RANT: I'm sick of Lance Armstrong

[torpid]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
How do you know they only donated "$1"? They could have donated hundreds but only wear one bracelet as a symbol to show they support the cause. You seem to have deeper issues than this, did you lose your g/f to a guy who wore one of these or something? It sounds like somebody you don't like is wearing these, and you're generalizing your perception of that one person to include all people who support the cause. Just a hunch

Well, that is a good point, maybe they donated $1000. But they still wear a bracelet that you can get for $1 (or actually, 10 for $10). If someone wore a purple bracelet that signified that they donated $100, I'd have a lot more respect for this trend. Actually, it seems like many people wear them who haven't donated anything at all. Which makes sense since you buy them in bulk off of his web site. Unless you wear a different one each day, most likely you are giving them away.

I don't have an issue with anyone in particular, just the general trend.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: torpid
The things are $1. Big deal, you donated $1.

The program has raised millions.

I have donated enough to cancer organizations to wear one on every square inch of my body I bet.

BULL. SHIT.

I just don't think it's cool to show off that you donated $1 to charity.

It's gotten trendy, but who gives a rat's ass?

I don't have a problem with athletes and charity, but it's so egotistical to wear that thing.

Egotistical? You're getting a dictionary for Xmas.

It's also annoying to have someone obsess over an athlete and compare him to atheletes in sports you have never heard of.

WTF are you talking about?

Yes, it's egotistical. "an exaggerated sense of self-importance". Tell me how constantly making a point to show people a yellow bracelet signifying a $1 donation isn't that.

Yes, maybe I haven't donated enough to cover my body, but it sure seems like it when you compare it to a $1 donation.

And, as for the last part, I'm talking about people who don't know crap about sports (aka common populace) comparing him to sports that they don't know anything about, even though they don't know anything about cycling either. For example, how many people who wear those bracelets will die before they admit that lance armstrong and wayne gretzky are not equals?

You are confusing jumping on a bandwagon with egotism.

Yeah, right, whatever.

Again. I don't know WTF you're talking about. No one in the US knows jack about cycling, but it doesn't really matter does it? Most people's involvement in sports is pretty arbitrary since 90% of them are spectators only. Unless you've been there, any comparison of one athlete to another is just verbal masturbation.

 

[TimMyMac]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: Red
My g/f bought two bracelets off ebay (a pink and a yellow) and it was close to $20 shipped for those two bracelets. She works in customer service at Best Buy and apparently it's all the rage there.

The people reselling these things on Ebay are the ones who really need to die in the nearest convenient fire. Cashing in on what is supposed to be charity is just karmic suicide.

:thumbsup:

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Descartes
I was in a movie theatre a few months back, and this girl behind me asked the guy next to me about the bracelet he was wearing. He couldn't even tell her what the hell it was; he just "likes the way it looks." Asshat.

Anyway, some people are without cause in themselves, so they seem to identify with others without actually having any involvement. You find label whores in any pervasive social projects, but the cause has doubtless benefit for many, and those that legitimately devote their resources should be applauded.

I agree, many people do it just because it's trendy. Regardless, even the label whores are helping to promote the cause, albeit even if they do wear them for the wrong reasons. So it's a win win situation, unless you take personal offense to "posers who wear them". I really don't see the OP's point/rant, who likes posers anyway?

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Fausto
You are confusing jumping on a bandwagon with egotism.

Yeah, right, whatever.

Again. I don't know WTF you're talking about. No one in the US knows jack about cycling, but it doesn't really matter does it? Most people's involvement in sports is pretty arbitrary since 90% of them are spectators only. Unless you've been there, any comparison of one athlete to another is just verbal masturbation.

OK, so showing off that you donated $1 is not egotism, it's jumping on a bandwagon? Does that mean that the bandwagon is the trend of showing off donating $1?

It's clear to me that you haven't donated jack to charity in your life, because you seem doubtful than anyone can. I've had 3 family members die from cancer, how about you? Can you even spell it without a dictionary?

Now it is you who is spouting drivel. Let's just leave it at you don't know what I am talking about. That much is obvious from every post of yours in this thread. "I don't like brie cheese" "I don't know what you are talking about. You are an idiot".

 

[MrDingleDangle]

i cant stand them either, maybe its because its a fashion trend though, just annoys me how people think they are "cool" because they have one

I am all for donating to charity, thats great...and especially to cancer, for 2 years recently i worked in Cancer research

I try not to complain because I know the money is going to a good cause and cancer research can use all the money it can. I just wish the people wearing them were wearing them for the right reason (to make other people aware so they might donate $), but this is far from the case, it is much more people wearing them because they are "cool"

so basically i just dont like them because it reminds how stupid most people are, when I personally donate money or do charity work I never really care to show it off (but thats just me...)

WHO WILL NOT WEAR THE RIBBON?

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: Fausto
You are confusing jumping on a bandwagon with egotism.

Yeah, right, whatever.

Again. I don't know WTF you're talking about. No one in the US knows jack about cycling, but it doesn't really matter does it? Most people's involvement in sports is pretty arbitrary since 90% of them are spectators only. Unless you've been there, any comparison of one athlete to another is just verbal masturbation.

OK, so showing off that you donated $1 is not egotism, it's jumping on a bandwagon? Does that mean that the bandwagon is the trend of showing off donating $1?

No, the bandwagon is the bracelets themselves. See also: all the people wearing them but not knowing what they're about.

It's clear to me that you haven't donated jack to charity in your life, because you seem doubtful than anyone can. I've had 3 family members die from cancer, how about you? Can you even spell it without a dictionary?

As usual, assumptions are a bad thing.

Now it is you who is spouting drivel. Let's just leave it at you don't know what I am talking about. That much is obvious from every post of yours in this thread. "I don't like brie cheese" "I don't know what you are talking about. You are an idiot".

Uh, I guess you didn't know that I am, in fact, a cyclist. I've been racing bikes for 15 years. I know all about cycling and Lance so if you want to argue about Lance > Gretzky, go for it. As for the rest of the world and their views on LA, see above.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
How do you know they only donated "$1"? They could have donated hundreds but only wear one bracelet as a symbol to show they support the cause. You seem to have deeper issues than this, did you lose your g/f to a guy who wore one of these or something? It sounds like somebody you don't like is wearing these, and you're generalizing your perception of that one person to include all people who support the cause. Just a hunch

Well, that is a good point, maybe they donated $1000. But they still wear a bracelet that you can get for $1 (or actually, 10 for $10). If someone wore a purple bracelet that signified that they donated $100, I'd have a lot more respect for this trend. Actually, it seems like many people wear them who haven't donated anything at all. Which makes sense since you buy them in bulk off of his web site. Unless you wear a different one each day, most likely you are giving them away.

I don't have an issue with anyone in particular, just the general trend.

So basically, your rant translates to: I hate trendy posers.

And btw, comparing Armstrong's achievements to Gretzky's (whose are better?) is just stupid. It's like saying, which spirit is better to get drunk with, vodka or gin? Why even bother associating with morons like that.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

But most of all, I'm tired of seeing those stupid yellow bracelets. What is the point in wearing one? Should I start wearing a bracelet for any charity I help monitarily? It's so egotistical and faux-hip.

That is all for now.

i wonder if your attitude would change if you got cancer...

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Fausto
No, the bandwagon is the bracelets themselves. See also: all the people wearing them but not knowing what they're about.

Did you actually read my post? I am not complaining about the people who don't know what they are about. Maybe that's your problem, it's not mine. I'm complaining about the self-righteous people who think that it's some great accomplishment, so great that they must wear it even during business meetings with suits and ties (see above for a similar complaint).

Uh, I guess you didn't know that I am, in fact, a cyclist. I've been racing bikes for 15 years. I know all about cycling and Lance so if you want to argue about Lance > Gretzky, go for it. As for the rest of the world and their views on LA, see above.

What does that have to do with the paragraph you quoted? I am not referring to your knowledge of cycling. Jesus you are dense. How are you able to have conversations here with this failure to comprehend? You said twice that you don't know what I am talking about, literally that is what you said (scroll up to confirm). I said let's leave it at that, because it was a worthless point to pursue.

I have no desire to get into another argument about lance versus gretzky or lance versus jordan. I don't like making those comparisons, but if someone else makes them I will gladly laugh in their face.

 

[Weeeman]

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

There is no reason to compare Jordan to Gretzky, those people should be shot in the face, multiple times.
The bottom line is, he's the best at what he does even after having to overcome cancer

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: Fausto
You are confusing jumping on a bandwagon with egotism.

Yeah, right, whatever.

Again. I don't know WTF you're talking about. No one in the US knows jack about cycling, but it doesn't really matter does it? Most people's involvement in sports is pretty arbitrary since 90% of them are spectators only. Unless you've been there, any comparison of one athlete to another is just verbal masturbation.

OK, so showing off that you donated $1 is not egotism, it's jumping on a bandwagon? Does that mean that the bandwagon is the trend of showing off donating $1?

It's clear to me that you haven't donated jack to charity in your life, because you seem doubtful than anyone can. I've had 3 family members die from cancer, how about you? Can you even spell it without a dictionary?

Now it is you who is spouting drivel. Let's just leave it at you don't know what I am talking about. That much is obvious from every post of yours in this thread. "I don't like brie cheese" "I don't know what you are talking about. You are an idiot".

There's no real need for the ad hominem. That said, if you think about this social phenomenon a little more abstractly I think it will be more telling.

There have been many sociology studies on such behaviors, and one that comes immediately to mind are those who so fervently seek to identify with succeeding sports teams. When the teams lost, sometimes a riot would break out. You have to at least find the behavior curious. Why would someone with no involvement in the program put such an investment of personal worth into their success, and then why would they so quickly cast their identification with said program when they fail? Think about that for a moment...

I'll restate my post from above: Those without cause seek to identify with those of others. It's this need to identify with succeeding campaigns that supplements their own lack of personal worth (or perception of their own personal worth. One might ask, "How do we quantify our own value?"). It's this "jumping on the bandwagon" as Fausto puts it that gives these posers immediate identifiability.

Note that this has nothing to do with those who legitimize such programs by furthering its success. I refer only to the parasites.

Anyway, Google around for more research on the above if you think I'm just stating my opinion. It's a behavioral pattern that occurs frequently, and Armstrong's program is just another manifestation.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

But most of all, I'm tired of seeing those stupid yellow bracelets. What is the point in wearing one? Should I start wearing a bracelet for any charity I help monitarily? It's so egotistical and faux-hip.

That is all for now.

i wonder if your attitude would change if you got cancer...

It wouldn't. I have strong enough feelings about cancer already. In fact that may be why I hate those bracelets so much. If the people I know really cared about the organization they would find a lot more effective and tactful ways to help the cause.

 

[Weeeman]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

But most of all, I'm tired of seeing those stupid yellow bracelets. What is the point in wearing one? Should I start wearing a bracelet for any charity I help monitarily? It's so egotistical and faux-hip.

That is all for now.

i wonder if your attitude would change if you got cancer...

It wouldn't. I have strong enough feelings about cancer already. In fact that may be why I hate those bracelets so much. If the people I know really cared about the organization they would find a lot more effective and tactful ways to help the cause.

How does wearing a flippin bracelet change anything? Honestly? Besides being a trendy fashion statement, does it really change anything? Its made alot of money, why do you care so much about what others wear?

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

But most of all, I'm tired of seeing those stupid yellow bracelets. What is the point in wearing one? Should I start wearing a bracelet for any charity I help monitarily? It's so egotistical and faux-hip.

That is all for now.

i wonder if your attitude would change if you got cancer...

It wouldn't. I have strong enough feelings about cancer already. In fact that may be why I hate those bracelets so much. If the people I know really cared about the organization they would find a lot more effective and tactful ways to help the cause.

how are you so sure it wouldn't? cancer changes EVERYONE who gets it.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Descartes
There's no real need for the ad hominem. That said, if you think about this social phenomenon a little more abstractly I think it will be more telling.

There have been many sociology studies on such behaviors, and one that comes immediately to mind are those who so fervently seek to identify with succeeding sports teams. When the teams lost, sometimes a riot would break out. You have to at least find the behavior curious. Why would someone with no involvement in the program put such an investment of personal worth into their success, and then why would they so quickly cast their identification with said program when they fail? Think about that for a moment...

I'll restate my post from above: Those without cause seek to identify with those of others. It's this need to identify with succeeding campaigns that supplements their own lack of personal worth (or perception of their own personal worth. One might ask, "How do we quantify our own value?"). It's this "jumping on the bandwagon" as Fausto puts it that gives these posers immediate identifiability.

Note that this has nothing to do with those who legitimize such programs by furthering its success. I refer only to the parasites.

Anyway, Google around for more research on the above if you think I'm just stating my opinion. It's a behavioral pattern that occurs frequently, and Armstrong's program is just another manifestation.

Ad hominem begets ad hominem I guess.

I don't need any psychological justification to the thing. I already know its source. I forgot to mention one additional thing that is annoying, which is when someone asks what the bracelet is for, rather than actually just tell them, it must always be preceded by a look of shock and asking, "You've never seen one of these?"

 

[Deeko]

You're still an idiot. Refer to my above post.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: Descartes
There's no real need for the ad hominem. That said, if you think about this social phenomenon a little more abstractly I think it will be more telling.

There have been many sociology studies on such behaviors, and one that comes immediately to mind are those who so fervently seek to identify with succeeding sports teams. When the teams lost, sometimes a riot would break out. You have to at least find the behavior curious. Why would someone with no involvement in the program put such an investment of personal worth into their success, and then why would they so quickly cast their identification with said program when they fail? Think about that for a moment...

I'll restate my post from above: Those without cause seek to identify with those of others. It's this need to identify with succeeding campaigns that supplements their own lack of personal worth (or perception of their own personal worth. One might ask, "How do we quantify our own value?"). It's this "jumping on the bandwagon" as Fausto puts it that gives these posers immediate identifiability.

Note that this has nothing to do with those who legitimize such programs by furthering its success. I refer only to the parasites.

Anyway, Google around for more research on the above if you think I'm just stating my opinion. It's a behavioral pattern that occurs frequently, and Armstrong's program is just another manifestation.

Ad hominem begets ad hominem I guess.

True.

I don't need any psychological justification to the thing. I already know its source.

Yeah, but I still think it's interesting. Is it not at least curious why people do it? At the very least it's fun to understand the psychology behind such seemingly quixotic behaviors.

I forgot to mention one additional thing that is annoying, which is when someone asks what the bracelet is for, rather than actually just tell them, it must always be preceded by a look of shock and asking, "You've never seen one of these?"

Agreed.

 

[Thraxen]

I understand what you are saying, but it's the fact that is has become "trendy" that has helped the cause pull in so much money. Who can really complain about that?

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Weeeman
How does wearing a flippin bracelet change anything? Honestly? Besides being a trendy fashion statement, does it really change anything? Its made alot of money, why do you care so much about what others wear?

Well if a bunch of people started wearing pink headbands to work along with their usual suit and tie, I'd notice that too. And if they then told me that they got it by donating $1 to an AIDS medication program in africa, I'd find it even more annoying.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: torpid
OK, he's a good athlete, and it's a remarkable comeback story with no equal. But enough is enough. I'm tired of half the people I know praising him like he's their messiah. I'm tired of people finding new sports figures to compare him to, as if there is any way to compare them.

But most of all, I'm tired of seeing those stupid yellow bracelets. What is the point in wearing one? Should I start wearing a bracelet for any charity I help monitarily? It's so egotistical and faux-hip.

That is all for now.

i wonder if your attitude would change if you got cancer...

It wouldn't. I have strong enough feelings about cancer already. In fact that may be why I hate those bracelets so much. If the people I know really cared about the organization they would find a lot more effective and tactful ways to help the cause.

What if someone's relative or friend died of cancer? Would that elevate that person to "non poser" status where they are allowed to wear the bracelet to work at business meetings, in your book?

The point is, who are you to say that the bracelet has no personal worth, and hence are stupid? If a person lost someone to cancer, the bracelet could mean a lot more than just something to do that's trendy. It could be a reminder of that person when they wear the bracelet, who knows? Just because you don't assign a personal value to them, doesn't mean that others don't.

 

[Liviathan]

Well if you find something you believe in. My dad had cancer...Both my grandmothers died of cancer. When my dad had cancer they pretty much told him he was going to die. He got inspired by Armstrong, he had cancer and he can come back to ride. I think thats what got might dad to survive.

 

[Modeps]

I wear yellow. I'm 27 and in the working world.
Both of my parents have had skin cancer.
One of my good friend's father died recently from cancer.
Another of my good friend's grandmother has just been told to 'make sure her affairs are in order' because of cancer.

Go suck a fat dick Torpid.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
What if someone's relative or friend died of cancer? Would that elevate that person to "non poser" status where they are allowed to wear the bracelet to work at business meetings, in your book?

The point is, who are you to say that the bracelet has no personal worth, and hence are stupid? If a person lost someone to cancer, the bracelet could mean a lot more than just something to do that's trendy. It could be a reminder of that person when they wear the bracelet, who knows? Just because you don't assign a personal value to them, doesn't mean that others don't.

I am judging only from the people I know and have asked about the bracelets. To a tee they are lance armstrong fans who will practically throw his name in the mix if you use any word that begins with L.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: torpid

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
What if someone's relative or friend died of cancer? Would that elevate that person to "non poser" status where they are allowed to wear the bracelet to work at business meetings, in your book?

The point is, who are you to say that the bracelet has no personal worth, and hence are stupid? If a person lost someone to cancer, the bracelet could mean a lot more than just something to do that's trendy. It could be a reminder of that person when they wear the bracelet, who knows? Just because you don't assign a personal value to them, doesn't mean that others don't.

I am judging only from the people I know and have asked about the bracelets. To a tee they are lance armstrong fans who will practically throw his name in the mix if you use any word that begins with L.

See, this is why your rant is totally flawed. You're taking your immediate perceptions regarding these things and applying them to Lance and the whole program. Yes, it's somewhat trendy, but the underlying cause is a good one.