Don't You Hate Arguing With Close-Minded People??

United States
June 27, 2010 1:32pm CST
Arguing with a close-minded person is like arguing with a brick wall. I came across an interesting discussion here on MyLot and I have given up today trying to be cordial with that individual because we share views on different extremities. He started taking shots at my intelligence which I felt was very immature. And, after realizing that this individual was older than me, I felt really remorseful, especially when he stated that he was a librarian, how many minds could he be poisoning a day with these foul ideals? I wish these type of people would just disappear.
2 people like this
22 responses
@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
27 Jun 10
lol! Think about it this way; if they disappeared how would we know to be grateful for good and constructive arguments? I agree that trying to hold a discussion with someone of that nature can be a bit taxing and even draining if we continue. It is best to leave that person to themselves and find some other discussion to involve yourself in. Fortunately there doesn't seem to be many closed minded people on Mylot!
• United States
28 Jun 10
The one person I encountered here on Mylot ended up leaving pretty quickly because he could not get everyone to think his way. After a few bouts I gave up with him and never heard from him again. Happy Mylotting!
• United States
3 Jul 10
Yes, no debate on here is worth fighting over. I long stopped posting on that guy's debate. I'm sure he's found more members to terrorize with his tainted thoughts. Look forward to seeing you around MyLot!
1 person likes this
• United States
27 Jun 10
Yea, you're right!! I guess the argument does keep things interesting. If everyone were the same, it would be a boring world. This person I was debating with was on MyLot... but I'm sure I won't be encountering him anytime soon. Thanks for your comment!!
• United States
28 Jun 10
Unfortunately, this is something everyone will encounter from time to time. A librarian really isn't any more intelligent than any one else is. And for him to use his occupation as a glorified element is just insulting. However, when people like him get this way, as in insulting your intelligence through belligerent words, and then hiding behind his occupation as if it'll protect him, it proves to me they're afraid. I've seen many people like this myself, particularly in the Religion section, and on other boards too, where people insult others just because they realize they have nothing conductive nor substantial to go on, and believe that calling a person a dumb, insert derogatory insult here, makes them look cooler. In reality, it does nothing of the sort. I like debates myself when I am not bundled down with stress from outside events, and I like my debates to be civil. I've had many debates with people, and only a few of them have proven to be substantial. Another reason for insults is often because a person becomes so enraged by something they feel the need to nit pick at a person's sensitive area to break them down. And apparently, it makes them feel better, which is what I believe this librarian was trying to do to you. Try not to worry about what he said and did, even though it may be hard. If you encounter him again, just ask him nicely what would he do if his supervisor caught or found him behaving like that online, or ask if he would act that way if you were a patron in his library. Sometimes when you hit the head of a nail in the middle with just the right rhythm, it drives it straight through.
• United States
28 Jun 10
You're quite welcome. And thanks for mentally giving me best response too, lol. As for that woman's comment, she should realize that her words mean absolutely nothing. I am thirty years old, and I have seen many people in their twenties who were so intelligent it literally blows my mind. Education has improved over the past ten years and it has become far more advanced. I believe this woman did not know what to say about your views on politics, and therefore like the man became afraid, and took a shot at a weak point. If there is another thing I ate it's being age discriminated. Just because you are young or old doesn't mean you don't know anything at all. And schools are now teaching more on politics than ever before. She should put her foot in her mouth.
• United States
28 Jun 10
I LOVE your comment. You are ABSOLUTELY AND POSITIVELY CORRECT IN ALL THAT YOU STATED ABOVE. This guy had valid points and I put up argumentative points as well, but somewhere along the line, he became ill and started to take shots at me. Then, not long afterwards, this other woman that shared similar views to his, DID THE SAME THING!! But, her insults started initially. She said, "What do you know about politics anyway, little girl?" That remark I simply smiled at lol. It is crazy to think that at 22 years old, I'm not supposed to know how the government works or what it consists of. I guess I wasn't supposed to be fully aware of the world around me as of yet. LOL I will try what you suggested, though. If I run across the mad librarian again, I will definitely know what to do. I wish I could mark more than one best response on here because yours deserves one, too!! Kudos! Thanks for your comment!!
• United States
3 Jul 10
I concur with that as well. There are many different types of intelligence, that's what makes the world a diverse and not-so-boring place. I just feel like some people are threatened when you don't agree with them or they can't persuade you to their side and they get nervous and start trying to make you the immature individual. I have been there in person, but never online. I guess there's a new thing to experience everyday!! Enjoy ur weekend!
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
3 Sep 10
I have found that with close minded people when they start to lose the argument they will resort to name calling or accuse you of not caring. I argued once with a person over parental choice in schools. I was able to give some very convincing arguments. I knew I had won when the person told me that I guess you just don't care about kids and are only concerned with saving money.
• United States
13 Sep 10
WOw... that is bogus and sounds very frustrating. I think that person would've gotten me heated. I'm glad you handled it well, though! Thanks for commenting!!
• United States
27 Jun 10
I have encountered a few of these kinds of people. They mean well but they are not a people person. They have no regard to keep an open mind and can be controlling. I just ignore them, smile and go on. With this discussion, however, it is a written discussion. I understand you want to put your point of view out there, but it may be best for you to just let it lie and not reply. This person should not be taking shots at your intelligence, as everyone is intelligent in their own way. But when he had to put himself in a position of what his occupation was to make him a better person, well that is just not right. Just because he is a Librarian does not make him any more intellegent.
• United States
28 Jun 10
Absolutely. Your occupation has nothing to do with the person you are. An occupation can be considered a hobby of sorts. What I do for a living has no reflection on the person I am. Just don't let him bring you down, I have read some of your posts and responses and find you very intelligent. I will continue to follow.
• United States
3 Jul 10
Thank you Karissa!! And I will definitely continue to post and indulge is such intelligent conversation!! You have a great weekend!!
• United States
27 Jun 10
I agree with that COMPLETELY. I did feel insulted when he stated his occupation that he was just trying to say in other words that he was better than me or might have known more than me. I never stated my occupation in return as I felt it was not required for him to know. These kinds of people usually are bitter and never open to new ideas and grow old to be stuck in their ways. Thanks for your comment!! *Best response award*
@jennbart (1330)
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
Arguing with someone who has a closed mind is a waste of time. Everybody is entitled to his or her own opinion.If you are to disagree, do so but make sure it will not spark fire. Otherwise, I end the argument with the person.Its no use..
• United States
28 Jun 10
You're right. But close-minded people seem to take offense quicker than normal people and blow every debate up into a you vs. them situation. That's why I am refraining from commenting any further on that individual's discussion. Thanks for your comment!!
@jennbart (1330)
• Philippines
29 Jun 10
yes, no comment means discussion with you is over. Its nonsense to waste time on people who cannot take other people's opinion.A forum should be an exchange of thoughts and opinions. It should be a healthy one. People who think they are always right are insecure. Maybe nobody else listens to them but themselves.
• United States
3 Jul 10
I concur!!
@Jstewart (167)
• United States
27 Jun 10
Yes I do hate it and that is why I avoid it. I have to remember myself that it is only my opinion and not theirs. I guess everyone has a right to belive what they want to belive. I don't think I would want the to disappear even though I know that feeling. be pretty boring if everyone felt the same way. But I agree he should have aleast given thought to your opinon and if he did'nt agree just left it alone. but your not alone. They are out there, not much you can do but just keep living. trying to change a persons views that is close mindind is impossiable anyway. so why try.
• United States
27 Jun 10
You are absolutely right. LOL I don't want him to disappear really, it was just a figure of speech. However, I try to be an open-minded as I can even when I completely disagree, but you're right the world would be pretty boring if everyone felt and thought the same. You actually made me feel a little better about the situation. Thanks for your comment!
@Jstewart (167)
• United States
27 Jun 10
Glad you feel better about it, no need wasting your time with it. besides you got to talk to me:)
• United States
27 Jun 10
Aww lol thanks!! That definitely puts me in better spirits.
• United States
28 Jun 10
Some people think arguing is the same thing as discussing. A librarian, of all people, should know better. But I run up against the same thing quite often. Someone posts a question, such as 'Do you believe in abortion?' and when you answer, the attacks begin - not discussions - attacks because you made the mistake of not holding the same position the poster does. I respond once or twice and then ignore them, since they get nastier and nastier if I continue talking to them. If I don't ignore them, I find myself falling into their trap of insane arguing. There are more important things to do with my time. I realize I won't change a person's mind if it is made up, but discussions aren't necessarily to change minds. They are meant to put up different view points so we all have something to think about.
• United States
28 Jun 10
I agree arguing with these people starts to make you feel insane because that's how I started feeling. I have more important things to do with my time as well and that is among having intelligent conversation on myLot with you fine people. I am straying from the idiots that seem to flock, too. My sister made an interesting point when I was telling her about it. She said that idiots seem to flock together and intelligent people tend to walk alone and be more reserved. That's why leaders consist of individuals, not groups! Thanks for your comment!!
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
I hate it, too. In fact, I hate any arguments especially when it is something negative. It could end up into a heated one which is very awful. Whenever I am responding or commenting I tried to lee away from those kind of people. If I can sense that there's animosity in the way that person is responding to me then, I am backing out. It is not that I am coward and he has proven that he's right but because that argument will just be a senseless one. Silence doesn't mean you are believing every word spoken but rather it is a way of dismissing the other's chance of telling more nonsense things.;-)
• United States
28 Jun 10
I like your view of silence and how it can affect people. I agree with you and I shouldn't have never let the argument go on for as long as it did, but I'm glad I was obviously the more mature adult even though he seemed way older, to go ahead and assert myself from the situation. Thanks for your comment!!
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
28 Jun 10
I definitely hate arguing with a close-minded person. It is like arguing with yourself. They just don't or won't hear what you have to say. It leads to your frustration in the end. If you have to argue with a close-minded person, you might as well leave the room.
• United States
3 Jul 10
I feel the exact same way. I ended up just not responding to the discussion anymore because it had strayed far from what the original topic was anyway. I think that arguing with closed-minded people are on everyone's pet peeve list that isn't that way.. Thanks for your comment!!
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
I so totally hate them! Its like they are so perfect that they can't accept the fact that different people have different views. Anyway, people like that are everywhere. THAT is also a fact. :p Anyway, we dont have to waste our time with them, why bother right?
• United States
28 Jun 10
I HATE them, too. Especially when I know that I'm right or that my view is logical. And, you're right also, when you say that these types of people are everywhere and unavoidable. I just hate having to get used to people whom I feel are unnecessary. Thanks for your comment!!
• India
28 Jun 10
Well its completely useless according to me. They wont accept your point or rather wont understand it. And you cant change their mind ! So its just not worth anything to argue with them.
• United States
3 Jul 10
You're absolutely right!! Arguing with a closed-minded person is like talking to a brick. They don't hear anything other than what they want to hear and become easily offended during any debate. I hate having those type of people around... Thanks for your comment!!
• Canada
5 Jul 10
I Don't Care what you guys say, Your all wrong!! And I AM the warm little center of the universe!
• United States
5 Jul 10
LoL!!! Great example! Thanks for your comment!!
@5h1n164m1 (111)
• Indonesia
28 Jun 10
i hate to argue with those people. Sometimes, we are telling them our opinions for their sake. But they are being defensive to us. Well, i am usually say "up to you, if you consider my opinion is good for you, then do as i say. If you have better way, just use your own", after that i leave those people. I think, "experience is the best teacher", is proverb which suit them the most because they will understand what we mean after they had experience it.
• United States
28 Jun 10
I concur. Arguing over points that you and another disagree on is pointless. I realize that now. So, as you say, I will express my opinions and keep on moving. Thanks for your comment!!
• India
28 Jun 10
ya certainly.. i appriciate..
• United States
3 Jul 10
You're the first person to respond that actually enjoys it. It doesn't frustrate you?? Thanks for your comment!!
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
28 Jun 10
Hi Mrscallands, I actually like debating back and forth with them as long as they stay civil. I don't let age bother me at all and neither should you. Being old doesn't entitle one to be mean and rude.
• United States
30 Jun 10
I agree and love to debate just as much as the next person, as long as it stays civil like you said. But, I'd never take shots at someone's intelligence JUST because they disagreed with me. And, age doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I respect my elders and listen to what is said because they have more experience in life. But obviously this guy's experience made him bitter...!! Thanks for your comment!!
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
I do not waste my time with such kind of people. The thing is, argument could become nasty if ever you continue. There is no point on insisting considering that they always think that theirs is a better idea or they have the best answer for all. I always believe that everyone has their say and I respect each opinion but it should be the same on the other end. Not just a one way ticket.
• United States
27 Jun 10
I concur which is why I cut the argument short because I began to feel a part of the silliness, so I put it to a quick demise. Thanks for your comment!!
@much2say (53664)
• Los Angeles, California
28 Jun 10
I don't even bother to argue with close minded people anymore. I just sit there and let them go on with their little opinionated speech . . . and I don't put in my two cents because I know they're going to chop my head over it. Worth it? No. We actually got rid of a friend like that . . . throughout the years he became a bigger know-it-all and there was no telling him anything. It did get to the point where he was being a jerk about it (over dumb issues), so we had to let the friendship go.
• United States
3 Jul 10
I understand where you're coming from. Some friendships just are more trouble than their worth and I happen to hate the smart-alecky type. I am more of a reserved person with my intelligence only dazzling here and there when I am asked something or when people think I have no clue what we're discussing. I love all the shocked, embarrassed looks as they gather their faces up and continue as if nothing happened!! The joys of life.. ahh Thanks for your comment!!
@Ladyslipper (1327)
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
That's the reason I don't argue and challenge anyone's opinion. I just usually give my own personal view about something and if that person ends up challenging my ideas or ideals I don't take the bait. If it's a debate competition it would be a different scenario though. The reason I don't argue with someone is not because I don't know anything. In fact I'm very good and well- experienced specially when it comes to a debate. It's just that I believe there is a proper room for an argument or may I say a debate. I know that we should always respect each and everyone's personality, ideals, individuality, etc. That's why I'm really very careful whenever I post discussions or respond to a certain discussion. I always make sure that I'm using politically correct terms and that I'll not be offending anyone. However, different people have different personalities. It just happened that there are people who love challenging and arguing.
• United States
3 Jul 10
I feel you. Respect is key when engaging in an intellectual conversation or debate. People nowadays lack the necessary respect for other mortals or should I say compassion. The guy I was debating with on her may've had daughters my age and I'm sure he definitely wouldn't want my dad on here arguing with one of his daughters. That's why I ultimately decided to be the mature adult and put it to a close. I love challenging and engaging conversation just as much as the next person, but I feel that there's somewhere in which the line must be drawn. Thanks for your comment!!
@oldchem1 (8132)
28 Jun 10
Ah but doesn't it make the discussion so much more fun!! It would be a pretty boring discussion if we all felt the sam way!! But it is an insult and very bad manners to critiscise a person's intellect, not good at all
• United States
28 Jun 10
Yes, it was fun to a certain extent because I love a good debate just as much as the next person mainly because I'm very competitive. But once it gets to the point where it's disrespectful and the person becomes degrading and unfair, that's when I remove myself from the debate, whether I won or lost. Thanks for your comment!!
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
Yes. I hate it too. They are like people who do not have ears. They really don't want to listen to others. And don't like to listen in others suggestion. Well, I wish.. that They should use their ears well. :D
• United States
28 Jun 10
Yes, I agree. Those people are totally aggravating and not very good listeners. All they want to do is talk, even if they are wrong. It's crazy!!! Thanks for your comment!!