On "Bushbots" and "Bushbashers"

January 21st, 2004 | Sabertooth

[Sabertooth]

A couple of words we see frequently around the Forum are “Bushbot” and “Bushbasher.”

I find them to be useless ad hominems that inevitably detract from whatever valid points the poster using them might be trying to make, or, more frequently, detract from said poster’s lack of any substantial points.

By my understanding, a genuine “Bushbot” would be someone who would call the sky green if the President said so, and a true “Bushbasher” would call it purple if the President called it blue.

While there are doubtless a few of each on FR, the vast, vast majority don’t fall into either category. If someone is more likely to defend President Bush than not, they aren’t necessarily a “Bushbot,” and more frequent critics aren’t necessarily “Bushbahsers.”

Defenders don’t necessarily dream of kool aid and knee pads, and critics aren’t necessarily moles from DU.

If you find yourself using either of these terms, “Bushbot” or Bushbasher,” ask yourself what is the likely result of your doing so. If your target is really a “bot” or a “basher,” they will remain unpersuaded as to whatever you’re saying, and nothing will change but the increased level of acrimony. The result is the same if your target is not.

No one is impressed by the use of “Bushbot” or “Bushbasher,” except those who actually use the term. Not the targets, not their allies, not the bystanders, and not the lurkers.

If you’re using either of these terms, and making otherwise valid points, they are being lost.

They are bad habits, and definitely worth losing.

[Sabertooth]

[AppyPappy]

Sorry, mom. I'll try to do better.

[Sabertooth]

FYI

[RandallFlagg]

I usually use, "Bush-hater" when engaging them in other forums.

If the shoe fits....

[KantianBurke]

Afternoon Saber!

[BlueNgold]

Well said .. especially in an election year the tone from within should be more civil.

[anniegetyourgun]

The mischaracterization of people and their positions here on FR seems to be on the rise. Must be the political season. Personally, I just have to keep reminding myself that they are worthy of being ignored.

[Sabertooth]

I usually use, "Bush-hater" when engaging them in other forums.

If the shoe fits....

Well, not knowing what forums you're referencing, let me just observe that whenever anyone used to say "Clintonhater," the reflexive response is to bring out a pair of size "Clintonista."

Why not just call them poopy-heads?

[skeeter]

Your post doesn't take into consideration the handful on this forum who, if not for the ad hominen, would have nothing at all to say.

[Sir Gawain]

Now back to our regularly scheduled bashing and botting.

[snopercod]

I prefer to use the term "coprophagous entoproct" rather than "bushbot". It's much more civil-sounding.

[Bikers4Bush]

There are people who don't think Bush should be questioned on anything and they will attack anyone who does question him.

If one of these people calls me a bushbasher I consider it a compliment. It means they're scared of me pointing out the truth about a flawed policy.

[Modernman]

Your post doesn't take into consideration the handful on this forum who, if not for the ad hominen, would have nothing at all to say.

Just a handful?

[Sir Gawain]

[cynicom]

Feeling moralistic today???

[Sabertooth]

The mischaracterization of people and their positions here on FR seems to be on the rise. Must be the political season. Personally, I just have to keep reminding myself that they are worthy of being ignored.

Always a valid option.

I sometimes enjoy quoting the insult back to them, along with whatever other point they thought they were trying to make, and then ignoring the insult and addressing the point. Or conceding the insult, with a little humor.

Still, it gets tedious, and too many threads go into flaming death spirals over gratuitous insults.

I'd just thought I'd focus on these two words in particular, though.

[RandallFlagg]

Mainly when they post a one-sentence thread saying, "Bush is the biggest dumba$$ on the planet and I hate him with all I have(insert seventy-nine exclamation points here)," the term, "Poopy-heads" isn't very descriptive.

I duel with them at the Metallica forums on a daily basis.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Civility is the key, however yesterday, someone posted a thread that claimed the President was "implementing" a new plan to give HUD loans with no money down.

This was just probably another of many exploratory ideas that would help stimulate the economy.

The resulting firestorm of hate for the "RHINO" Bush, as well as many direct insults, etc....and anyone who even attempted to defend the President was pounced on like a (forgive the term) saber tooth.

So, I think the basher side is far more negative and aggressive while the defenders are simply tired of reading the constant negativity.

[Sir Gawain]

[kevao]

There are people who don't think Bush should be questioned on anything and they will attack anyone who does question him.

So I guess you'd rather have Dean or Kerry in the White House?

/sarcasm