They're not sheeple...
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300,000,000 copies sold of the last book.
Estimated 1 billion (that's 'illion with a B) readers.
Millions upon millions of movie and vid viewers.
That's real people spending real money turning the author into the very first real literary billionaire.
Sheeple is as made up a term as "Muggle". Alliteration or word compounding doesn't make it any less cryptic to the uninformed.
There's nothing recognizable about Sheeple if you're not embroiled in the RKBA issue, and that's not too many people when compared to the orders of magnitude for the readers/viewers of the Potter fiction.
Sheeple is a truly insulting term with nothing friendly about it while Muggle is recognized around the world now with all sorts of friendly associations.
I've not read one of the books yet, but my wife has and we've all gone to all of the movies. The movies, and I'm told the books, always pit good against evil with the self sufficient and independent folk being the protagonists. Not a bad model.
I'm not sure I like the "cutsie" aspect to it, but it beats the SCA's "Mundane" or the bitter sound of "Sheeple".
I figure that no matter what name is designated to fellow Americans, that have a view of the world different from myself, is doing nothing more than creating an "us", or "them" mind set. Once I do that, it seems easy for me to judge the "us" is better, and "them" are stupid, ignorant, crazy, unfaithful, liers, cheats, thiefs, ....
Why not simply consider them Americans, with a different view of the world. I can understand their fear of being robbed, raped, mugged, by some perpetrator, with a gun. Why can't some of the folks on this web site ?
I doubt, that bad mouthing frightened folks, is the best method, of improving the rights granted, under the Constitution of the United States. We live in a world, where 70% of the graduating seniors, in Georgia, two years ago, did not know what state was South of Georgia (many picked Mexico).
Be nice to each other, no matter what their political leanings. Remember they are Americans.
Why not simply consider them Americans, with a different view of the world. I can understand their fear of being robbed, raped, mugged, by some perpetrator, with a gun. Why can't some of the folks on this web site ?
I doubt, that bad mouthing frightened folks, is the best method, of improving the rights granted, under the Constitution of the United States. We live in a world, where 70% of the graduating seniors, in Georgia, two years ago, did not know what state was South of Georgia (many picked Mexico).
Be nice to each other, no matter what their political leanings. Remember they are Americans.
cbsbyte
Member
Personally I could careless about her real beliefs, I just found it humorus that some people believe she is a libertarian or even conservative. She is pretty far left in her own political convictions. Which comes through in spades in the stories. Rowling is an out spoken supporter of the welfare system in Britian and many socialist causes. She is a muggle by all standards.
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/2000/08-28-2000/vo16no18_potter.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/cookarama/smithbio.html
http://www.forbisthemighty.com/acidlogic/harrypotter.htm
http://www.thenewamerican.com/tna/2000/08-28-2000/vo16no18_potter.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/cookarama/smithbio.html
http://www.forbisthemighty.com/acidlogic/harrypotter.htm
Low-Sci
Member
In response to Hook686's post:
That's why I prefer the term "muggle." Because "sheeple" is overtly offensive and has no comic value whatsoever. Its just a partisan slur that people toss around that paints not only the person being called a "sheeple," but also the person who uses the term which is, by most accounts, the more extremely opined people on both sides of the aisle. I've been called a "sheeple" by 9/11 conspiracy theorists and right wing loonies alike. I wish to associate myself with neither.
"Muggle" on the other hand, has some very definate comic value and is not nearly so overtly offensive, and will also not label you an extremist for using it.
I think you should be nice to people. That's why I prefer the term "muggle." Its much nicer than the alternative, more understandable, and less... Psychotic.
That's why I prefer the term "muggle." Because "sheeple" is overtly offensive and has no comic value whatsoever. Its just a partisan slur that people toss around that paints not only the person being called a "sheeple," but also the person who uses the term which is, by most accounts, the more extremely opined people on both sides of the aisle. I've been called a "sheeple" by 9/11 conspiracy theorists and right wing loonies alike. I wish to associate myself with neither.
"Muggle" on the other hand, has some very definate comic value and is not nearly so overtly offensive, and will also not label you an extremist for using it.
I think you should be nice to people. That's why I prefer the term "muggle." Its much nicer than the alternative, more understandable, and less... Psychotic.
real_name
member
Muggle or sheeple, you can call them whatever you want. I don't think either are offensive, not that they would understand sufficiently to be offended.
To me they are simply unarmed, and most likely between me and whatever it is I am trying to do simply by their overwhelming prevalence.
Humans aren't my favorite thing.
Posts #1 and #3 were particularly entertaining though.
To me they are simply unarmed, and most likely between me and whatever it is I am trying to do simply by their overwhelming prevalence.
Humans aren't my favorite thing.
Posts #1 and #3 were particularly entertaining though.
Kaylee
Member
"Obliviators" naturally.
Not surprised she has some socialist leanings. She lives in Europe and is fed BBC news all the time. (Then again, it's easy to see where the whole gov't dystopia angle comes from).
As to the term itself... enh. I like it, but it doesn't fit as well as Eloi.
Or better yet..... potential gunnies.
Making up clique names for people don't help us much.
-K
PS.. I told you "Adava Kedrava" would be a good rollmark on a slide.
You know, any woman that can take a child raised on fast food instant gratification and video games and make them READ a 700 page book... is alright by me. Oh wait, only the LAST book in her series was 700 pages.
She might be a lefty, she might be a lot of things... but she also drilled some spot-on dystopian fervor in her works that's pretty good. She's made an entire generation of kids into readers and dreamers... I think she deserves a medal.
Rememebr when the Ministry of Magic demanded WAND REGISTRATION?
It doesn't get any plainer than that.
Joss Whedon isn't a Libretarian, but the crew of Serenity sure are.
She might be a lefty, she might be a lot of things... but she also drilled some spot-on dystopian fervor in her works that's pretty good. She's made an entire generation of kids into readers and dreamers... I think she deserves a medal.
Rememebr when the Ministry of Magic demanded WAND REGISTRATION?
It doesn't get any plainer than that.
Joss Whedon isn't a Libretarian, but the crew of Serenity sure are.
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Unarmed
Which recalls to mind . . .
'Ello, 'ello, 'ello! You look 'armless, guv'nor, climb aboard.
Yes, they are armless. Which is okay, as long as they're open to remedies.
It's when they wish to "level the playing field" by making sure everybody's armless that things get messy.
Muggles, though. That's good. Less offensive than the word I normally use. And without the stigma of having to refer to one's lineage.
Which recalls to mind . . .
'Ello, 'ello, 'ello! You look 'armless, guv'nor, climb aboard.
Yes, they are armless. Which is okay, as long as they're open to remedies.
It's when they wish to "level the playing field" by making sure everybody's armless that things get messy.
Muggles, though. That's good. Less offensive than the word I normally use. And without the stigma of having to refer to one's lineage.
griz
Member
I've seen the term pop up on political boards, even the ones that lean to the left. I thought "sheeple" was very descriptive, but I like muggle better now that I have seen this thread.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
There's a lot of imaginary people on THR, then...
FWIW, I don't use the term "sheeple" because any thought-provoking value it might have is lost in the insult.
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
I remember they are fellow humans and treat them accordingly, without regard to citizenship.
Sheeple is a term I choose not to use. Muggles is cute but I prefer to consider them as potential firearms aficionados.
Nanook
Member
"Right author (H.G. Wells) wrong book. The Eloi are from The Time Machine."
You are correct, must have been a brain cramp on my part. Too many hours at work, not enough recreation time. I must remedy that soon.
Thanks, I needed that.
You are correct, must have been a brain cramp on my part. Too many hours at work, not enough recreation time. I must remedy that soon.
Thanks, I needed that.
You are certainly welcome...and I as I sit and enjoy the feelings of my own brain cramps while I study for finals...I find time to again ponder the idea of anti-types as Muggles.
I agree that Sheeple has bite and is of little value in polite conversation. Though I suppose it is not any more or less pejorative than being called a paranoid, or a militia-person.
I previously mentioned that any one (Sheeple, Muggle, Eloi) is as good as the other...and I mean that...in that they have little value in truly adding to the debate. You know, labels and all.
Muggles is cute though.
Instead of potentially offending the "muggles" with the moniker, I'll instead think positively and call all the gunnies I meet "wizards".
Me (at the range):
"Hey, how are all you wizards doing tonight?"
Wizards:
Huh?
Me:
Just a fellow wizard sayin' hi... say, is that a new Sig P220 ya got there? Whoowhee, that's sure one fine wand!
Wizards:
Huh?
Me: Hey, has Sig started shipping their new 556 brooms yet?
Wizards:
Huh?
Me:
Well my fellow mages, I'm gonna hit the line... I got a great deal on some bulk 230 gr. spells and I've been itchin' to cast 'em down range all week.
Wizards:
Damn, that guy is cool.
Mission accomplished.
Me (at the range):
"Hey, how are all you wizards doing tonight?"
Wizards:
Huh?
Me:
Just a fellow wizard sayin' hi... say, is that a new Sig P220 ya got there? Whoowhee, that's sure one fine wand!
Wizards:
Huh?
Me: Hey, has Sig started shipping their new 556 brooms yet?
Wizards:
Huh?
Me:
Well my fellow mages, I'm gonna hit the line... I got a great deal on some bulk 230 gr. spells and I've been itchin' to cast 'em down range all week.
Wizards:
Damn, that guy is cool.
Mission accomplished.
Ryder
Member
If it's going to be a gun related term then maybe "muggies" would be a better fit? You know, someone for the muggers to prey on
Sheople is not limited to non-gunnies. We have plenty of them right here. It's use defines those who who will not think or act for themselves. They seek approval and permission to excercise freedom.
Many are proud to be called "part of the flock". They're playing the odds that the behaviour of others will attract attention away from them as they blend in being generic. Not an unwise method for survival. It's used successfully in nature by many species. Why is that derogatory? I don't think less of them for their choice.
Ever see a line of cars playing follow the leader 10mph under the limit? Mile after mile after mile for no good reason? :banghead: Prime example right there. Never had the opportunity to pass more than a dozen myself.
Funny watching them pull out behind me to follow though. What's up with that? They want to be part of my flock?
Sheople is not limited to non-gunnies. We have plenty of them right here. It's use defines those who who will not think or act for themselves. They seek approval and permission to excercise freedom.
Many are proud to be called "part of the flock". They're playing the odds that the behaviour of others will attract attention away from them as they blend in being generic. Not an unwise method for survival. It's used successfully in nature by many species. Why is that derogatory? I don't think less of them for their choice.
Ever see a line of cars playing follow the leader 10mph under the limit? Mile after mile after mile for no good reason? :banghead: Prime example right there. Never had the opportunity to pass more than a dozen myself.
Funny watching them pull out behind me to follow though. What's up with that? They want to be part of my flock? I don't get why one label would be better than another or less insulting. I think the comparison to "sheep" is apt as far as these sorts of comparisons go until they break down. I don't think using either label is wise because it does make it an "us" vs "them" type set up.
"They" have the police to protect "them" so why do they need "us" or need to be like "us?" Until crime hits home on a personal level for them...why would they think they would need a gun? Why would they think we need guns? No, it isn't about need per se, but how do you talk to the "sheeple" you just labeled as a "muggle" about it?
"They" have the police to protect "them" so why do they need "us" or need to be like "us?" Until crime hits home on a personal level for them...why would they think they would need a gun? Why would they think we need guns? No, it isn't about need per se, but how do you talk to the "sheeple" you just labeled as a "muggle" about it?
Cosmoline
Member
Hey, powder is just alchemy.
gyp_c2
Member
yup
...I'm with that, Torpid...
...I'm with that, Torpid...
G36-UK
Member
How about "Guggle"? "Gun Muggle".
Naah, sounds a bit stupid.
I like the Potter books thanks to a friend of mine. He was going to get me on Pot or Potter. I made my decision and I'm sticking by it.
Funny note: My sister sees JK Rowling in her department in Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh all the time.
As for the shouting while shooting, how about "expecto ventilation"?
Naah, sounds a bit stupid.
I like the Potter books thanks to a friend of mine. He was going to get me on Pot or Potter. I made my decision and I'm sticking by it.
Funny note: My sister sees JK Rowling in her department in Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh all the time.
As for the shouting while shooting, how about "expecto ventilation"?
cuchulainn
Member
The Eloi were from The Time Machine
Edit: Oops, someone already noted this
Well... It is to be expect Rowling will support certain left ideas, particularly welfare and related social programs, since she was ON welfare when she wrote the first book and started the rise from homless mother to billionare.
She has the luxury of being able to argue it worked, since it did get her by until she got on her feet. (it could also be noted she was transitory welfare, not career welfare, which are two very different ways to run a system and 2 very different views of the same issue)
Muggle for non gun owner.. well... that does kind of raise the geek factor a bit, doesn't it? Wait, I just asked that question on a internet forum, so not sure it COULD be raised too much.
She has the luxury of being able to argue it worked, since it did get her by until she got on her feet. (it could also be noted she was transitory welfare, not career welfare, which are two very different ways to run a system and 2 very different views of the same issue)
Muggle for non gun owner.. well... that does kind of raise the geek factor a bit, doesn't it? Wait, I just asked that question on a internet forum, so not sure it COULD be raised too much.
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