When ‘obsessed’ is used as a put-down, I know the accuser doesn’t have honor and doesn’t have an argument

I notice that in online wars, one of the first put-downs used is “obsessed.” If somebody writes frequently about one topic, the person is “obsessed” if you don’t like what he writes, be it on Jews, blacks, WASPs, Chinese, Republicans, etc. You could just as easily note that the person is focused or diligent or consistent.

There are only two honorable forms of argument — to challenge facts or logic. Everything else is dirty.

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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