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The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

scottbarrykaufman.com

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Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#31

Post by eurasiantiger »

Funzelunke wrote: post #14

Does anyone think assholes could be defined by using the "D-Factor"? (dark trait factor) .. and why not getting used to the idea, whenever your IQ is tested your D-factor gets tested as well.....

Absolutely. Put a narcissistic sadistic macchiavellist in charge of people, and he will find ways to turn them against each other for fun, while turning a profit for himself by making everyone believe they are not fit for their job and are only allowed to be there by his grace. Essentially, mental slavery.

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#33

Post by Applejinx »

tonyedgecombe wrote: post #26
Funzelunke wrote: post #14

Does anyone think assholes could be defined by using the "D-Factor"? (dark trait factor) .. and why not getting used to the idea, whenever your IQ is tested your D-factor gets tested as well.....

Companies might well end up selecting for that attribute.

End up? Seems to me that's always been an aspect of things :)

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#34

Post by jbotz »

inshadows wrote: post #6

Written by judgemental asshole. Since this article is about labeling other people as assholes, I hope it's OK that I did the same.

Unlike you, he didn't actually label anyone, since he didn't talk about any specific assholes, he just described the category. Big difference.

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#35

Post by altcognito »

hedberg10 wrote: post #18
kmlevitt wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> What I could see immediately in their eyes is the knowledge that they can just do that. There are no repercussions. There is nothing anybody can do. This works. The bully just lashing out because of his own issues is a myth. These two things are not mutually exclusive though. If you want to take your frustrations out on somebody else, you do it on people you can take them out on, not people you can’t. And yeah, mos…

I think what I mean is not even taking out frustrations. This behavior doesn't need an a priori frustration. That is the big issue. I'm able to forgive a frustration. You cut me off, you have a bad day/parent in hospital - I'm able to live with that. That is in stoicism, radical acceptance etc. You do it just because - it's a different animal. "Just because" meaning, you take the power. I'm finding it hard to discuss…

There is a strong argument that cooperative populations are more effective/efficient than non-cooperative.

Structures and processes that place a high value on all people and their many quirks instead of conformity to an arbitrary leader are likely to do better in most situations than ones that don’t.

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#36

Post by Thiez »

altcognito wrote: post #35
hedberg10 wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think what I mean is not even taking out frustrations. This behavior doesn't need an a priori frustration. That is the big issue. I'm able to forgive a frustration. You cut me off, you have a bad day/parent in hospital - I'm able to live with that. That is in stoicism, radical acceptance etc. You do it just because - it's a different animal. "Just because" meaning, you take the power. I'm finding it hard to discuss…

There is a strong argument that cooperative populations are more effective/efficient than non-cooperative. Structures and processes that place a high value on all people and their many quirks instead of conformity to an arbitrary leader are likely to do better in most situations than ones that don’t.

> There is a strong argument that cooperative populations are more effective/efficient than non-cooperative.

Which probably means being at the top of the social hierarchy in such a population is even more valuable.

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#37

Post by InfiniteRand »

hedberg10 wrote: post #18
kmlevitt wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> What I could see immediately in their eyes is the knowledge that they can just do that. There are no repercussions. There is nothing anybody can do. This works. The bully just lashing out because of his own issues is a myth. These two things are not mutually exclusive though. If you want to take your frustrations out on somebody else, you do it on people you can take them out on, not people you can’t. And yeah, mos…

I think what I mean is not even taking out frustrations. This behavior doesn't need an a priori frustration. That is the big issue. I'm able to forgive a frustration. You cut me off, you have a bad day/parent in hospital - I'm able to live with that. That is in stoicism, radical acceptance etc. You do it just because - it's a different animal. "Just because" meaning, you take the power. I'm finding it hard to discuss…

Here's the question though, is it natural to abuse might? Yes, bullies might fear no consequences, but why do they even care about the existence of the other kids? What makes bullying pleasurable to them and preferable to staring out the window and watching the world go by

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#38

Post by egberts1 »

tonyedgecombe wrote: post #28

I didn't downvote but I do tire of seeing archive links under every post. If people wanted them then all they need is a bookmarklet.

I appreciate archive links beneath original post in case some asshole knocks the site down or an asshole complaining about such a link, or something.

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#39

Post by xtiansimon »

I originally wanted to respond to say fashioning explanations of offensive language is just tongue-n-cheek and near click bait at best, and confusing at worst.

But if you have to write about offensive language, while ignoring its ambiguity and offensiveness, and taking as given the term is a legitimate type, and therefore legitimate topic of discussion, then this article is not the worst.

I belive such language is best kept in comedy clubs. That said, having grown up around working class people, the word is unavoidable. And people say it with such conviction, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt at some point that they know an asshole when the see one and that the designation has some utility.

Personally, I think I'd like this better if the graphic was accompanied by a scorecard, then you could score your interactions on public forums in a game of Who is the Biggest A$$#0le?

Re: The Anatomy of Assholes (2020)

#40

Post by PennRobotics »

inshadows wrote: post #6

Written by judgemental asshole. Since this article is about labeling other people as assholes, I hope it's OK that I did the same.

While skimming his Twitter to form my own opinion (He doesn't seem terrible at all, at first glance.):

   If someone disapproves of your lifestyle it's most likely their own shadow talking.
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