You must not understand

[Taco-Calamitous]

Do you like this argument? It's the argument snooty pseudo-intellectuals make when someone doesn't like something that they like. "You're just not smart enough to understand what's being conveyed. This piece of work is above you." No, I get it, I just think it's actually a piece of SHIT, is all.

My favorite instance of this argument being used was in response to something negative being said of the show "Family Guy" in a review (not sure if it actually was about Family Guy.) Yes, because Family Guy is such a deep and artistic show, there is something not to understand about it. I've also seen it used in description of people in the audience of some popular program or another when a particular punk rock band performed on it. They probably don't know any of these people, what their opinion of this band is, or how they personally would interpret the lyrics, but the presumption is made that they're stupid nonetheless.

So... do you use this argument? Has this argument been used on you? Do you feel it's valid? Does it annoy you? Eh? Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[midgetbob]

I hate when someone uses this "argument" when I am able to bring forth actual facts and logical counter-points to whatever it is they're trying to say. It's just their way of saying, "oh shit, you just nixed my idea and crushed it... I can't think of anything else, so you're obviously just too stupid to understand what I'm REALLY trying to say."

You know what? **** you. I know what you're trying to say, and you failed at it. I even explained to you why you failed at it. Maybe YOU don't understand what you're trying to get at.

[Storm]

Its a statement that automatically makes the one who has said it loose the argument. It is just a cliche line that people say because they are too stupid or lazy to come up with a proper argument to support their opinion. It is annoying though, and I have seen it being used a lot. Especially on both sides of evolution vs "god made it all perfect" arguments and things of a similar nature.

It's not a valid argument, unless maybe the person really doesn't seem to understand a subject of intellectual nature. Even then it is a weak argument. I can't see it being valid for something which requires taste.

[Polk]

Whenever I have an argument with my parents, it usually ends with me screaming "You don't understand me! You don't know what it's like!" Then I run to my room, blast some Hawthorne Heights, and cut my feelings away.

oh wait no that's not what you're talking about at all.

[Sinister]

Hate to be snooty and intellectual...but this is has to do with elitism and that does seem to be all we ever talk about. Imagine if we were all locked in this forum for all eternity...ghosts in the machines, so to speak. Four billions years from now...Someone posting in this very damn thread will start talking about how they hate elitism and how people sling it around.

GOD! Human nature just makes you SICK! YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL MENTAL PERVERSIONS WRITHING IN THE BROKEN-RECORD LIMBO OF REDUNDANCY HELL!

-Sin

[Furore]

No Sinister, you're wrong, you must not understand...
...about my love of cheese. WHY MUST YOU RUIN A GOOD THING??!!

In all seriousness, I see this every so often, a lot from some, particularly those with a different lifestyle who think other ways are definetely better. I tend to argue with them incessantly every so often, often with no real hope of it going anywhere solely because I get very bored during those long, long nightshifts and it gives me something to do to kill a few hours.

Does that make me a bad person?

[BigWill]

I get that fairly often. And it shows up in a wide range of topics, from video games to sports to anything of a more serious nature. And it is one of the most condescending sentences I have ever heard. I like I should just hear it and say "oh, you're right, I will change my mind now".

Is it bad that every time I hear it I want to smack some sense into the other person?

[loner-kid]

no, no it is not Bigwill.

it's a stupid contived dumb 'argument' that even the merest mention of it's dreaded phrasology can awaken a blood lust locked away in the depths of the human psyche. Also ver cliche

[Kaiden]

Yeah I usually tell them to try and explain it in a different way so maybe I understand and when they refuse... well I win the argument?!? Can you win an argument?

I do hate when I'm told, "Don't be a smartass.” People seem to use this all the time, when I try to argue a point. It just erks me that people don’t want me to think about what I saying! I can understand if the person is using a condescending tone. But for the most part when I hear it, I'm not trying to belittle the other person. Just provide valid counterpoints.

[Che]

Sometimes people are too dumb to realize what it is you're really talking about, and you have to use that line.

[Block]

Sometimes people are too dumb to realize what it is you're really talking about, and you have to use that line.

If they are truly that dumb, then you shouldn't bother explaining it to them.

No one has ever tried the it's over your head bullshit with me... because nothing is over my head. NOTHING!!!!



Just hasn't happened yet.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Sometimes, the accused is too unintelligent to understand. Some of the time, the accuser is not as intelligent as they think they are. I'd wager it's more of the latter, particularly on the internet.

And Sinister-we talk about it all the time? ...Oh well. Sorry I cause you pain, but you'll get over it, so it's all good EDIT: Although you are probably onto something, as I've realized I'm not really surprised by any responses from some of the regulars in this thread. Maybe I just know people's personalities all too well at this point, haha. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Xithor]

I think when the person says that the topic or argument is above the other person it's because in fact they are out of facts or ideas to back up their arguments. That line is such a defensive mechanism to me because if you can no longer debate with someone in a logical and controlled manner you can't drop the "it's above you" line it's kinda like surrendering the argument in my opinion.