"Why do you need....?"

[MikeH]

is a question I am thoroughly sick of. When people whine "Why do you need a _____________?" you can be fairly certain that they don't think that you do in fact need it. Implicit in the question is the proposition that they are entitled to be the judge of what you need.

Why do you need a big heavy knife?

Why do you need an "assault rifle"?

Why do you need a 400 hp automobile?

Why do you need an SUV?

Etc.

They are generally not asking because they are open to reasonable discussion. They are asking because they have already decided in their self-assumed superiority that you don't need it. I have encountered this on several forums when I attempted honest answers. What set me off on this was a question in another forum to which I drafted an honest, sincere reply, but didn't post because I became angry at myself because to try to explain honestly would appear to legitimize their question. From now own I will adamantly refuse to answer such questions unless in a whimsical or sarcastic way, as dictated by the case at hand.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I like the other answer, I think powernoodle said something like, I don't need it, I want it, and I can afford it.

 

[KnifeAddictAK]

Mike, why do you NEED to post this thread? Haha. Sorry Mike, I couldn't resist. It is truly amazing to see how people are able to read my mind and thus dictate my necessities in life. I wish I knew of good response to offer you. In those situations, I would probably go with a non-caring attitude and respond "Because it's the American way" or "Merica" and go one with my day.

As for your questions:

Why do you need a big heavy knife? Because I keep breaking my kitchen knives when cutting up downed trees

Why do you need an "assault rifle"? According to Homeland Security, they are known as Personal Defense Weapons. And because the police don't NEED to protect me according to the Supreme Court.

Why do you need a 400 hp automobile? Because I may NEED to pass another vehicle on the road and don't want to have an accident because my vehicle couldn't accelerate quickly enough.

Why do you need an SUV? Cause when I had a pick up truck, the cops told me bungee cording the kids in the truck bed was illegal and unsafe.

I guess when I deal with people like that, my sarcasm tends to come out because just as you said, they don't think I need certain things. I'm not a fan of others (within reason, obviously) dictating my life choices. But Esav put it best with his quote. :thumbup:

 

[lsheldon]

Tell them that they NEED to mind their own business.

 

[Zymologist]

For justification I usually say. Just to have.

 

[knabstrupperUSA]

My usual answer is because i can. makes people mad sometimes :thumbup:

 

[shunsui]

...
Why do you need an "assault rifle"? According to Homeland Security, they are known as Personal Defense Weapons. And because the police don't NEED to protect me according to the Supreme Court.

Very nice. :thumbup:

 

[Stubai]

Yep, other people derive some twisted pleasure in having already decided what we need. It is a form of control, or attempted control. They have their minds made up before they utter a phrase, or they think they know it all. One would do well to steer clear of such fellows.

 

[cricketdave]

Depending on what people ask why I need it, for instance I once told a woman who looked with disdain on a knife on my belt that I needed it to make a skin suit out of her. I've given a few obnoxious answers over the years.

 

[cricketdave]

Oh and to get the proper response if you should say something rude it helps if you let your eyes roll around in your head and let a bit of drool trickle down your chin. It also helps if you ask if they have seen your hockey mask anywhere. Sometimes they leave skid marks getting away from me.

 

[Krav]

It's so funny how a lot of people want to control or try to control everything, when in reality they completely powerless over others, I have found these people to be the weakest, and the most unhappy.

There like a cork on the water , being washed this way, and that way, until they are waterlogged, and then eventually sinking. They want everyone to be the same, same houses, bushes, cars, and so on. Zombie robots.

 

[knabstrupperUSA]

You should just reply and say your not a communist and youll do what you want..... MERICA!

 

[ekinetikz]

Tell them that they NEED to mind their own business.

I feel like this is the best response in a lot of situations when people ask "need" questions.

 

[RussMo]

Depending on what people ask why I need it, for instance I once told a woman who looked with disdain on a knife on my belt that I needed it to make a skin suit out of her. I've given a few obnoxious answers over the years.

Yes Sir, I love being rude, crude and socially unacceptable!!! I have sometimes made a comment when asked why, "My ancestors did therefore I will. That is the main reason you get to wasting good oxygen I might need later."

 

[Cypress]

I want it, and I can afford it.

If any discussion beyond this occurs, I usually just ask them what their hobbies are. Some people collect planes or tigers. Knives, guns, and cars are pretty harmless in the grand scheme of hobbies.

 

[Father & Son Traditional Sharpening]

My question is this :

Why do ignorant people insist upon forcing their own opinions upon everybody?

 

[Jaytaylor]

My question is this :

Why do ignorant people insist upon forcing their own opinions upon everybody?

Why do ignorant people assume others are ignorant?
Ever considered that someone with a differing opinion might be well informed?

 

[Father & Son Traditional Sharpening]

Why do ignorant people assume others are ignorant?
Ever considered that someone with a differing opinion might be well informed?

Touche.....

I figured I'd ruffle some feathers with that one.....

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Yes Sir, I love being rude, crude and socially unacceptable!!!

Ah, memories of a misspent youth. I attended a university without fraternities, so a group of us formed our own, Kappa Lambda Sigma -- Krude, Lewd, and Socially unacceptable.

So good to find someone else who appreciates the good things in life.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Why do ignorant people assume others are ignorant?
Ever considered that someone with a differing opinion might be well informed?

Nope. Pretty sure if their opinion is not mine, they are utterly ignorant and likely have more in common with potato salad or a steaming pile than with sentient beings.











When I was attending Law School people always made snide comments about carrying a knife. But, I was constantly asked to cut stuff, or lend the knives.


One particularly woman asked me (after inquiring whether any one had a knife) "Why do you carry that knife?"
Her tone was condescending.


I replied "I have been carrying that knife for years.........................Just so I could cut your bagel when you asked.............."