Are people really as mean as they seem on DCUM?
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Anonymous
| We are new to the area and I stumbled upon this site. Every time I solicit any advice, the majority of the comments are not helpful and feels like I am being attacked. It makes me wonder what people are really thinking when I meet them. |
Anonymous
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No, at least I certainly hope not. I think the problem is that people who enjoy being nasty also like to talk a lot more, so they post more often. If you poke around the site more, you'll find that the General Parenting forum is nastier than some of the others.
Of course--I'm from the midwest, and can't wait to get the heck out of DC. I don't think that people in DC are that nice, generally. |
Anonymous
| Parenting elicits strong opinions/convictions/beliefs in every area, not just DC. This is a popular forum, in large part because it's a source of helpful advice. But the anonymity also sometimes results in what feels like being attacked - one of the trade offs for a place where you can ask ANYTHING and not be worried about what people who really do know you will think. |
Anonymous
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I think people use the anonymity on this site to lash out. There are plenty of superficial people out there but they may keep the meanness in check b/c they when dealing with you face to face.
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Anonymous
| There are also a lot of stupid questions posted that just beg for a snarky response. |
Anonymous
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OP, I do think that on balance you will encounter more Type A people in D.C. who may seem abrupt, rude, entitled, or "mean" to you.
But most people are perfectly pleasant IRL. There's just a higher percentage of assholes around here. |
Anonymous
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I think snarkiness on DCUM = road rage among drivers
Something about anonymity bringing out aggression. |
Anonymous
Hi, OP! I thought so too when I got on here! But I also found some extremely helpful information, too. I read past the mean stuff (I teach my daughter that she can communicate almost anything she wants to say in a forceful but respectful way, and I try to do the same)! I imagine the hot-blooded nasties to be a little sad, lonely, and isolated... and pay them no mind.
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Anonymous
| The meanness is representative of the pissing contest that is so prevalent in this area. And it is a symptom of insecure people. Go figure. Sheds a whole new light on humanity and the amount of bitterness, which is "enlightening". I had no idea people were so insecure and bitter, frankly. |
Anonymous
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OP I find it pretty mean here too and I'm from NY.
Someone told me years ago when I move dhere, "DC is a city full of frustrated ex-class Presidents" and once I heard that it allllllllllll made sense. |
Anonymous
| Yes! I think most are mean. I think they are privately unhappy people. And I don't think they are just wealthy superficials folks. I think there's a huge middle class group here that is just disenfranchised and bitter. That said, I have still gotten good advice here at times. |
Anonymous
I agree. Never understood the sense of superiority and entitlement, either. |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
| Just ignore the crazies. |
Anonymous
Yup, this. And agree with the other posters that the anonymous forum encourages some people to lash out and be nasty. |