Silly Little Tribes

[Tamara]

Why can some people not objectively discuss their preferences in guns, cars, PC's, whatever, without using the words "sucks", "rules", "junk", "fool", "garbage", "ultimate", and such?

Just wondering...

I like my Z3 2.8. It is a neat roadster. Does this mean that it "rules"? That Miatas, SLK's, S2000's, TT Convertibles, and all other roadsters "suck"?

No, it just means I like my car.

It amazes me how many people own a handgun, let's call it a Glocksigberetta. Their sigline says it RULES! All the Deltaswatseals use it! You can run it over with an Abrams and submerge it in magma and its' match-grade trigger will still let it shoot 1" groups while it's full of gravel, because it was perfectly designed by Saint Samuel Gaston Browning-Mauser in nineteen-ought-one.

When you ask these folks if they've shot a Walther1911Browning & Koch, they tell you "Yeah, they suck! I owned one for a week ten years ago and it jammed on 2 of the only 50 rounds I shot through it, so I sold it!".

[gryphon]

It's most likely because everyone wants to have "the best". In their eyes what they have is the best because they bought it. If it were proven otherwise, then they would think that they look like chumps for not getting "the best".

Most of use still have that little kid inside of use that wants to look cool to everyone else around us. The difference between the "suck, rules, junk, garbage, ultimate" crowd and those that don't use those analogies is that those who don't understand that their opinion is theirs, opinions are not always fact and are mature enough to know that being objective is much more useful then degredation.

I for one generally don't take the advice of those that say handgun X is junk and I wouldn't use it for a doorstop. Because that is usually all they say. They don't corroborate their statement with any kind of fact. Now, if the same person said that I don't like handgun X because all my experiences with them have had a history of cracked frames, FTFs, FTEs, or whatever, then I tend to give their opinion more creedance.

[gdhillard]

Everybody wants to feel good about themselves. When there is not a lot of objective data to support this feeling, folks tend to get a little strident about the things that they try to make themselves out of. Usually these folks needed more time watching Mr.Rogers. Gary, who has the best vacuum cleaner in the world. And all the other ones suck.

[Don Gwinn]

Hmph. That's just about the kind of talk I'd expect from a Glocker.

[Ronin 99]

No one in their right mind would claim a Z3 rules. Now a Porsche Boxter, ummm.....
Ronin

[NapAttack]

Generally people who use this type of terminology are operating on feelings much more so than facts. Their particular choices must be the best because that's the way they "feel" about it, therefore it follows that anything else must be "junk". I've seen this trait occur very frequently in liberals but considerably less so in conservatives or libertarians. When you challenge them, what experiences have you had that would indicate that this is junk, they usually revert to name calling after that. When you don't allow them to rattle you and stick to the point they usually get mad and go off in a huff. Since their opinions are based on feelings they get their feelings hurt and look for ways to belittle and tear down your opinions after that. Disagree with them and they consider it a personal attack.

[Tamara]

...that some folks ain't happy unless they belong to a "tribe".

When you buy a Glock or an HK or a Harley or a Honda or a Macintosh, you're not just getting a product, you're getting admission to the tribe.

[Monkeyleg]

I have never even fired a Glock, but I'm convinced that they're probably the most reliable semi-autos on the market. I just think they're butt-ugly. On the other hand, my Remington 700 PSS is probably one of the ugliest rifles sold, but it outshoots more "pretty rifles" than any longarm I've seen.

There's no way I could ever have the time to really test every pistol or rifle on the market and pass judgement.

Sometimes I think all this brand-loyalty baloney started years ago when manufacturers started putting their logos on clothing. Harley's undoubtedly the king of that kind of marketing and, even though I own one, I'd certainly never claim that it's the best motorcycle out there. What's more, in their late-night confessions, BMW riders will say the same about their rides.

It's all marketing and advertising. Since that's my source of living, I enjoy the "mine is better than yours" arguments.

[Archie]

Humans have a "need" to belong. To this end, they join groups. In this example, they join a group by buying something in common with others.

In addition, there is a continuing problem in the U. S., and possibly humanity at large, of those who must "follow".
They don't test drive various automobiles, test fire weapons, listen to politicians, or pay attention to the function of clothing.
So they drive SUVs (even if they never leave the pavement), carry "Army" guns, vote for liberals and wear camoflage clothing in town.

And, because they have "derivitive" opinions, they are defensive. Somewhere deep, they are self-doubtful and rightfully so. This leads to the over compensational attitude of "I'm right! I'm right! I'm right!"

Now on the other hand; all my opinions are based on years of research. I really don't give a hoot if anyone agrees or not.

Naturally, I am very reasonable!

(Norkle-snurf!)

[CSAY]

Once again Tamara, you are the voice of reason. I come to TFL for actual in field experiences. What kind of problems people are experiencing with various makes and models and what they did to remedy the problems. I'll be the one to decide what is best for me, and everyone else won't be considered an idiot if they don't agree. It's all about personal preference, that's all.

[blades67]

Tamara, it sounds like you could use a week off from the gun store.

I like belonging to the SIGLOCKOCH tribe sometimes.

[Zundfolge]

/me buys Tamara a beer (hope you don't mind Guinness )

[C.R.Sam]

Just off the top of my head, scratched on a napkin and came up with.

Owned and enjoyed 13 MAKES (who knows how many models) of handguns.

Owned and enjoyed 20 MAKES (again, total unknown) of motorcycles.

Don't even want to get into the myriad of cars, shotguns, rifles etc.

Only easy one is airplanes, 3 owned and liked.

Maby I'm just easily entertained.

Sam.....and I still haven't owned a Glock.

[blades67]

Sam - I don't know how easily entertained you may be, but it sounds like you have a very short atten...hey Sam, you still listening??

[denfoote]

That's why I own a little of everything...

[Ronin 99]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Ronin

[NINE]

Yeah, I've heard some people speak fanatically about a certain brand of firearm... "When only the best will do..." etc, etc. I wonder what's in their safe? "This X-model 9mm jammed, so I chopped it into 1000 pieces and I ate it."
I'll never buy that brand ever again... it gave me gas.


PS. If you don't like Rugers you're a stupid-head!!

[LASur5r+P]

Tamara,
What griffon says.
Sometimes, people, in order to elevate their choice has to denigrate or put down other choices.
In many careers, you see the same when people choose to be less than professional in working with people that they feel are beneath them.

...and others, poor upbringing or too much in breeding.

[Rob96]

9mm fan. I prefer to shoot and carry a 9mm. I lost my 45acp membership card when I got rid of mine for a G19. I too also like the trigger on my Ruger KGP-141 like WeShoot2 said in another thread. I don't need to belong to a certain tribe. My most expensive gun is my Glock. Never thought i would own another Glock after I got rid of my G22, but a 2nd generation G19 is another story. I love the way it handles. Now that fall is here and the weather is cooler I find myself toting my CZ75b Turk Military. Nothing flashy, but it works and 15rnd mags are inexpensive. My rifle is Clintonized AK, but it works and it has unbelievable accuracy for an AK. I tend to not got sucked in by "Status" symbols. I drive a plain Ford Ranger, it works. Sometimes its a little weird with the freaky thing the wipers do when it is humid out. I think the only "Status" thing I have is our 2001 Honda CRV. Bought that because of Hondas legendary reliabilty, was very pleased with the Accord we owned before it. When I spedn my money I want the most possible for my money. I don't need to be in a tribe. Now, where did I put my ceremonial head dress.

[Jhp147]

I have found it hard to have reasoned communication with anyone who uses those terms-"rule","suck", or worst of all,"rock", in any form as a verb.
My middle age must be showing.

[CastleBravo]

My Delta Elite ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCKS!!!!

Everyone else SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS!!!

Oh, if you aren't shooting a 10mm you are a weak little fool.

10mmcustomizedcolttribe rules!!!

oooga boooga oooga boooga ya ya ya....

[BigG]

Castlebravo is right!

[Walt Sherrill]

About TRIBES and SIGLINES and [name of your choice] Rules...

Many years ago a social observer named Eric Hoffer noted that recent converts to any political system or religion tended to be among the most strident "converters" of others to that belief system.

He said it was because the recent converts weren't fully comfortable with their new belief system and needed reinforcement.

When YOU, as a recent convert, prove to the "unwashed" or "ignorant" that your choice was the right choice, there's no better proof/reinforcement of the soundness of your earlier decision than seeing them repeat it!! So it is, perhaps, with many of the folks touting their handguns, cars, religions, or political beliefs.

I've found, over the years, that people confident in their beliefs don't have to convert others -- they just do or use what they do or use and enjoy their choices. (But when asked, will tell what they know.)

Perhaps some of our staunchest advocates here and on other forum are just a little NEW to the "game"?

[Mike in VA]

The need to belong, the need for positive reinforcement, insecurity, immaturity, the inability to recognize the presence of other intelligence in the room . . . . some combination of all of teh above.

The dicotomy of an education is that the more you learn, the more you realize how little you know

[First On Race Day]

Counter tribe practice:

1. Smile
2. Nod
3. Repeat until the annoyance goes away.