I invariably find it interesting when a poster enters the discussion with what he or she believes to be the overarching truth not only about the discussion specifically, but life in general. As is often the case he/they hold themselves above the fray (after all, you must be above others in order to look down upon them), state opinion as fact, view dissimilar opinions with a bemused contempt and generally hold themselves out as the final arbiter of both the dispute itself and those engaged in it.
As a very recent example, Mr. P cites the freedom to choose whether to buy and play the game, but does so in a way which suggests that, once someone has made the choice to buy and play the game, he/she forfeits the right to comment upon its quality, or lack thereof. In three sentences he thereby dismisses all humanity's voice in commenting upon any discretionary product or service they've chosen to buy, from a meal at a pricey restaurant (one could hear him say: "no one forced you to choose that restaurant") to your home ("there were plenty of other houses in the neighborhood"); from the clothes you wear ("try another brand") to your entertainment choices ("if you're dissatisfied with CIV, watch a movie").
Without having done any research himself, nor citing any source (reputable or otherwise), he decides that those who are less then totally satisfied represent not only a "fraction" of all purchasers, but an "insignificant" fraction at that. He makes no allowance for those who have either not discovered fora such as CFC or have chosen not to participate in them. Nor does he allow for those purchasers who, being so dissatisfied with the product, have had the epiphany to which he refers and not only chosen to play the game no more (perhaps they're watching a movie right now), but have also chosen to waste no more time trying futilely to get the manufacturer to acknowledge their complaints, let alone address such complaints adequately.
He goes on to infantilize all those with complaints as "throwing their toys out of the pram" and "throwing temper tantrums," insisting (in his supercilious way) that they all have an unrealistic view of life and chiding them with the fatherly advice that "life is unfair." Not content with dismissing the complaints of one childish group with the back of one hand, he uses the other to dismiss yet another yet-unheard group whom he is certain would take the place of the first group if the first group were somehow to be satisfied.
He then elevates himself into a superior group of humans who "understand we have to get what we want for ourselves, and we also know how to do it," once again dismissing others "an insignificant minority" of untermenschen who "stubbornly think life owes them something, and who don't understand that it doesn't." He then brings his psychoanalytic prowess to bear concluding that this poor, wretched, "insignificant minority" of humanity is somehow searching for Daddy to make all things right. One can only imagine him standing up at a meeting America's Founding Fathers or in South Africa at a meeting of those fighting Apartheid and reminding them: "Life is unfair, you clueless, insignificant minority. Every other human being who has not raised his or her voice in protest is obviously perfectly satisfied with their lot, why aren't you? We understand that life owes us nothing, why don't you? You need to live in the real world and accept whatever you're given by the almighty powers that be! You should all go home and choose which defective toy to play with -- and be happy about it!"
Why would someone make such a post? One can only speculate that anyone who would do so has a need to feel superior both morally and intellectually and decides that the best way to achieve that end is to denigrate and dismiss others. Rather than truly rising above the situation, he/she takes the more expedient route of casting him or herself as what is, ironically enough, a truly insignificant -- and mythical -- minority of those who have such low expectations of themselves and others that there is nothing in this "unfair" "real world" which can disappoint them nor cause them to stand up for themselves and strive to make things better. Ironically, by holding him or herself above such plebeian concerns while steadfastly refusing even the attempt at righting any wrong they become the proverbial arrogant doormat.
More's the pity.
P.S. Yes, I'm quite aware of the irony of choosing to make this post and its content.
