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FreepFryer

(7,086 posts)

56. I am well aware of the definition, and we're not neutered.

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 04:09 PM

Oct 2018

Many words apply, but not that one. The idea is anathema to effective politics.

While you breathe, and vote, you have political power.

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Why is unjustified pessimism so much more tolerable than unjustified optimism? [View all] FreepFryer Oct 2018 OP

Writing Meet Wall LandOfHopeAndDreams Oct 2018 #1

That kind of conditioning is the same process underlying Stockholm Syndrome. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #3

Perhaps, saidsimplesimon Oct 2018 #29

Not sure that answers the question though. Separation Oct 2018 #4

Ah, indeed! But in those great tales, the hero is not always the winner... FreepFryer Oct 2018 #6

Adversity, and failure Separation Oct 2018 #8

Amen! :) Let's stay the course, and not give into fatalism, and we may just see that day come. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #9

It's the sense of impending doom... kentuck Oct 2018 #2

It reminds me of Andy Dufresne in 'Shawshank Redemption" FreepFryer Oct 2018 #5

Evolution marylandblue Oct 2018 #7

They also tended to be hermits and/or sociopaths. Surely a balance is needed for civilization. (nt) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #11

There were many who didn't see a lion behind every tree John Fante Oct 2018 #26

I exaggerated a bit on behind "every" tree marylandblue Oct 2018 #62

It's not mythology Oct 2018 #10

This I tend to agree with. It's a kind of 'opting out' of challenges beyond our ability to withstand FreepFryer Oct 2018 #12

I wouldn't consider the pessimism unjustified unitedwethrive Oct 2018 #13

I would respond with the argument that that sense of entitled pessimism brought us to this moment. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #17

Because it's better to be pleasantly surprised than bitterly disappointed? CrispyQ Oct 2018 #14

Yep - 1000% kerry-is-my-prez Oct 2018 #18

Seeing the GOP throw the rule book in the trash, without Democrats leaping to retrieve it FreepFryer Oct 2018 #19

While we made incredible progress on one hand, CrispyQ Oct 2018 #42

'neutered'? That's a fucked up idea for you to internalize so willingly. We are far from powerless. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #44

Neuter 2. To render ineffective or powerless CrispyQ Oct 2018 #53

This message was self-deleted by its author FreepFryer Oct 2018 #55

I am well aware of the definition, and we're not neutered. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #56

I really appreciate what you're doing here. ZZenith Oct 2018 #77

Likewise. Glad to know you and welcome to DU! FreepFryer Oct 2018 #79

Cheers! ZZenith Oct 2018 #83

Naaah, "He hates these cans!" - Navin Johnson FreepFryer Oct 2018 #84

Navin R. Johnson! ZZenith Oct 2018 #85

"Yuh covered!" -- Jackie Mason FreepFryer Oct 2018 #86

I read that pessimists tend to be right more often than optimists are. LastLiberal in PalmSprings Oct 2018 #15

Eye toe-tally agree :D FreepFryer Oct 2018 #21

Because with unjustified optimism, you get your heart ripped out. Plus if this has happened to you kerry-is-my-prez Oct 2018 #16

But is there no truth to the idea that one comes to see what one expects to see, even when absent? FreepFryer Oct 2018 #20

murphy's law rampartc Oct 2018 #22

"Nor will you be invited to the best parties." Cheers :) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #23

if "timmy" and "squi" are throwing yhe party i'll pass anyway. rampartc Oct 2018 #25

I said 'best' parties, not 'bro' parties :) Shame we dont learn the difference earlier. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #45

To cope psychologically Sunsky Oct 2018 #24

This rings true to me. And I especially appreciate your forward-looking and your agency. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #35

GREAT question. n/t OneGrassRoot Oct 2018 #27

Cheers! Thanks for the support. I'm earnestly trying to understand. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #46

Pessimism helps me immensely as a gambler Awsi Dooger Oct 2018 #28

Is there any truth to the idea that a population of speculative gamblers will slant the field? FreepFryer Oct 2018 #36

Speculating is prevalent in sports wagering while political wagering is reactive Awsi Dooger Oct 2018 #71

I won't pretend to have adequately absorbed your answer to respond, but I'm astonished at FreepFryer Oct 2018 #73

Excellent post! Separation Oct 2018 #74

It's not more tolerable, it's more realistic. How many positive things have happened since Vinca Oct 2018 #30

"To expect anything good to come from Washington is to be delusional." I disagree. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #37

Perhaps I need whatever you're drinking. Vinca Oct 2018 #40

Alcohol? Never touch the stuff. Love me some root beer though. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #43

If you anticipate the worst case scenario, and the worst case scenario actually plays out.... Tommy_Carcetti Oct 2018 #31

I think there's truth to that answer... it's easier to be wrong when everyone is happy... FreepFryer Oct 2018 #41

I agree California_Republic Oct 2018 #32

It feels deployed, calculated, intentional... like Trumpist disinfo to keep Hillary voters at home. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #38

I got in a DU exchange over that topic California_Republic Oct 2018 #81

Good on you!!! FreepFryer Oct 2018 #82

You know who doesn't give off a pessimistic vibe, despite John Fante Oct 2018 #33

Wow, just wow. THANK YOU for this. We're in good company. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #39

+1000.nt ecstatic Oct 2018 #89

It's easier. tazkcmo Oct 2018 #34

Luke: "Is the dark side stronger? Yoda: "No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive." FreepFryer Oct 2018 #49

Because the pessimist can be pleasantly surprised to have been wrong Maeve Oct 2018 #47

That's an idea others have expressed as well.. but why is it that the outcome, if pleasing, FreepFryer Oct 2018 #51

The latter. Think the women who fought for the right to John Fante Oct 2018 #57

Today people are scared eleny Oct 2018 #48

Obi Wan said it best... "You can't win. But there are alternatives to fighting." FreepFryer Oct 2018 #54

I think that the fight will present itself and people will meet the challenge eleny Oct 2018 #58

Thanks for the longer-term perspective. Glad to be with you for the long haul! n/t FreepFryer Oct 2018 #66

Tearing down is so much easier than building up. LanternWaste Oct 2018 #50

That gives me a lot to think about, as I see that generationality in antiestablishment thinking. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #52

Bio-rhythms is a concept describing the rise and fall OxQQme Oct 2018 #59

Nice :) Be the savior you seek! :) (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #60

I agree, it's strange. It's the exact opposite of this site in early November 2016... MadDAsHell Oct 2018 #61

I think you are definitely on to something. There is a lot of internalized trauma here... FreepFryer Oct 2018 #63

What appears as pessimism to some... Charlotte Little Oct 2018 #64

But what about feeling as if all is lost and NOT fighting as if life depends on it? FreepFryer Oct 2018 #65

Well, there's a possibility... Charlotte Little Oct 2018 #67

LOL! Sometimes an overabundance of optimism is definitely a detriment... I think you and I are FreepFryer Oct 2018 #68

I'm fairly certain Kavanaugh will be confirmed based on what Republicans are saying. LeftInTX Oct 2018 #69

I refuse to calibrate my decisions to accommodate those who take pleasure in our suffering. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #70

OK...but you seemed optimistic this same group would not confirm Kavanaugh LeftInTX Oct 2018 #72

I'm not sure I'm optimistic they won't confirm... FreepFryer Oct 2018 #75

I tend to agree LeftInTX Oct 2018 #78

past is prologue qazplm135 Oct 2018 #76

No, the worst case may be that everyone always looks like a lion until you are convinced otherwise.. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #80

No not really qazplm135 Oct 2018 #92

That's only true if you don't believe in free will. Free will affects reality every day. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #93

I believe in limited free will qazplm135 Oct 2018 #94

But don't your expectations frame your actions, and your actions change reality, by definition? n/t FreepFryer Oct 2018 #95

No qazplm135 Oct 2018 #96

But your actions affect the outcome. That's what makes them different from intentions. (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #97

Which is my point qazplm135 Oct 2018 #98

Then we fundamentally disagree. I think ones attitude obviously affects ones actions. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #99

Expectation qazplm135 Oct 2018 #100

I think there's a good mix of pessimism/ optimism here. ecstatic Oct 2018 #87

It's a relief to hear that that's your experience of DU, I'm grateful you chose to say so! (n/t) FreepFryer Oct 2018 #88

Yeah. I lean towards worrying and pessimism and I like that I can come here ecstatic Oct 2018 #90

Yup, that era sucked. I was here for the latter half of it, if memory serves. FreepFryer Oct 2018 #91