Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 10:26:28 AM

Title: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 10:26:28 AM
Hi, this is a Youtube video about Andy Warhol and Candy Darling I replied to and encountered an idiot that started debating and saying that transgender people are just deluded etc., you can read the history if you click the youtube link.
I would appreciate any tips for countering his comments etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Y__YzQkog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Y__YzQkog)
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jill F on February 11, 2014, 10:31:06 AM
I ran out of sh*ts to give about what idiots like that think ages ago.  It would be nice to be able to put a dent in the ignorance out there, but realistically, it's not going away anytime soon.  These people exist, they suck mightily, whatever.  I'm not going to let them sh*t on my newfound happiness.   For all you know, that person is nothing more than a troll that you don't need to feed.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: King Malachite on February 11, 2014, 10:39:40 AM
In this particular situation, I say the best thing to do is to ignore that person. You will stress yourself out by trying to have that person see things from your point of view and waste minutes of your life that you will never be able to get back. At the end of the day, chances are that person will still hold on to what they thing about trans people and unless they are willing to research ->-bleeped-<- on their own, there really isn't anything you can do to help them.

I say just live your life and know that you have proven them wrong.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: suzifrommd on February 11, 2014, 10:59:26 AM
I am a teacher. I believe everyone can be educated. Some people may not want to, but even such people can be given a chance to change their minds.

I would ask them what makes them so sure that there isn't something physical in a transgender brain that wires us to need to be a certain gender. If they continue to engage you, insist that they answer that question. Follow it up with additional questions if necessary that chip away at their certainty.

You may not change their minds, but you will make them think.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Tristan on February 11, 2014, 11:52:23 AM
You could try to do what we are doing. We present the notion that we are just people transitioning and not all those other things they think we are like freaks, molesters , confused people that are fixated on our perversions (that was the new one we herd yesterday) . Just have to try and break the barrier
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jess42 on February 11, 2014, 11:57:26 AM
I really don't think you can counter it other than the whole world is deluded. Delusions of grandeur, to delusions of dominance to all religions and spirituality being one big delusion. No offense but it does fit the category of delusional and even I'm spiritual. Even who we are or think we are (not limited to just transgender but everyone as a whole) is a delusion to the rest of the world. How many people do we know that think they are the "BIG IT" and have people talk negatively behind their back? That's the world, that's the human race and the mass hypnosis of society and I can choose to be as delusional as I want. Ignorance and stupidity on the other hand is not a delusion, it's a solid truth. I would rather be delusional than stupid and ignorant but hey, that's just me.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Miss_Bungle1991 on February 11, 2014, 12:03:32 PM
Quote from: Jill F on February 11, 2014, 10:31:06 AM
I ran out of sh*ts to give about what idiots like that think ages ago.  It would be nice to be able to put a dent in the ignorance out there, but realistically, it's not going away anytime soon.  These people exist, they suck mightily, whatever.  I'm not going to let them sh*t on my newfound happiness.   For all you know, that person is nothing more than a troll that you don't need to feed.

Indeed.

Especially when it comes to Youtube comments/trollfest/arguments. I've seen idiots argue back and forth among themselves for literally MONTHS at a time. It's not worth the trouble. People like that deserve to be smacked in the head with their own keyboards and/or laptops.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 12:59:02 PM
Thanks for your replies. I know that you shouldn't feed the trolls, but in some situations it's hard to ignore them.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 01:04:55 PM
He just replied with a whole lot of rubbish...
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Miss_Bungle1991 on February 11, 2014, 01:36:37 PM
Quote from: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 12:59:02 PM
Thanks for your replies. I know that you shouldn't feed the trolls, but in some situations it's hard to ignore them.

Well, I can understand where you are coming from. There have been many times when a troll gets on my nerves (usually non-trans related stuff, though) and I just want to go off on them. But then I think: "You know what? This person obviously has a pathetic life to begin with if THIS is what they choose to do." So, I just wish death upon them and go on my way.

The hell with'em.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: mowdan6 on February 11, 2014, 01:47:56 PM
As the old saying goes, "You can't fix stupid."
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Ms Grace on February 11, 2014, 01:58:11 PM
Seriously, your chances (anybody's chances) of winning an argument on the internet (especially YouTube comments) is effectively zero. I agree with Suzi, everyone can be educated...but only if they want to and/or life gives them a swift sharp kick in the butt. Don't feed the troll, walk away and save yourself the time and energy and especially the unproductive anger that dealing with idiots like that invariably provokes.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: FalseHybridPrincess on February 11, 2014, 02:46:12 PM
Quote from: suzifrommd on February 11, 2014, 10:59:26 AM
I am a teacher. I believe everyone can be educated. Some people may not want to, but even such people can be given a chance to change their minds.


I disagree...sometimes , some people (usually not the most clever ones) just have  an opinion that no matter how many facts you bring to them they wont change...

for example...that guy...who said that trans people are delusional...
im sure that no matter what I say he just wont change his mind,,,

so to make a long story short,,,Id deal with people like him by simply ignoring them , first id try to say something , but seeing that it doesnt work , i would just leave...
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 11, 2014, 03:00:02 PM
Quote from: FalsePrincess on February 11, 2014, 02:46:12 PM
I disagree...sometimes , some people (usually not the most clever ones) just have  an opinion that no matter how many facts you bring to them they wont change...

for example...that guy...who said that trans people are delusional...
im sure that no matter what I say he just wont change his mind,,,

so to make a long story short,,,Id deal with people like him by simply ignoring them , first id try to say something , but seeing that it doesnt work , i would just leave...
This is generally how I act too. And since I've seen that he's just not interested in understanding what I'm saying I won't bother anymore.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Chaos on February 11, 2014, 04:45:28 PM
Good on you ^ the difference between ignorance and stupidity is that one is unwilling learnt but encouraged to remain and the other,is willing from start to finish.for example raising a child to be ignorant is not done on their own (unwilling) BUT the approval and encouragement from the ones who taught them (parents,grandparents,family) engrave it so deep to where it becomes reality.ignorant or stupid,neither will listen to an outsider or stranger,regardless of the pain and suffering they see.those with a wise heart however are always open to learn,taking knowledge to better them selves as human beings,tho these are rare these days but you will know them when you meet them.knowing the difference,it allows us to better approach them and how not to approach at all.as Trans' folk,its important we know these differences because we will know who can be educated and who cant/refuses to be.and someone else was right.these type of people will not change this engrave until their very life and knowledge is challenged to the point of non existance.sad but very true.combat ignorance/stupidity with wisdom.as a saying goes 'live to fight another day'
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on February 11, 2014, 07:10:33 PM
They that talk the loudest have the most skeletons in their closet's! ;D
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Miss_Bungle1991 on February 11, 2014, 07:26:14 PM
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 11, 2014, 07:10:33 PM
They that talk the loudest have the most skeletons in their closet's! ;D

But skeletons eventually turn to dust.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jamie D on February 11, 2014, 07:58:16 PM
I agree with Suzi that education counters ignorance.  Sadly, for some people, ignorance is a willful act.

Here is the link to an article I posted a while back.  It addresses some of those issues concerning TG/TS people:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brynn-tannehill/myths-gender-confirmation-surgery_b_4384701.html?utm_hp_ref=transgender
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Chaos on February 12, 2014, 06:14:43 AM
Please do not believe that ignorance is done willingly.NO one is willingly ignorant but many are stupid and because they want to be.I'm living proof of ignorance being unwilling.I was 'taught' many things by those I loved and 'trusted' for over 20 years,never questioning them and never allowing another to question them either.I hated on an ex friend who came out as a transwoman many years ago.I laughed and mocked the man she was dating,making him feel like a low life.I thought I knew for a fact that THIS was truth,that THIS was what was real but I was wrong.as I. Opened my eyes to the hate,everything I knew was ruined.I had to literaly start from scratch,questioining what to even believe anymore.I was raised by a bigotted christian family and I was just a hateful by product.I NEVER once knew it was wrong.our actions are willing but what we are taught,the hate and ignorance that causes it-is not.its different from one who is taught knowledge,not to hate,to know all he needs but yet still refuses to let go.but I can say without a doubt that the moment I was no longer ignorant,was the moment my actioons and vision changed.just know that 90 percent of people like this,are ignorant-they are taught to believe something that is not true and for them,it becomes true and it becomes their very life line-holding ALL they know and why they will hold on for dear life.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jamie D on February 12, 2014, 02:26:17 PM
Quote from: Chaos on February 12, 2014, 06:14:43 AM
Please do not believe that ignorance is done willingly.NO one is willingly ignorant but many are stupid and because they want to be.I'm living proof of ignorance being unwilling.I was 'taught' many things by those I loved and 'trusted' for over 20 years,never questioning them and never allowing another to question them either.I hated on an ex friend who came out as a transwoman many years ago.I laughed and mocked the man she was dating,making him feel like a low life.I thought I knew for a fact that THIS was truth,that THIS was what was real but I was wrong.as I. Opened my eyes to the hate,everything I knew was ruined.I had to literaly start from scratch,questioining what to even believe anymore.I was raised by a bigotted christian family and I was just a hateful by product.I NEVER once knew it was wrong.our actions are willing but what we are taught,the hate and ignorance that causes it-is not.its different from one who is taught knowledge,not to hate,to know all he needs but yet still refuses to let go.but I can say without a doubt that the moment I was no longer ignorant,was the moment my actioons and vision changed.just know that 90 percent of people like this,are ignorant-they are taught to believe something that is not true and for them,it becomes true and it becomes their very life line-holding ALL they know and why they will hold on for dear life.

Chaos, I must disagree with you that ignorance is not willful.

I had a career in the sciences - specifically, the earth sciences.  There are some, of sound and rational mind, who will not accept solid evidence when it is given to them, instead relying on "knowledge" that has been refuted or discredited.

Scientists understand that human understanding evolves, and that new discoveries remain to be made.  Those who are unwilling to grow with the knowledge base, are, in my opinion, willfully ignorant.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Chaos on February 12, 2014, 03:52:25 PM
Then..forgive me..
I cried for days once I realized everything I believed was a lie..
I repented more times then I can count..
Forgive me for willingly hating on the Trans' community and making someone suffer..

Edited:
I am not a scientist,my job doesn't depend on my beliefs being theory until proven in my own sight.my actions a child were my own.I should have known better and should have willingly had the knowledge but I didn't.seems I have a lot more to atone for then I thought..
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jess42 on February 12, 2014, 03:57:36 PM
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 11, 2014, 07:10:33 PM
They that talk the loudest have the most skeletons in their closet's! ;D

I definitely agree with Jessica. I have known gay bashers that turned out to be gay themselves. Best thing to do is just let it go because the person arguing with you probably has trans feelings himself and hates it and just projecting it onto others.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jill F on February 12, 2014, 04:23:11 PM
Quote from: Jess42 on February 12, 2014, 03:57:36 PM
I definitely agree with Jessica. I have known gay bashers that turned out to be gay themselves. Best thing to do is just let it go because the person arguing with you probably has trans feelings himself and hates it and just projecting it onto others.

Oh yes, did I know a gay basher who turned out to be gay himself! 

I used to work with a guy who spent an inordinate amount of time trashing all things queer and frequently accused one of the co-workers of being a closet case with the tired old "If it looks like a duck, etc. argument."  Anyway I'm pretty sure the person he was bashing on wasn't actually gay, he just wasn't having any part of the pseudo-macho dudebro work culture.

As it turned out, basher guy had a serious cocaine and crack problem.  He was fired after falsifying his own sales records to inflate his bonus, then took his severance and stormed out of the building in a huff while leaving all of his personal belongings behind.  When his brother came in the next week to retrieve his stuff, we got the whole crazy story.  He took the money, spent it all on drugs, hit rock bottom (his brother's words) and was escorted directly to rehab.   His brother mentioned that he and his father had to search his place for drug and paraphernalia stashes and came across a locked trunk that they had to break into.  Instead of drugs they found a cache of gay porn and soiled dildos.  His brother asked if we knew about him being gay!
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jamie D on February 12, 2014, 04:39:02 PM
Quote from: Chaos on February 12, 2014, 03:52:25 PM
Then..forgive me..
I cried for days once I realized everything I believed was a lie..
I repented more times then I can count..
Forgive me for willingly hating on the Trans' community and making someone suffer..

Edited:
I am not a scientist,my job doesn't depend on my beliefs being theory until proven in my own sight.my actions a child were my own.I should have known better and should have willingly had the knowledge but I didn't.seems I have a lot more to atone for then I thought..

Chaos, the point being, once you got past the indoctrination, and thought for yourself, you were able to get on that road to self-acceptance and a much larger world.

Like a said to another poster recently ... you are a child of the universe, you have a right to be here.  No one should ever feel they have to "repent" for being themselves.

The sad thing would be, given this knowledge, that you went back into that little box where we all start.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: MugwortPsychonaut on February 12, 2014, 07:26:25 PM
Don't read the comments.
Don't read the comments.
Don't read the comments!

Complaining about internet comments, is like complaining about the smell inside of a sewer.

If you need a reminder, try twitter.com/AvoidComments
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 15, 2014, 01:32:09 PM
The OP just replied with "If you are born with a penis you're a man". So frustrating...
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Miss_Bungle1991 on February 15, 2014, 02:40:29 PM
Quote from: 930310 on February 15, 2014, 01:32:09 PM
The OP just replied with "If you are born with a penis you're a man". So frustrating...

Ah, screw'em! They are obviously a moron, a troll, or both. People like that are losers at the end of the day. Nothing more than crap on the bottom of humanity's shoes and utterly worthless.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: Jess42 on February 17, 2014, 08:23:54 AM
Quote from: 930310 on February 15, 2014, 01:32:09 PM
The OP just replied with "If you are born with a penis you're a man". So frustrating...

I could have fun with that one in a counter of "No, it could mean you're just a d***". Or "It could mean you're letting your penis turn you into a D***head."

One thing about internet conversation is that you are pretty much totally anonomous and that allows us to feel that we can say things we would never say face to face with someone. The key is not taking it personal and if you do take or start taking it personal just ignore it. I have more fun with internet arguments of this type than letting it make me angry because I am anonomous too. Like I said, if it gets to you just ignore it. Nothing wrong with letting an idiot have the last word especially when those words are ignorant.
Title: Re: How do you even counter this ignorance?
Post by: 930310 on February 17, 2014, 12:47:05 PM
I am always open with everything I do and if you search my username you'll find my name, adress etc.
I have given up this disussion now and I'll let them keep their ideas.