Just why are people so cruel to others ?  Human Nature ?  Prejudice, of course.  But, still, WHY ?
96714
There are many reasons why people act cruelly to others, however, the more interesting one is why more so now that before.  \n\nIt is almost impossible to accurately figure out if that statement is correct, however, due to the increase in number of school violence incidents of shootings, etc, in the past decade, it might point to a problem in society.\n\nIt is unfortunately part of human nature, until educated otherwise, to be susceptible to other-phobia.  This behavior is observed in nature.  The best description of this in literature (in my opinion) is the book, "The Painted Bird" by Jerzy Kosinski.  He points out that if you catch a swallow and paint him, then release him, he will fly back ot his flock, where the others will peck him to death or drive him out.  You see this in other parts of nature, too.\n\nKids that stand out as different either by behavior, appearance, or other traits are treated similarly in school.  With the lack of discipline that is endemic in some schools and a lack of parental involvement to discipline people who haze, harrass, and simply pick on others, you see the result, widespread bullying.  Think about it...most people are comfortable with people who have things in common with them.  When a person comes along who is different in some way, they try to drive them away.  Teenagers are especially viscious as they are not fully-formed self-confident people and worry about their image as it pertains to things that are not important. \n\nFor example, worrying about others' perceptions of you is considered normal when it comes to your work habits, public behavior, and intelligence (this is important in the real world too).  However, being worried about your "cool" factor is worthless, though natural when you have no other substance to speak of.  This contributes to people defending their boundaries by making public their opposition to "uncool kids" and strange kids.  They do this by picking on them.\n\nThe same people are often very nice to others they value, such as their friends and teachers...however, until they are educated otherwise (usually during college or in the workplace) they continue this behavior.  Sometimes they outgrow it.  \n\nalso, as self-actualized human beings we like to believe that we are special and better than at least somebody else.  We wouldn't be normal if we didn't feel this, somehow.  Even criminals snear and look down upon working people who they see as suckers and feel superior to them.  I've seen cases when 2 people look down on each other for equally ridiculous reasons.  However, an educated person who values equality and is stable and secure tries not to act critically and run a person down in public.  \n\nGossip and taking behind people's backs is also viscious but also serves as an unseen check to bad behavior, contributing to someones reputation without their involvement. In this way, the community seeks to level behavior through communication of unacceptable behavior.  The subjects of gossip often find that they aren't invited out, and are left out.  If they are introspective, they figure this out and get back to observing norms.\n\nHope this helps understand things a little.  Just a quick point of view.
936991
I agree that people are really too rude. I deal with the public at work, and people talk to me in ways they would never even talk to their worst enemies. I think a lot of it has to do with stress and frustration -- everyone thinks they're problem is the most important, most pressing in the world. And it is, to them. Just remember that no matter how rude other people are to you, the best thing you can do is dose them with kindness. Smile, speak softly and let them know that no matter what kind of crap they're dealing with, it's really not your fault.
1186640
Some people are just like that. Its life. Not everyone is going to have a positive  mind. Not every ones going to care about others. Those people are the most unhappy. Those who treat well will ve treated well in return . Those who instigate and disrespectful would be treated exactly like that, or worse. Its called karma.
395889
Because we ARE gay? Why do people hate us, is it the fact that they can't stop poking their big fat noses into other people's sexual business? Pathetic...
62340
I'm going to have to answer your question with a question.\n\nWhy are people so mean to each other?
745524
UMMMM....probably because people get so deffensive!!!
930117
It seems to be human nature to hate those who are different from us. I guess my advice is to show them that you don't need to believe in God to be a good person. Do volunteer work maybe. Or an easier solution would be to ignore them.
629941
People hate other people. It's almost an inherent aspect of the species. Hatred is rampant in Europe, Russia, the US, the Middle East.\n\nWhy? Because people are intolerant of those who are different. And that intolerance makes them want to eliminate those who are different. It's the whole basis for attempted genocide in Africa, the Palestinian conflict, racism everywhere, and the same for the war on terror (both the US and foreign sides of the conflict).\n\nShould we step in and stop the hatred? Absolutely. But where do we start? I think we need to start wherever home is, and clean our own mess and stop prejudice-inspired violence here.  \n\nI don't care what people think about other people. If you want to hate someone, or fear them, that's your choice. But that doesn't give anyone the right to attack someone else just for being different. Not the Skin-Heads, not the Genocidal generals, not the Terrorists, and not the US neocons.  \n\nSadly, the way the world is going, people are polarizing and even political parties are starting to hate and attack each other just for having different beliefs. The world has gone to hell in a hand-basket, and there's serious question on whether people are going to wise up and learn to get along before the process becomes terminal.
430789
I agree. Some people are mean because they have low self esteem and they are trying to make themselves feel better by putting someone else down. I agree with you, it's not nice, but we can just be nice to them and they will have nothing to be mean to you about!
996194
people are just mean sometimes, sweetie. ignore it. there are nice people out there. just seek them out. :) IM me or email me if you need to talk. take care and God bless.
1055916
You will find silly people all through life! People sometimes just have terrible dispositions, and I don't know why! I think that people on here know that you don't know them, and they will never truly have to explain why they act the way they do. Therefore, they can be as rude as they want, and no one will ever know it was them. I don't take the website too seriously, but I respect people, and give honest answers. It would be nice if everyone played fair, but that isn't likely. I hope you have a good day, and try to have fun!
504032
People are very crude and u just dont have to trust them there are many people like that in the world and u have to learn to accpet the fact that they are mean. :) hope i helped.
308221
it's supposed to be ask A question, not two dozen of them, lol. are you a philosophy major? ;) (if not, you might consider it....)\n\npersonally i like to believe that people innately have a sense of right and wrong, that we naturally are inclined to assume the best in others rather than go around killing and maiming. not sure that's the case, though. is it our first instinct to step on a spider? or only after we've been stung or bitten or harmed?\n\npart of me thinks that being mean is taught by other people, so maybe these two would be child-like in their curiosity and interest and willingness to assume the best in one another. or, maybe they'd be so used to fending for themselves that the self-interest gene would kick into high gear. certainly they'd be leery of another person.\n\nif morality requires empathy, and empathy is the ability to imagine yourself in the situation of others, then before they meet they aren't immoral, exactly, but rather amoral -- there's no need to know right and wrong, since there are no other people to be affected by their actions. in fact, it's hard to imagine even having a concept of yourself until there's another person to see yourself as being distinct from.\n\nin reality human contact in the earliest weeks after birth seems to be essential for moral development. children with reactive attachment disorder (from neglect or abuse or lack of nurturing) as an infant are the ones who grow up to be sociopaths, with absolutely zero regard for other people.\n\nfun stuff!
146515
People are cruel,sorry to hear you have to put up with that.You could try letting people know it's a medical condition,but when people are cruel enough to tease about things like that,it may not help.
341661
While I see your point that its harder to find people like this, I can still empathize for people.  I have been hurt alot, starting at five when my dad walked out, and i just dont want to see others hurt like i have been hurt.  I go out of my way to make sure i never hurt anyone.  And i often find that people are more than willing to take advantage of that.  It makes you sad to know that no one looks out for other people anymore, and its all about themselves.  This is definetly not me-i would go without to make someone happy, and if i see someone in pain i will do whatever i can to stop that pain.  I got a forward from someone about the perfect heart that i think you would really appreciate.  I would tell you, but it might be a little long-I know this might seem weird, but if you wanna email me at wyzeone2000@yahoo.com, ill find it and send it to you.
409261
Because everyone can suffer, even the Chosen people.\n\nDivinity does not bring suffering, humanity does.
467278
People have always used 'God' as a reason to be cruel.  It's just a way of making others small so you can feel big.  You have to make someone else so wrong in order to feel that you actually exist, or at least so you don't feel totally insignificant.  I don't know if you can give an answer to why.  It just is that way, people are hurt and angry and who knows what experiences they have had with so called 'religion'.  Why take it personally?  It's not about you.