Is there anyone else like me who either does not understand, or simply just doesn't give a crap about.. this "group dynamics" or "social politics" stuff?? I'm really tired of it, and at the same time, I'm bothered by the fact that I seemingly cannot play the "game" and feel left out as a result.
It is everywhere, both online and offline. Offline it's basically like.. there's a specific "code" you're supposed to use, depending on the social environment surrounding you at a specific time. It is hard to describe, but basically here is I how I observe it if you're in a group of mostly same-age people: the code dictates you should act like you're something special, you should pretend you want to climb the social ladder (even if you really don't), you should treat specific people well and certain "less desirable" people with less regard. I've seen the last example there specifically happening in work environments: for example, when I was the only one who would treat specific people nicely. In most cases these were women of a different race than the majority, and it seemed the other women treated them worse than the men.
As for online: in forums, for example. It seems if you want to get some respect, it's more like this: the code dictates you should engage in witty banter often, especially with 1-2 line posts that fill up the entire place, and often have silly pictures attached to them. If you do this enough, then for some reason you start to become more respected by the whole forum, and even desirable. On the other hand, if you post more practically or even if you post often but don't use any "wit," it's just like you're kinda "half-present." It's like the voice you're typing with is barely heard, or ascribed less value than others, or whatever.
It bothers me, because it seems like I'm missing out on a lot for not playing these social politics--which to me seems like a lot of silly and unnecessary nonsense (although I suppose it can also be fun and diverting for others.) I'm sick of always feeling like an outcast, but also really do not want to bother with this stuff... because I have no natural desire to do so, and/or don't really understand it. Has anyone else ever felt the way I do about this?
It is everywhere, both online and offline. Offline it's basically like.. there's a specific "code" you're supposed to use, depending on the social environment surrounding you at a specific time. It is hard to describe, but basically here is I how I observe it if you're in a group of mostly same-age people: the code dictates you should act like you're something special, you should pretend you want to climb the social ladder (even if you really don't), you should treat specific people well and certain "less desirable" people with less regard. I've seen the last example there specifically happening in work environments: for example, when I was the only one who would treat specific people nicely. In most cases these were women of a different race than the majority, and it seemed the other women treated them worse than the men.
As for online: in forums, for example. It seems if you want to get some respect, it's more like this: the code dictates you should engage in witty banter often, especially with 1-2 line posts that fill up the entire place, and often have silly pictures attached to them. If you do this enough, then for some reason you start to become more respected by the whole forum, and even desirable. On the other hand, if you post more practically or even if you post often but don't use any "wit," it's just like you're kinda "half-present." It's like the voice you're typing with is barely heard, or ascribed less value than others, or whatever.
It bothers me, because it seems like I'm missing out on a lot for not playing these social politics--which to me seems like a lot of silly and unnecessary nonsense (although I suppose it can also be fun and diverting for others.) I'm sick of always feeling like an outcast, but also really do not want to bother with this stuff... because I have no natural desire to do so, and/or don't really understand it. Has anyone else ever felt the way I do about this?
