I mention that I’m no good at clues, hints or innuendo? Beating around the bush isn’t really my thing. Which is good, because I really suck at it. ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/148 "2014-04-19T15:07:50Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > That’s a good rundown. Had more, but I got cold feet. Darn! Chickenshit, ROFL! ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/149 "2014-04-19T18:06:32Z")
I love the smell of WHOOSH in the mornings. Smells like…hushpuppies. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/150 "2014-04-20T01:07:14Z")
Didn’t anyone ever tell you that huffing paint thinner kills brain cells? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/151 "2014-04-20T02:15:48Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > Did I mention that I’m no good at clues, hints or innuendo? Beating around the bush isn’t really my thing. Which is good, because I really suck at it. Bo pai, eh, you know, nobody’s perfect, and you’re new at this current tro#$%ng job, but- eh…How can I say it so it won’t offend you… Jeez, this isn’t easy, so I’m just going to come right out and say it. You forgot the “ROFL” in the above quoted response. Are you feeling ok? ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2014, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/152 "2014-04-20T04:32:31Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > I think those who “make fun” do so for the same reason anyone does. To “knock one down a few pegs”. Of course, if the other person were actually “beneath” you, there would be no need for it so perhaps you just want to make sure that \*\*\*others \*\*\*understand that you are the “superior”? Or maybe I’ve got it all wrong and you would provide the answer. I don’t think anyone here thinks you are superior in any way (at least not yet, but you may yet surprise us) and I don’t think anyone needs to affirm your lack of superiority. Sometimes you just make fun of people that deserve to be made fun of. Its a bit cultural and it serves as a form of SDMB anti-body. We make fun of idiots and assholes (in part) in order to keep them away from this board. Its not a perfect system and we still have a few idiots and assholes floating around here but most of the assholes eventually get banned by the moderators and the idiots are not fatal to our system. > [@](#): > > Also, who is “we”? Someone else used the term and I meant to ask, but forgot. > > You said “We have each independently come to the realization that you are a boob.” Who is “we”? I understand that it’s an exaggeration, but which “we” do you believe you are speaking for? Seriously. I’m asking. Well, I was specifically talking about everyone who was criticizing you on this board but I guess I could be referring to everyone who has ever had any contact with you. > [@](#): > > Just for reference - when you read something I write and run through all of the “reasons” and “intentions” that YOU might have for saying such a thing - it would be a pretty safe bet that \*\*\*my \*\*\*reasons and intentions aren’t any of _ **those** _. I ask, because I want to know what you think. Granted, you can just lie, but that’s fine. I’m not picky. I have no idea why you say the things you do. I assumed you were either so full of yourself that you don’t realize how stupid and pseudo intellectual you sound or you are genuinely stupid. And by pseudo intellectual I mean someone who has pretensions of intelligence. > [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > OK, I get it - I shouldn’t be as I am, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t speak, I shouldn’t exist. Anything else? I think what they are saying is stop being such an asshole or do you have internet asperger’s and just can’t help it. > [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > Did I mention that I’m no good at clues, hints or innuendo? Beating around the bush isn’t really my thing. Which is good, because I really suck at it. Nobody beats around the bush on the internet. Why bother, we are all anonymous. I don’t have to spare your feelings or try to be diplomatic, I can just tell you what i think. And I think everyone on this thread has been doing exactly that. They haven’t been trying to denigrate you to elevate themselves or to try to show other anonymous posters that they are better than you. They are calling you an idiot because they think you are an idiot or at least you are acting like one. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2014, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/153 "2014-04-21T14:28:55Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > OK, I get it - I shouldn’t be as I am, I shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t speak, I shouldn’t exist. Anything else? If part of being as you are means acting in a certain way, then that’s the truth. It’s not something people like to say, but you can’t be 100% yourself and be able to get along in a society. You have to consider others. Personally, I like to say that you can be however you want, but how you act is what matters. And, right now, you’re acting like a troll. A harmless one, but a troll nonetheless. If you enjoy being on forums so much, it would probably be a good idea to tone it down so that your posting privileges will not be cut short. Would it not be worth it to be able to continue to share your ideas with us? I personally find you amusing, so I have no problem with you sticking around. But I’d also like to be able to have an actual conversation with you, about something other than, well, you. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2014, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/154 "2014-04-22T21:46:33Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > If part of being as you are means acting in a certain way, then that’s the truth. It’s not something people like to say, but you can’t be 100% yourself and be able to get along in a society. You have to consider others. > > Personally, I like to say that you can be however you want, but how you act is what matters. And, right now, you’re acting like a troll. A harmless one, but a troll nonetheless. > > If you enjoy being on forums so much, it would probably be a good idea to tone it down so that your posting privileges will not be cut short. Would it not be worth it to be able to continue to share your ideas with us? > > I personally find you amusing, so I have no problem with you sticking around. But I’d also like to be able to have an actual conversation with you, about something other than, well, you. Being you is you. Personally I think being you is good. Better than being me, or him, or her, but you. I like you. But you can’t be you. You have to consider me. And right now I’m considering that you’re acting like someone who not doesn’t consider society is you. Edit: Wouldn’t worth society 100% harmless cut short your ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/155 "2014-04-23T01:24:43Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > Even posting that persecution already has a definition is a sort of persecution of those who believe that persecution is not persecution, when they’re the ones doing it. > > Internet forums, such as this, are full of both persecutors and people presenting themselves for persecution. It’s a two-way street. You can’t verbally or emotionally persecute someone who isn’t defensive and if you voice an unpopular opinion with the expectation of being persecuted for it, then why say it in the first place? > > I defended the persecuted when I was younger, which basically means I used to bully bullies. But even in grade school, it was obvious that the persecuted were, more often than not, just persecutor-wannabes who enjoyed the persecution of their persecutors immensely. There were exceptions, obviously, but the exceptions didn’t actually feel persecuted, despite the efforts of others to persecute them. > > People persecute because they’re afraid. Whether they actually fear for their safety, fear a continuation of abuse or fear appearing socially weak, it doesn’t matter because, like “persecution”, “fear” also has a definition. > > You can’t be persecuted if you’re not defensive. “Touchy” people are persecuted. Frightened people are persecuted. Persecution is merely an effort to appear as one who can’t be persecuted. It is bullying and you live in a society that teaches it, practically from the cradle. You live in a society that encourages and even demands it but, even so, it is only ever your own choice, whether or not you participate in it. > > That said, those of you who neither persecute nor feel persecuted must share some of the responsibility for this current state of society. By refusing to openly be who you are, you are depriving this society of the visual of what living as a free being looks like. It’s a stifling, suffocating environment, granted, but it’s where you are and you can easily express yourself without participating in the fear-fest. > > It is true that “unpersecutable” people appear threatening to others. The “unpersecutable” have always been rare, alone, surrounded by the fearful and, often, subject to physical destruction - but now is not then. > > This is the internet. This is a virtual representation of the world in which you live and there are more people \*\*\*in \*\*\*this world who are \*\*\*like \*\*\*you than there has ever been before. > > You have thoughts on these subjects. Not just thoughts, but far more clear-headed thoughts than the thoughts of those who live, day in and day out, acting and speaking from a constant state of fear. > > This world does not belong to “the fearful”. You were born here. You live here. This is your home, as well. Your avoidance of “the predators” is the worst form of persecution. You think you’re above them and you’re not. You’re happier and less fearful, but that isn’t superiority and you know it. > > You’ve been surrounded by these people, all your life. You’ve seen them in circumstances where they didn’t feel threatened and were free to be themselves and how brilliant they really are, when their minds aren’t preoccupied with the fear. It’s what you resent most about this society. You think it deprives you of interaction with the “realness” of people and the brilliance of people but that’s all on you. You shut yourself off from them to the extent that you appear “special”, when you do show yourself. > > I know you. I \*\*\*am \*\*\*you. You aren’t a follower and have no desire to encourage others to follow by being a leader. You want people who can walk beside you and you’re not going to find any if you confine your living to the inside of your head. Stop looking at society as one big group. As a group, they coalesce into blobs of “followers” but society is made up, _ **entirely** _, of individuals. Shift your view. perceive it as individuals and go find individuals who share your interests. Not one individual who shares all of your interests, there’s no such thing. Instead, look for individuals who share individual interests and don’t “compromise”. You don’t have to say “I’ll participate in your interest if you’ll participate in mine” like a “fearful one” who seeks the security of just being with someone - that’s ridiculous and you don’t need that. Nobody needs that. > > \*\*\*Everybody \*\*\*is just as sick of this persecution shit as \*you \*are. The only difference is that you know you don’t need the approval. You don’t need social approval. You don’t need a flashy car or the latest fashion or millions of dollars or the most clever commentary. They don’t need it either, _ **but they don’t know that** _. How can they know it when those who know the freedom of not needing such crap are avoiding any and all contact with those who are living neck-deep in the muck of it? How can they know they don’t need it if they can’t see how much easier and more fun life is without it? > > Don’t be “special” - just be you. If somebody tries to “follow” you, poke 'em in the ribs and tell them to cut it out. If somebody tries to “lead” you and show you the “error of your ways”, do the same. Be honest. Tell them it’s not your “thang” and that you’re just there for the ride. Let it be their “thang”, if that’s what they want. As long as you don’t enter into the mix, they’ll leave you and go along their not-so-merry way. Let them. They’re all tired of the crap but the ones who will walk beside you are the ones who are SICK and tired. They’re there, you’ll recognize each other. > > I’m posting this in “the pit” because it’s going to offend just about everybody. You. Are. Fucking. Nuts. ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/156 "2014-04-23T12:21:03Z")
> [@Subterraneanus](#): > > You. Are. Fucking. Nuts. It is true: I am not a follower. Hard to believe I’m still breathing, ain’t it? But if there is \*\*\*anything \*\*\*more boring that marching in formation, I’ve never seen it. And I’ve seen quite a bit. Deliberately breaking formation isn’t fatal. It isn’t even dangerous, unless you turn your attention to slamming those who choose to stay in line. There’s nothing \*\*\*wrong \*\*\*with maintaining the status quo - it’s just not any fun, from my perspective. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/157 "2014-04-23T14:46:35Z")
The thing about people who are “not followers” is that they don’t spend four pages on anonymous message boards seeking attention and trying to convince complete strangers of their special snowflake status. ---
**Author:** ![Subterraneanus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Subterraneanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Subterraneanus)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/158 "2014-04-23T19:55:48Z")
> [@Bo\_Pai](#): > > It is true: I am not a follower. > > Hard to believe I’m still breathing, ain’t it? But if there is \*\*\*anything \*\*\*more boring that marching in formation, I’ve never seen it. And I’ve seen quite a bit. > > Deliberately breaking formation isn’t fatal. It isn’t even dangerous, unless you turn your attention to slamming those who choose to stay in line. There’s nothing \*\*\*wrong \*\*\*with maintaining the status quo - it’s just not any fun, from my perspective. You’re fucking stupid too. ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/159 "2014-04-23T22:52:14Z")
> [@Subterraneanus](#): > > You’re fucking stupid too. As viewed from your perspective, I have no doubt that your claim is absolutely true. And I’m OK with that. ---
**Author:** ![Bo\_Pai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@Bo\_Pai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bo_Pai)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2014, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162/160 "2014-04-23T23:26:48Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > The thing about people who are “not followers” is that they don’t spend four pages on anonymous message boards seeking attention and trying to convince complete strangers of their special snowflake status. The problem with your assessment is that followers haven’t the slightest idea \*\*\*what \*\*\*non-followers are doing, or why. The perspectives, intentions and goals are completely different. A non-follower’s perspective doesn’t even match any other non-follower’s perspective. We’re not a posse - we don’t travel in “packs” - our interests and perspectives are diverse. Sometimes wildly so. There’s a perfectly logical and ridiculously easy way to escape the annoyance that the existence of non-followers inspires - all you have to do is ignore that little corner of the human race. It’s actually quite tiny. Skipping over it shouldn’t be a problem. It isn’t in your way or interfering with your social activities. My posting in this forum isn’t hurting you, at all. So what’s the problem? You are perfectly free to go about the business of bashing each other. No one is stopping you. What do you hope to accomplish? Do you want to “teach me a lesson”? “Knock me down a few pegs”? Piss me off? Make me cry? Rid the world of scum? Feel like a winner? What? Why not simply decide how you want me to respond and write both sides of the conversation so that it goes the way you want it to go? You won’t need me for that, will you? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-when-you-do-it-its-still-persecution/686162.md?page=9)