Do you get more respect/credit for having a nasty streak?

I just mean for having a degree of conviction to be able to undermine/rip into someone, it seems the more sensitive souls who can't partake in this with conviction are viewed as non threats and hence maybe not respected or even derided.

Reply 1

Kater Murr

20

To an extent I have an admiration for this, but I also might think 'You nasty bastard' as well.

Reply 2

qubog

12

I think the people who say what they think are viewed as having more self-confidence and thats why they get respect

Reply 3

Trigger

18

Im pretty sure im not that popular on here....

Reply 4

punktopia

3

On the contrary, if this forum is anything to go by I'd say having the guts to venture an opinion and stick by it is seen as a negative thing.

Reply 5

Melancholy

20

punktopia

On the contrary, if this forum is anything to go by I'd say having the guts to venture an opinion and stick by it is seen as a negative thing.

And stubborn adherence to a personal view isn't a negative thing?

Reply 6

Rutter knows best!

12

in certain circles it will get you respect.

Reply 7

punktopia

3

TML

And stubborn adherence to a personal view isn't a negative thing?

Tell that to pretty much everyone who's ever changed the world for the better.

Reply 8

Melancholy

20

Also tell that to Stalin. It works both ways.

Reply 9

Kater Murr

20

TML

Also tell that to Stalin. It works both ways.

I think when someone says having an opinion and sticking by it they just mean standing up for what you believe in, not being stubborn or dogmatic.

Reply 10

Melancholy

20

Lenin stood up for what he believed in - what a mess that was! It's always good to listen to others. Blind submittal to ideologies [which is what I sense Punktopia is touching upon after reading some of his posts in the politics section], such as anarchism, aren't tremendously beneficial to debate.

Reply 11

naivesincerity

2

Hasn't this drifted from what the OP was asking somewhat>?

Reply 12

Profesh

20

TML

Lenin stood up for what he believed in - what a mess that was! It's always good to listen to others. Blind submittal to ideologies [which is what I sense Punktopia is touching upon after reading some of his posts in the politics section], such as anarchism, aren't tremendously beneficial to debate.

*isn't

I tend to refrain from 'ripping into' people that I like; though transparent ignorance will generally provoke me irrespective.

Reply 13

silverbolt

19

qubog

I think the people who say what they think are viewed as having more self-confidence and thats why they get respect

true not everyone will pull someone up on it if they think thier being a prat. I tend not to suffer fools gladly and im certainly the most upfront of all my friends as such i get landed as leader, consuller and "yank em by the short hairs to wake them up a bit" guy

but theres a difference between blunt honesty and nastiness.

A person who simply says things to be spiteful or cruel does not deserve respect

Reply 14

h82think

14

Unfortunately, yes :frown:

Reply 15

punktopia

3

TML

Lenin stood up for what he believed in - what a mess that was! It's always good to listen to others. Blind submittal to ideologies [which is what I sense Punktopia is touching upon after reading some of his posts in the politics section], such as anarchism, aren't tremendously beneficial to debate.

Actually, I don't give blind obedience to anyone or anything; my opinions come after careful deliberation. And I'm somewhere between Communism and Anarchism, not bound to either.

Reply 16

username47781

20

If someone has a nasty streak for no reason, I would not admire them at all, I think I would be inclined to say **** off.

Reply 17

Melancholy

20

Profesh

*isn't

I tend to refrain from 'ripping into' people that I like; though transparent ignorance will generally provoke me irrespective.

I have a tendency of forgetting what I wrote beforehand when concluding my sentences.

Punktopia: In essence I'm stating that a 'gut' reaction to something and a subsequent blind adherence to it should never be considered positive. The reason people influenced history for the better was not because they were uncompromising, unreasonable, inflexible and stubborn people. They listened to other views but still found their views wholly consistent.

To the OP: In my experience it is those who state their honest views and listen in return that command [and deserve] the respect of fellow posters. The constant, uncompromising personalities don't seem to earn too much respect.

Reply 18

Angrybanana

11

I don't respect nasty people. I respect those who are confident enough in themselves that they don't feel the need to belittle other people. Nastiness towards others is usually a sign of insecurity if anything.

Reply 19

Rutter knows best!

12

the more extreme an opinion , the more conviction it normally seems to have.
As it leaves less room for doubt.

example : "he was very moody"
"what a miserable ****!"

Do you get more respect/credit for having a nasty streak?

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