Do you believe that there is a deeper underlying reason as to why man treats his fellow man unkindly other than the basics (‘human nature’ and ‘that’s the way to get to the top’ and other such cliches that are used when speaking of the topic)??
-
Why are people mean... an underlying reason?18% Voted for by Defiant Heart, Trisha Militia, lovealotbear, lost faith, Crazy-Love. (6 total)
I think that yes, sometimes there definately is an underlying reason as to why people treat other people mean. Possibly more times than not it’s insecurity or simply to make themselves feel better. Getting satisfaction of picking someone apart for their flaws could make that individual feel as though they’re better in some way.
I like this topic, as I have a major issue with mean people. I’ve found in my more later years of my life that it’s the one’s that truly believe they’re “witty” and very intelligent individuals are the one’s that are mean. (not as a whole of course) just what I’m facing more recently. And in my opinion, i tend to see those are the more ignorant and dumb-sounding people. Narrowmindedness is like a disease, like racism. Shows signs of stupidity regardless of how “book smart” you may be.
Good topic, thanks for bringing it up.
-
Two Reasons9% Voted for by my name here, duana, numi earl grey.
(1) fatigue, which leads to frustration (2) trying to toughen-up the ‘victim’
-
The Cliches are True9% Voted for by duana, The Pink Queen, addiboy.
We don’t want to believe there is anything behind cliches but each cliche is filled with experience- cliche just means they are dull to the senses, so we want to look for some other explanation. We live in a Darwinian world- meanness is a way to protect our place in it- out values, our goasl,our family- not everyone deserves our kindness. On the other hand, undeserved meanness, now that’s a different story- there are just a million and one jerks in the world.
-
Why are people mean?6% Voted for by lost faith, Tikki-Teddy.
This is my opinion why people are mean in school: I think people are mean to show that they are the boss.They think that it makes them more popular and liked (well…in some schools).People are mean without even wanting to…I think it isn’t good to be mean because then people don’t like you and you get a very bad reputation.
-
Formative experience6% Voted for by g r e y i s m, Thayla.
I think that for the most part it can be chalked up to bad parenting or abuse in the first years of life. We are what we absorb; if we absorb hate we will hate and if we absorb love we will love.
-
Being Mean??6% Voted for by poetryfix, lost faith.
I think people are mean because they want to feel elated, they want to feel superior, like they have all the power. They feed off the weak, because they are weak, but they don’t want people to think so. They might also have some sort of void that they are trying to fill. It doesn’t excuse it or justify it in any way, though. It’s also an anger problem. I don’t know, maybe they were rejected or feel rejected in some way and so they lash out on those who are easy targets, someone they can use to blow off some steam.
-
Instinct6% Voted for by Hannah, SenseiRidgway.
People are mean because they are scared when others are different to them, eg. having red hair or having a different skin colour. Also people pick on others because they like to feel big and in charge. But if you can get over that instinct to hurt and damage others because they are different, then that’s the way to go.
-
...6% Voted for by p0371cs0uL, EmoVamp.
I’m sorry, but this has to be one of the stupidest questions I’ve ever encountered. Not only is it relative because some people see being mean differently from others, but there will also never be an absolute answer.
Being mean, nice, polite.. it’s just part of being alive. Everyone is going to be mean at some point in life, and there’s no point in questioning it. It will happen, people will deal with it, it will go on.
-
There are of course.................6% Voted for by Nosferatu, SenseiRidgway.
........many reasons why folks can (and often are) mean. It could be that they have less social skills than those who are not mean. It could be that the two people involved have different views of what it is to be mean, and it ends up being a misunderstanding.
The world, to a large degree, is a balanced place, we have darkness we have light; we have rich we have poor; we have kindness, and we have meanness.
A question as general as this is difficult to answer with any kind of thought as either it would be too simplistic or it would have to involve a thesis on Humans and their various behaviors.
Perhaps you could clarify the question.
-
Jealousy!Voted for by lost faith.
Another reason why people are mean may also be that they are jealous of others. I am not being big headed or whatever but I have been bullyed for being confident, having my own opinions and for being strong (on the inside).
If someone tries to put me down I just come back at them with an intelligent comment. I don’t get angry or upset I just be myself and don’t let them get to me. They become more jealous when they see that I am not affected by what they say. Then they say that they will batter me or whatever. But they never do. I feel sorry for them really. Their lives seem to revolve around other people. They never have anything else to talk about. It’s really sad.
-
why?Voted for by ohsweetie2788.
people are mean to others to make themselves feel better. my personal and favortie saying is “the more you tease the smaller you are” meaning you have more faults and greater ones than theirs that you want to distract others from. it is simple really, we are mean t make ourselves feel good, we like to see people hurt…
Ash
-
oh come onVoted for by Deadly Shame.
just cuz some people fit the perfect little cliches doesn’t mean we are all jealous or frusterated or just acting on human nature when we are being mean. until you include all possibilities there is going to be someone who is an exception. When I’m mean it’s often because I just wanna be. seriously. I sit there, not angry…. nothing. just being mean. and don’t say that’s human nature cuz I think it’s because of my changing personality not because I am human. Get over it, there is no way you can come up with just a few reasons people are mean. It envolves feelings and humans. with humans you never know what you are getting into.
-
Well now..Voted for by WintersRemorse.
I think honestly if we grouped all of these answers together, we could show a general idea of an answer. People are mean for numerous reasons, whether they be explicable or not. Emotions are based off the human heart, including niceness or meanness. We can't really explain and mention every reason people are mean, but I think this a possibly an answer that could be answered by a little soul searching. Look at yourself, think of times you've been mean to someone (we all do it) and ask yourself why. Also ask yourself why other people have been mean to you. Think about what motives could lie behind other people who have been mean to you, and I think you may just find some answers that will suit you and your circumstances in life.
-
\/Voted for by Bob the Elder.
basically because of their own weaknesses and fears. most reasons fall under this. to make themselves feel stronger, more confidant... make themselves look good in front of a group etc etc etc
-
frustationVoted for by aburgot.
When people are mean, it is their frustations of not being able to realise themselves as the individuals they are that are coming out; these are directed towards certain other individuals who seem, to the mean person, to be the fulfilled individual that they should be.
Adding your reply:
Registration is required because of issues with spam. It is fast and free! This author would LOVE to get a comment from you, please join!
February 20, 2005
Edit | Reply
No Doubt
Yes there is no doubt that what you say in the first paragraph is true. That's what they say it is not the victims fault it is often the bully who is the one with a problem. Do what I do: Hold your head up high and ignore it. I actually feel sorry for mean people. They are obviously feeling unsure of themselves to have to put someone else down to make themselves feel better.August 22, 2005
Edit | Reply
October 18, 2005
Edit | Reply
SenseiRidgway
September 20, 2009
Edit | Reply
GinryuStargazer
September 27, 2009
Edit | Reply
Ha ha!
Agreed.May 21
Edit | Reply
It is the way of our earth
can't believe i can write that and believe it. when my wife of over 25 years left me two years ago (saying the meanest things ever said to me), i began the process of "healing..." but now it seems my heart is cold and i have little belief in good anymore. seems every day i pretend to be happy and well adjusted... i teach at school, see my friends, but when i am alone, i slip often into sadness, and tears. i don't understand it all, and i have a theological degree - was an ordained minister... used to help people with this problem... now that the sweetest person i ever knew has become the meanest ever and as far away as forever, i can not believe that there can be any good... when she left it was for a man half her age (who had dated my two daughters)... she coldly left for him and left us in our tears. She had no tears. she told neigbors that she should have done this years ago. she told me and my daughters that i kissed like a "gay faggot..." why are people mean?Please register or login to comment! It's fast and totally free!