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I think its the exaggeration I can't stand

(119 Posts)
volver Tue 17-Jan-23 09:12:08

I think that's why I feel I have to reply to some posts in a way that's seen as negative, by some. Why do people exaggerate so?

All Met officers are corrupt.

All politicians are in it for themselves.

All SNP voters hate the English.

All the strikers are trying to bring down the government.

(I don't believe any of these, let me make that clear.)

Why do people take these attitudes? Is it just an attempt to make life simple in their minds, when it's anything but?

volver Tue 17-Jan-23 09:12:58

Of course, I don't have to reply at all, I know that, before someone tells me so. 🤣

Calendargirl Tue 17-Jan-23 09:13:59

Well volver, some of your RF posts come across as negative.

Smileless2012 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:14:26

Makes much more sense to say some, doesn't it.

dragonfly46 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:26:09

I think sometimes it is a gut reaction and not thought through. Unfortunately it can upset a great many people so sometimes it is better to think first before you post.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:37:25

I am definitely guilty of All politicians are in it for themselves

I guess it’s because I am totally disillusioned by those I see/hear in the MSM.

JenniferEccles Tue 17-Jan-23 09:37:34

I think it’s just an expression of speech and I’m quite sure most people (if not all!) do realise that they are not talking about literally everyone.
For instance “ Everyone is sick to the back teeth of Harry’s incessant whinging” as there will certainly be some who believe his nonsense.

By the way I DO believe there is a concerted effort on the part of the striking unions to bring down the government.

Yammy Tue 17-Jan-23 09:38:52

volver

Of course, I don't have to reply at all, I know that, before someone tells me so. 🤣

Thanks for letting us know, now we know when to ignore your posts. We wouldn't want to pressurise you to feel you have to post to justify your frequent put-downs and our replies.
Would you like a list from each of us as to what we think?

Germanshepherdsmum Tue 17-Jan-23 09:39:01

Yes, I find statements such as those intensely annoying. Another one guaranteed to make me see red is that all lawyers rip you off. I just have to reply.

maddyone Tue 17-Jan-23 09:39:11

volver it’s a very good job you didn’t know my mother, her capacity for exaggeration was legendary.

I don’t know why people exaggerate, I think I’m guilty of it myself sometimes. Maybe it’s laziness, not wanting to use more words in order to be precise. My husband has made me aware of it in myself because as a Classics graduate he nit picks likes to use exactly the right word for the conversation, and I’m sometimes subjected to lectures
interesting lessons on why a particular word is the best one to use and it’s route through to modern English.

volver Tue 17-Jan-23 09:41:22

Yammy

volver

Of course, I don't have to reply at all, I know that, before someone tells me so. 🤣

Thanks for letting us know, now we know when to ignore your posts. We wouldn't want to pressurise you to feel you have to post to justify your frequent put-downs and our replies.
Would you like a list from each of us as to what we think?

At the risk of being seen as negative...

Calm down Yammy. We all know you don't like me.

Now, back to the matter in hand.

volver Tue 17-Jan-23 09:42:43

Germanshepherdsmum

Yes, I find statements such as those intensely annoying. Another one guaranteed to make me see red is that all lawyers rip you off. I just have to reply.

That's exactly the type of thing I'm talking about GSM.

Baggs Tue 17-Jan-23 09:43:55

Is it just an attempt to make life simple in their minds

Yes, I think this is what causes such generalisations. Some people like things to be black and white, good or evil, with not much in between. Most of life and the people who live it are of course in-betweenies on most things.

Kate1949 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:44:25

I think it's very kind of you to constantly tell us we are wrong volver.

Baggs Tue 17-Jan-23 09:45:10

As a psychologist on Twtr puts it: you don't have to take a side on everything.

Baggs Tue 17-Jan-23 09:48:09

it’s a very good job you didn’t know my mother, her capacity for exaggeration was legendary.

Maddyone, my dad often used exaggeration as a deliberate tool. He was in fact an extremely good teacher, of his pupils, his adult students, and his kids.

GagaJo Tue 17-Jan-23 09:48:24

Unfortunately Volver, one of my frequent statements about the Tory party, is that they're all corrupt, greedy scroungers, trying to kill the NHS and embezzle our taxes. Based on the evidence of BJ, Michele Mone et al during the covid crisis, I actually believe this.

Much as I hated Thatcher, for what she did to the part of the country I live in, I don't think she was a corrupt Tory. But I'm not sure there are genuine Tory politicians anymore.

So, my statements may read like hyperbole to others, but very sadly, I believe them.

volver Tue 17-Jan-23 09:48:53

Kate1949

I think it's very kind of you to constantly tell us we are wrong volver.

Thanks.

Its a tough job but somebody has to do it.

Now, do you have anything to say about exaggeration? Otherwise a random reader might think you would rather have a go at me than actually talk about the topic of the thread.

Oreo Tue 17-Jan-23 09:49:16

I do know what you mean volver but as posters say it’s just an expression of speech really. Anyone who’s inclined to pedantry which you admit you are, is going to be bothered by this, but most aren’t.
The word some or many should be used instead of all but I guess this won’t always happen.
At least you’ve made us think twice now to preview our posts.😁

Baggs Tue 17-Jan-23 09:49:31

🎯

Baggs Tue 17-Jan-23 09:50:21

🎯 was for V. Must speed up my draw 🏹

Kate1949 Tue 17-Jan-23 09:50:59

I'm not sure it's exaggeration. Isn't it just different opinions?

Oreo Tue 17-Jan-23 09:53:08

I don’t think so Kate1949 as logic tells us that not all of any group is one particular thing.

Siope Tue 17-Jan-23 09:53:38

I think it sits alongside (or is perhaps a consequence of) a lack of nuance in the posts - and presumably opinions - of some/many/most (delete as appropriate) posters, across a wide range of issues.

Farzanah Tue 17-Jan-23 09:57:26

I think it is sometimes used to support an argument, such as immigration numbers. The tabloids are good at exaggeration to draw readers attention.