Calling People Sheeple

[22-rimfire]

I don't see the term objectionable in general. One needs to be aware that broad generalizations or characterizations are generally incorrect. One term that I find objectionable and sometimes used in relation to the AR (rifle) craze was "fudd" (as in Elmer Fudd). In just about every case I have read it was intended negatively whereas sheeple is broader and tends to be more situational.

Added: The Sheeple term is used by the survivalist community to categorize anyone that does not prepare adequately for emergencies or in their case the end of the world as we know it. There are degrees of everything in terms of the sheeple term applicability and it is always relative. If you don't own a generator, you must be a sheeple.

 

[Danke42]

I don't see the term objectionable in general. One needs to be aware that broad generalizations or characterizations are generally incorrect. One term that I find objectionable and sometimes used in relation to the AR (rifle) craze was "fudd" (as in Elmer Fudd). In just about every case I have read it was intended negatively whereas sheeple is broader and tends to be more situational.

Added: The Sheeple term is used by the survivalist community to categorize anyone that does not prepare adequately for emergencies or in their case the end of the world as we know it. There are degrees of everything in terms of the sheeple term applicability and it is always relative. If you don't own a generator, you must be a sheeple.

Exactly; it is a term used to denigrate users outside of your tribe. Like Ted said, it's garbage.

As soon as someone trots out that term the quality of the discussion pegs out at Team Edward vs. Team Jacob.

 

[Kaizen1]

I like to use knives in such a way that shows people why I have one. Like when a coworker is struggling to open a box with a pencil. There's no question at that point how it can be used in a civilized way. In fact, they tend to thank you.

 

[tueller]

The reason for the name calling is not insecurity. It is because the sheeple don't stop at having there own opinion. Instead they push their opinion/agenda on others. I don't care if they don't want to own or carry a knife or a gun, but sheeple do care and try to stop me from carry what I want. This is not insecurity, this is my way of life being attacked and me verbally responding by calling a sheep a sheep.

 

[22-rimfire]

Exactly; it is a term used to denigrate users outside of your tribe. Like Ted said, it's garbage.

As soon as someone trots out that term the quality of the discussion pegs out at Team Edward vs. Team Jacob.

I don't view the Sheeple term so strongly or absolutely and I don't see the Team Edward vs Team Jacob applicability relative to knives. If you don't own a BK-2, ESEE 5, or a Strider, you're a sheeple? I am seldom offended by it as most people use it where as I am almost always offended by the term "fudd" and how it is used. In the case of the survivalist tribe, I don't get offended by that use either as to me it is situational and not to be taken like a typical vulgar term, nor do I find myself resisting as part of a tribe. I do prepare for emergencies, but it is not something my whole life centers around, hence I am probably a sheeple in that regard. (I do own a couple generators however and have my house is properly wired to plug the generator directly into the house circuits.)

Yes Tueller, most of us are members of the knife tribe in terms of our regular carry. A lot of people don't see it the way we do and it that case I try to educate somewhat.

 

[sabre cat]

I like to use knives in such a way that shows people why I have one. Like when a coworker is struggling to open a box with a pencil. There's no question at that point how it can be used in a civilized way. In fact, they tend to thank you.

Not in my office. Sometimes you will get thanked. Sometimes. I have seen people reach for keys or an open pair of scissors to deal with boxes. Even when there is a knife available. Most of the time it's the women. I just don't get it.

BTW, my office knives are a red handled SAK Mechanic and a Gerber EAB. Nothing threatening. Very conservative.

 

[Danke42]

I don't view the Sheeple term so strongly or absolutely and I don't see the Team Edward vs Team Jacob applicability relative to knives. If you don't own a BK-2, ESEE 5, or a Strider, you're a sheeple? I am seldom offended by it as most people use it where as I am almost always offended by the term "fudd" and how it is used. In the case of the survivalist tribe, I don't get offended by that use either as to me it is situational and not to be taken like a typical vulgar term, nor do I find myself resisting as part of a tribe. I do prepare for emergencies, but it is not something my whole life centers around, hence I am probably a sheeple in that regard. (I do own a couple generators however and have my house is properly wired to plug the generator directly into the house circuits.)

Yes Tueller, most of us are members of the knife tribe in terms of our regular carry. A lot of people don't see it the way we do and it that case I try to educate somewhat.

Fudds are worse than sheeple.

 

[newdebate]

Sheep, sheep, sheep. What about the goats ... like Black Phillip?

 

[RevDevil]

I think it falls more on the slightly disrespectful half of the line. People that don't know, just don't know. They need to be left alone to do their own thing, or if you want to start a project that promises no success, then take one under your wing and try to educate and ultimately show them what if any real differences are. Personally, I don't have as much time as I used to for this kind of thing, there are much more important things to do than label people. There is always a giant gray area that people seem to overlook on purpose as it is quite time consuming navigating it.

 

[jbmonkey]

whats this team edward team jacob deal??

i had to google it and i see its some kiddie/teenie movie deal. for once im glad i am too old to know this, well.......prior to today.

 

[true north]

The reason for the name calling is not insecurity. It is because the sheeple don't stop at having there own opinion. Instead they push their opinion/agenda on others. I don't care if they don't want to own or carry a knife or a gun, but sheeple do care and try to stop me from carry what I want. This is not insecurity, this is my way of life being attacked and me verbally responding by calling a sheep a sheep.

My thoughts exactly.

Anti-knife bigots are no different from anti-gun bigots; both have a compulsive need to control other people and impose their will on them.

At the end of the day, it's all about control.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think it falls more on the slightly disrespectful half of the line.

I'll accept that characterization.

And yes True North, it IS all about control ultimately. Recently a Brit (Parliament member?, forget at the moment) said something like maybe we should consider the firearm carry issue as they grapple with the terrorist issue. That person was quickly squashed ..... we can't allow people to arm themselves. Knife carry is fairly restrictive as well in England.

 

[Sosa]

The reason knives are restricted in England is because guns are outlawed. pattern here?

 

[Yonose]

I consider the term "sheeple" more of a term describing a persons behavior and attitude about life in general than an insult. Including politics. Most of the people that I personally would brand as sheeple have a, how was it put by another member?

...."It is more of a go-along-to-get-along attitude, when it gets to the extent that one is willing to give up their individual identity for the sake of conformity."

But, it can, and normally will go deeper than that. Many surrender their rights, freedoms, and to an extent, their free agency for a sense of safety and security. Sometimes it is just mental but, it can cross over to physical surrender depending upon lifestyle, local and/or country laws. Just look at world history over the last hundred years.

Safety and security. Sounds nice doesn't it? The problem is this, I've noticed that most of them refuse to ensure their own safety and security by action on their part but, prefer that it is provided by local laws or an other outside sources, such as the ruling government. The bottom line is that their safety and security is paid for by stripping rights from non-sheeple. In other words, people like us. Knife and gun owners.

To make matters worse, most sheeple are not willing to allow any changes in their own lifestyle to help with their own safety. Change in the lifestyle of others is OK. Change the law of the land if you have too but, heaven forbid if the poor little sheeple is inconvenienced.

I won't even touch the subject of wolves in sheeple clothing except to comment that I firmly believe they exist. If it says Baa but has sharp teeth, beware!

I find it interesting that insulting terms used by sheeple to describe knife/gun owners happen far more often and cause more damage than you and I comparing people to sheep. They are filed away in the mind of John Q. Public, to be used against us at election time. Yet, their comments publicly appear to be ignored, even in our own ranks. Yet, sheeple supporters everywhere whine and continue to make the term "sheeple" an ongoing issue. That, my friends, I find insulting.

Gee, I did not expect this to go in that direction. Sorry about the rant. As you can guess I don't really have any use for sheeple. To me they are, in some ways, more annoying than the wolves.

Like I said the term sheeple is not an insult in my book. Comparing people to sheep can be considered a compliment in some circles. If you consider it an insult, tough. It builds character.

I believe ms Clinton and Obama went to the extreme of implying that groups of gun owners were domestic terrorists. Given media coverage of the election, and considering how many front page articles and editorials in WSJ and NYT are clearly written by Gov't sponsored "agents," we have as much to fear from our own government as we do from actual jihadis hiding amongst refugees.

 

[Cutlover]

Some foolproof vetting (far better than what currently exists) would help determine who deserves to carry and who shouldn't be trusted with a so much as a glue bottle.

I am all for carrying guns and knives both as tools and self defense, since it is undeniable that they are necessities in this world. If everyone carried, it may even act like nuclear deterrence, but on a baby scale. To quote one of my favorite movies, "When everyone's super... no one will be."

Free cookie if you know the movie.

 

[Yonose]

Superman2?

 

[Yonose]

Someone quoted in this or another thread the Swiss response to a hypothetical German invasion of 1 million soldiers "we would shoot them all and then go home." My brother lived in Russia back in the late 90's and he said the question he was most asked was "how many people have you shot and killed in America?" Hollywood is way more influential to foreigners than most people are aware.

 

[JupiterPaladin]

Being from rural Ohio growing up it was common for people to carry knives every day and not view them as simply a weapon. If you had a real SAK holy crap you were top dog at school. So now when I see this irrational fear, especially when they know me well (I'm definitely level headed and non-violent), it irritates me to no end. What's worse is when these people chastise you for having a weapon and accuse you of being a closet psycho, but then they act like your friend when they need your knife.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Some foolproof vetting (far better than what currently exists) would help determine who deserves to carry and who shouldn't be trusted with a so much as a glue bottle.

I am all for carrying guns and knives both as tools and self defense, since it is undeniable that they are necessities in this world. If everyone carried, it may even act like nuclear deterrence, but on a baby scale. To quote one of my favorite movies, "When everyone's super... no one will be."

Free cookie if you know the movie.

The Incredibles, I love that movie.

I believe ms Clinton and Obama went to the extreme of implying that groups of gun owners were domestic terrorists. Given media coverage of the election, and considering how many front page articles and editorials in WSJ and NYT are clearly written by Gov't sponsored "agents," we have as much to fear from our own government as we do from actual jihadis hiding amongst refugees.

You may want to leave politics outta this, just some advice as you could get gigged for bringing it up here. You could always upgrade your membership and post in the political forum.

 

[Mecha]

Being from rural Ohio growing up it was common for people to carry knives every day and not view them as simply a weapon. If you had a real SAK holy crap you were top dog at school. So now when I see this irrational fear, especially when they know me well (I'm definitely level headed and non-violent), it irritates me to no end. What's worse is when these people chastise you for having a weapon and accuse you of being a closet psycho, but then they act like your friend when they need your knife.

Damn right who didn't have a Q knife back in the 80s!