I hate the fact that we've all become so fucking cynical. Everyone's

[babylonsister]

a smartass, and that's how we deal. x(

[AlCzervik]

1. thats the one i want to change, i was always cynical but i'm so much more now

[babylonsister]

14. I was cynical, but an optimist. I'm more of both now, depending on

the day. And did I mention I curse more? :hide:

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Show me a cynic

and I'll show you an idealist who built a shell against the pain.

[Cobalt-60]

6. not bad

I can't bring myself to join the openly evil scum who've generated this reaction..

[Cabcere]

10. Well said.

I generally consider myself a pretty idealistic person - I want to "save the world," so to speak, and I do believe in helping other people and making the world a better place. I want to believe I can make a difference, and that if we all work together, we can accomplish great things. But this administration is like a vacuum that sucks out all hope. Bush and his cronies are so corrupt and so unwilling to play by the rules that it seems impossible at times - what can you do against a man who doesn't believe in any of the principles he is sworn to protect and defend? :shrug: How do you defend freedom, keep believing in truth, and not give up your ideals when faced with this kind of heartlessness and hypocrisy that defies all logic? Cynicism may not solve the problem, but it makes it possible to get through it all, for the most part intact. It seems like our only defense sometimes. Sarcasm and bitterness counteract the pain; cynicism lessens expectations that nonetheless continue to be dashed at every turn. (I'm sorry if I'm not making a whole lot of sense - I am tired.)

[BlueStater]

3. I can't help it

Living under President Dipshit has transformed me into an extremely bitter person.

[Poll_Blind]

4. It's just on here with that electronic persona bullshit. In real life, if...

...people pull that shit they're usually greeted with uncomfortable silence. Cold comfort, I know, but still...

PB

[merh]

5. not me

I didn't "become this way" - I've always been this way.

You guys are just catching up with me. :hi:

[babylonsister]

11. You, more than many of us, deserve the right to be cynical! As for

myself, I notice it. I was always a NY smartass, but I know I'm worse. I was/am? an optimist, but am more realistic, or used to be.
And I have never cursed so much in my life! I remember being appalled when I first found DU at the language. Now, everytime I see the dim one, I throw verbal spears!

OT: so what itf told me was true! :rofl:

[merh]

15. Flowers for Algernon

We have lost our innocence and there is no turning back.

People like the dim one have always been in our government or in control of some faction of our society, dim one admin is just so blatant and greedy, it is like they are the drug given to Charly. Our minds were awaken and our eyes opened, we will never get over knowing how cruel they are, we might return to simple times, hopeful times, but we will always be distrusting. Those on the right that still think highly of dim one and his admin prefer to remain simpletons, they cannot handle the pain involved in realizing the truth. They just refuse to believe that "our government" would betray us, their patriotism is like a religion and to distrust the leaders would be like not believing in their god. They forget that we are our government.

[babylonsister]

16. "Their patriotism is like a religion:", without thinking

or knowing what's really going on. So sad.

[mitchum]

7. I'm actually more appalled by cynical actions...

rather than words. Those who can recognize mendacity and chicanery are unfairly branded as "evil" cynics.
If the "Emperor's New Clothes" were written today, the boy would be branded as the bad bad cynic, while the tailor would be considered a clever entrepreneur.

[AZBlue]

8. I agree. It's bad - both online and off.

I'm trying hard to change that about myself but it's hard when you are surrounded by others who continue to be negative and cynical.

Thanks for the post - I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like that!

:hi:

[Old and In the Way]

9. When you're powerless to change the situation, cynicism and ridicule at the

only tools available to maintain your sanity. I suppose you could just ignore what's happening around you, too. For those that can do that, I'm envious.

[PerfectSage]

12. You say "cynicism", I say "freed of illusion".

cynicism, freed of illusion
That's what disillusionment's all about.

Sing it to the tune of: You say Tomato, I say Tomotoe. lol
:hi:

[hibbing]

13. a shell against the pain

Hi,
Loved that line, show me a cynic and I'll show you an idealist who built a shell against the pain. Is that an original quote from you??? Love it.

I'm a cynic but do have some sense of optimism at some points, but usually disappointed in the leaders that I have optimism in.

Peace,
Hibbing

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. delete - posted in wrong place

[ComerPerro]

17. Thats a very cynical thing to say

and I agree completely

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. Cynicism is more than a word, it's a philosophy of life. Even Jesus was a Cynic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism

History of cynicism

Cynicism was the ancient Greek philosophy, primarily concerned with virtue, whose followers were known as "The Dog Philosophers." They believed virtue was the only necessity for happiness, and that it was entirely sufficient for attaining happiness. The Cynics followed this philosophy to the extent of neglecting everything not furthering their perfection of virtue and attainment of happiness, thus, the title 'Cynics', derived from the Greek word 'kuon', 'dog' in English, was assigned them because they lived like dogs —neglecting society, personal hygiene, family obligations, pursuing money, et cetera— to lead entirely virtuous, and, thus, happy lives <1>.

They did not escape Socrates's ridicule.

After his enlightenment, Diogenes traveled throughout Greece, almost naked and without provisions; enjoying the sun, the warm weather, the beaches, and so gathered about him thousands of pilgrims who listened to his talks, pregnant with sarcastic remarks about society. Even Alexander the Great, en route to Asian campaigns once went to him. Diogenes advised him to renounce conquest, however, Alexander declined, with "resignation", believing his destiny already written; Alexander the Great died in the year 323 B.C., in Babylon.

When Diogenes died, a 'dog' (symbol of cynicism) was carved to his tombstone.Modern cynicism

Typically, the modern cynic is greatly skeptical of social norms, especially those of a purpose more ritualistic than practical, and tend to question the validity of much popular belief, morality, and wisdom. They prefer awareness of social and world matters to a frivolous, care-free attitude to life. Cynics center on the ideals of human nature: inevitable patterns of behaviour and thought, placing oneself first, stereotypes, and intolerance.

Despite the mainstream society's negative portrayal of cynics, some philosophers argue that they are people who “refuse to look through rose-colored glasses”, and do not fear openly criticising society's typical behaviours.

Extreme cynicism in a person may lead cynics to view themselves as de-personalized, self-serving inhabitants of a meaningless, facetious, shallow world.

In modern Greek slang, Starhidismos is the word describing a cynical attitude to life and one's relation to the State and society.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A19552214

Early Christianity

There has been some speculation about whether Jesus was heavily influenced by Cynicism. Indeed, there is a fair amount of evidence for this idea. It is generally agreed that the historical Jesus could speak Greek, and knew something about Greek culture, which would allow him easy access to Cynic teachings. The town of Goddarah, around 20 miles away from Nazareth, was a major settlement and probably home to an itinerant Cynic or two. And there is of course the parallel between the ascetic life of the Cynic preacher and the life of Jesus and his disciples, giving up their money and possessions in favour of a life of poverty. There is also the idea of the 'brotherhood of man' which comes through strongly in both. Jesus taught that the whole of humanity was your family, and this is very similar to the Cynic ideas of family. This idea would be quite shocking to a Jewish society because Judaism places very heavy influence on ties of blood. He challenged Judaism's social materialism and concentrated instead on spirituality - you get the picture by now. When you look at it, there are a huge amount of parallels between the teachings of Jesus and the Cynics (though not perhaps the early period's 'tub philosophy').

During the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire was home to a surprisingly large number of travelling Cynic preachers, so that even if there were none resident in the area it is quite probably he had some contact with them. But note the phrase quite probably; there is no actual evidence of an interface between the two at the time of Jesus.

[PerfectSage]

22. You've got cynicism game!!!!!!!

Typically, the modern cynic is greatly skeptical of social norms, especially those of a purpose more ritualistic than practical, and tend to question the validity of much popular belief, morality, and wisdom. They prefer awareness of social and world matters to a frivolous, care-free attitude to life.

That pretty much explains why I look at society as an absurdist commedy.
:bounce:

[riverdeep]

20. This administration

unleashed a darkness not just on this nation, but on the entire world. Thugs and tyrants don't even pretend anymore, they're free to indulge themselves now, whether Putin in Russia or the Taliban. Anyone else notice this?

As far as optimism, I believe there are two definitions:

-That circumstances and events will turn out how you want.

-That regardless of how circumstances and events turn out, life is worth living and fighting for.

I subscibe to the second definition. But, admittedly, not everyday.

[Amonester]

21. It's getting so long. I really believed after the "unexpected" win in Nov.

("unexpected" because of the touch-screen votes) that dimson would have been served a definite "checkmate" by now... and that his evil reign would have been "stopped" and yet, not only it hasn't, but it only gets worse and worse day after day. :(

Call the republic party's reps & sens (if they R your reps and sens)? Say you did vote for them (of course its a lie, but they never lied, right?)? Or call your "conservative" Dems... and say you've had enough? Say you'll be leaving their sinking ship if they don't work to end that immoral and costly war of their own making? Etc. (or something else)?

What else has a chance to work ASAP?

[bananas]

23. I'm so cynical

I bet this thread gets stuck at 4 votes:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x86912

[MilesColtrane]

24. I was going to make a thoughtful analysis of the original post....

but, fuck it. What's the point?

;)

[WinkyDink]

25. Yeah, living through some late-60's assassinations will do that to a person.

And a wee VietNam Conflict.
And Watergate.
Don't get me started!

[NNN0LHI]

27. Stuff like that can make one very cynical. The Nixon pardon put me over the edge n/t

[mmonk]

26. Better a smartass than an elephant sympathizer.

[bigtree]

30. As if being a smartass makes you virtuous and Democratic . . .

I don't get it. Is that the choice? Either be a smart-ass or a republican sympathizer?

[mmonk]

31. Sorry it went over your head (it was a pun).

On a serious note, cynicism is directly related to failure of representation or belief in public officials and their words.

[bigtree]

32. when were we ever able to just rely on, or have any fervent belief in politician's words?

I think that the more we involve ourselves in the political debate, the less we feel put upon or at the mercy of the politician's words. Even more empowering is a full immersion in the entire political process; from the proposals; to the hearings; to committee; to the floor for debate and voting.

More involvement also make us more accountable for the eventual actions of those we elect.

I don't think there is nearly enough real understanding of the political process. Most folks just dismiss it as a sham, without stopping to imagine what their own influence would be if they managed to get themselves elected and were forced to move their ideas and concerns forward against the ambitions of the other legislators. We can afford to be hypercritical from the outside, but I think we sometimes overestimate the influence of individual members of Congress to effect the changes we're all concerned about. That heightened, exaggerated sense of their ability creates the most cynicism that comes from our rank-and-file towards our Democratic elected.

This time around, we have high hopes for success from the weak hands we were dealt in November. And, too few will (rightly) blame the crooked dealer for the players' losses.

[mmonk]

33. I don't expect individuals to be supermen or superwomen.

I do what I can to be part of the process. I do think people who speak the truth or have a valid position shouldn't be silenced or dimissed however, especially when our republic is in this deep of trouble. All we can do is carry on the fight.

[Jonathan50]

28. "No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up."

-Lily Tomlin

[mmonk]

29. Great quote