Personal thoughts on best ways to deal with wackos

Pengwuino

Im sure we've all run into people who claim the US never went to the moon and point out things like "why cant you see the stars" or "its too cold!" or whatever or people who think some big corporation runs the world or a group of 12 elders from switzerland dictate the world or that nuclear energy is horrible because if somethin goes wrong, supposedly itd be the equivalent of a 10 megaton bomb going off from people who spell physics with a k.

So what do you guys do when you come up to people like this? Whats your general attitute towards them and do you try to reason with them as much as possible or give up the first time they show their ignorance? Anyone have tricks to dealing with these people that result in much time saved and patience kept?

Pseudopod

First determine whether you are dealing with a rational person or not. If you aren't then no amount of arguing on your part will convince them so might as well give up... or have fun with them and use your science knowledge to invent some credible sounding far-out theories that they will believe. That's always fun

godzilla7

Simply look embarrassed and say yes I know I was so soo sooo wrong, your right how could I have been so stupid, then make your exit; quick easy and painless

PIT2

If the person is not rational, tell him that he is a deformed piglet and should drop dead and **** off.

hypatia

I just smile and nod while avoiding eye contact.

Pengwuino

I think ill do that and walk away but let out a big fart as i leave

Francis M

I agree with pseudopod on this one. At least the first part. Determine (it may take some time. SOme weirdos are rational sounding at first) if they're rational. If at some point you determine they aren't try and get out gracefully. If you can't detach diplomatically and they seem to be bonding with you......RUN, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN

Ivan Seeking

Try to sell them your car for twice its value. Never give up.

Chronos

I usually just say "Fascinating", become distracted by something else, and wander off. Repeat as necessary.

Dayle Record

My question is, "How can people who know everything, learn anything?"

My answer is, "Please don't instruct an idiot, how to appear intelligent."

My problem is, why isn't this thread closed?

Math Is Hard

My aunt and uncle recently went to see the "what the bleep" movie so I got a big explanatory lecture from them on quantum physics last time the family got together for dinner. Don't get me wrong, I love them dearly, but .. ok, there was just no way out but to stuff a chicken leg in my mouth and nod appreciatively.

Ivan Seeking

Pretty much all of the same rules apply as for those who wish to talk about sports or to show their kid's photo album.

Pengwuino

Why shoudl this thread be closed?

godzilla7

His problem is not that this thread is still open but more that his mind is so closed. A light hearted thread like this one has as much right to exist as a discussion on anything profound, lighten up Dayle, the worlds gloomy enough as it is; what is it you object to Dayle, or are you trying to teach idiots to be intelligent? Mission achieved

Dayle Record

This activity is described by social scientists, as the "They're So Stupid", kind of discussion. This is an educational forum. Saying that this is a light hearted thread, doesn't make it one. You might best name the thread, What to say to people, that don't think like you do. Wackos has just been substituted as a broad category of individuals that you can disrespect, rather than a more narrow category that would finger you as a bigot.

We all have various holes in our buckets and we attempt to fill them in different ways. Education is not going to fill the holes in your bucket if you think that it is better to have more water than anyone else. That means that you have holes in your bucket an education won't fill. Once your bucket is filled, then what are you going to do with it. What is the value of the substance you wish to carry? Will you find a group of individuals with similar full buckets, so you can gather and deride people whose buckets are not so full?

xJuggleboy

Spoken like a true wacko Pritty much everything he said is worthless. Most of it didnt even make sence.

HUH?!

PErhaps its time to try out some of the staratageys to being rid of this person...

Dayle Record

Two words here. Spell Checker, or Chubby Checker if you like the twist.