Topic: Is physical appearance so important?

[Raul CB750K1]

Do you believe that Michael Moore would receive better opinions have he been slimmer? In my inner self, I think "Maybe what he says is right, but what does a fat guy know about anything? He probably spend most of the day in front of TV gulping soda cans and snacks"

I mean, to win supporters, do you have to be attractive apart from telling the truth?

Raul

[Terry in Australia]

That's a very good point Raul, I always thaink that by the time people get around to criticising their opponents physical dimensions, they've already lost the argument.

Personally, considering that an estimated 62.5% of adult males in the US are obese, I would have thought that MM's "fatitude" would actually lend credence to his political point of view? Cheers, Terry.

[Raul CB750K1]

Do you really think that people buy a product or believe a fact just for the intrinsec value? Do you think that males go to Hooter's for the quality of the "naked wings"? People used to buy ouf of neccessity -when they needed something-. Now, buying is a leisure activity that must be pleasurable in every aspect, from the physical appearance of the seller to the decoration of the shop and the box.

The same goes with political opinions. Thinking by oneself is hard: it takes a lot of effort and you need to listen to all the different opinions to make your own judgement. It's easier to follow the advice of somebody with enough credibility. Who would you believe more? A fit man, well dressed, sending out a message of "I'm a winner. I work hard, work out and have self control and discipline"? or a fat man sending out a message: "Hey, I lose control when I see a chocolate bar and don't even know how to tie a necktie. But I promise I have worked hard to investigate all the things that I'm telling you. You should believe me".

I personally think that if Michael Moore would have been a fitter person he would have had more followers. I read his "Stupid White Men" book and he made a point in some things, at least regarding the situation of black people in the US and the scandal of the Florida votes. But again, a good opinion is hard to swallow when the waiter is ugly... Even when I'm overweight, we always think that is the others the one that are fat, not we.


Raul

[74cb750]

Raul,
good point.
I have noticed that some of the overweight weathermen on national tv made
great efforts to slim down (now they don't look good in my opinion).
None of hte anchors are overweight though. Hmmm....but when it comes to Michael Moore
I believe his weight does not affect how people feel about his opinions.
It would be nice if he would get some of his facts straight though. I find he
is a psuedo-factologist, ie, facts never get in the way of a good storyline in
his books or movies.

Just like most movie makers, the facts of a story always fall by the wayside.
peace,
michel

[putnaja1]

That's a very good point Raul, I always thaink that by the time people get around to criticising their opponents physical dimensions, they've already lost the argument.

Personally, considering that an estimated 62.5% of adult males in the US are obese, I would have thought that MM's "fatitude" would actually lend credence to his political point of view? Cheers, Terry.

Terry- it seems very obvious to me that you are a huge fan of the USA- but not really.

Anyways- most people hate Michael Moore because he represents a very radically left wing attitude, and basically tries to brainwash many people into a super negative attitude of America.  For example, leading people in a protest of the company Lockheed Martin, disturbing their work and interrupting a tour of their plant- with his cameras rolling.  Another example- taking a couple of Columbine victims to Kmart headquarters, again with cameras rolling, and making a big seen there.  Would he have arrows banned from sale at Kmart if the Columbine killers had used bow&arrow instead of guns?

I'd say the fact that he is so negative and antagonistic, and the way that he chooses to bully his way into his arguments (and then sells his work as if it is a documentary of total truth) is what has solidly earned him his status here in the US.  I'm not sure what the consensus is of Michael Moore outside this country, but judging from a lot of the anti-US sentiment I've seen from a lot of people living in countries that I always thought were our allies, I'd say that he probably has more fans outside the US than in.

The shame of the matter is, a lot of people will go see his movies, and then be brainwashed- believing his claims lock stock and barrel.  It's too easy to see a movie about how terrible this country/administration/culture is and buy into it, instead of researching, reading, and using ones' own mind to find the real truth.  But then again, that's not as exciting as hating & distrusting your government, your culture, your country, etc. 

[Raul CB750K1]

i wouldn't say Spain is an anti-american country. Actually, there are no consensus about hating any country except maybe France, and that's only because they are our neighbours and we have had some struggle in the past.


The problem comes again from the lack of information. What do we listen about US in the news? When some wacko have killed some people, when their president almost suffocate with a cookie, when there is a tornado, when there is a contest about how many sausages can somebody eat. Those things are strange from our point of view, but give me a break!! We are even importing Halloween!!! We have Coke, McDonalds, Burger King, Dodge, Chevrolet and Chrysler, and Harley Davidson as well. We have MTV, american music, Starbucks Coffee, you name it. There are not so many differences between Europe and US now but the language and the currency.

People make long queues in front of the US embassy to get a visa or the new passport to spend some vacation in the US. It's one of the favourite destination points here. How could it be otherwise? People want to see with their naked eye what they have seen thousands of times in the movies.

From my personal experience, having lived in the US, I can say that the american's feeling about foreign countries and the american government attitude about foreing countries are very different. Americans just want to live their lives and go along with the rest of the world. American government want the same, but only if they are allowed to play a leading role. They are second to none.


Raul

[putnaja1]

I worry a lot about what other countries think about the USA- especially since, whenever I turn on my television, all I see is Jerry Springer or some other nonsense.  I know that other countries must see the Jerry Springer shows, and it is easy to see why they must think this whole country is a big episode of Jerry Springer.

I'm glad you posted that Raul, because I can see that since you've spent time in the US, you know that we are not really as bad as the mass media portrays us.   I can't understand the global acceptance of our businesses either..  I think a lot of people think the USA is cramming western culture down other nations' throats, but it takes both countries to establish a McDonalds or a Starbucks outside the US.  Someone there must want it there, right?

The overwhelming thing I hear (not being specific about anyone here, just in general) is that Americans are fat and lazy.  Sure, there are some obese Americans here- but aren't there some fat people in most other countries too?  Anyways, I don't think obesity is anywhere near as bad as the news media makes you think..  I'd challenge where the previously posted 62+% obesity in the US study got it's data- from one age group maybe?  It's not like you go outside and see nothing but fat people!  The Americans I see are mostly hard workers.  The America I know is about opportunity to succeed being available to each and every person that is willing to work for it.  The America I know is the most accepting of other cultures of any other nation there is.

Anyways, sorry to vent (why oh why don't I just stick to motorcycles here!?)  I just see a lot of "Conspiracy- the US sucks" type of posts here, and I love this country, and I feel compelled to tell the other side of the tale here.

Jason

[ofreen]

I'd have to say the fact that Michael Moore is a lying sack of #$%* has more to do with people not liking him than his weight does.

[crazypj]

Since I moved to the US I have worked harder and longer hours than almost anyother time in my life. (I'd like to slow down a bit now I'm 49, not be working like I was at 20) Does it have benefits?
 Well, I have more 'stuff', big screen TV and cable and a bigger house to put it in, but less time to enjoy what I have. (cos' I'm working )
 MM does make some good points, sometimes and does present facts. (tobbacco companies have data from 1930's showing what will happen to smokers)
He started as someone trying to change things and ended up a multimillionaire, so I guess basically, he sold out to the big business he's trying to expose. (anyone want to sponsor me to make a film exposing MM? )
PJ

[ProTeal55]

Of course he would be more "welcomed" if he were slimmer.
I am in sales, and presentation is everything.
I am selling trucks , he is selling his opinion / way of thinking.
If he looked less like a overweight slob, and more like brad pit for instance, I am sure
his preception would be different...

My 4cents...

[BobbyR]

Raul has made a point that can be expanded. The US exports culture, but we do not import culture. So our culture is somewhat stagnant. Janet Jackson's floppy old boob sent our networks into a spasm. When on the other hand we are the Worlds biggest consumer of Pornography.  We send our TV and Movies overseas, but very few films not produced by an US studio will make much money here, so we only see one type of film - American. We have lived very large compared to the rest of the World and we want everything quickly, so we have McDonalds and the rest. Our lifestyle is very enticing. All of this come at a price. The British poor are healthier than healthier than upper income Americans.    

[ElCheapo]

I got you beat


That is why I AM THE REAL DEAL - Your's is atleast made from one cover. Mine is from 3 half obliterated and beat up covers. LOL  The center section for the logo had to be cut out and the front section at the air cleaner had to be grafted in.

If I was skinnier you guys would be nicer to me. To bad I am 6'6" at 275 LBS (yes I lost a few). Still big enough to stomp like I need to. 

[crazypj]

The US exports culture, but we do not import culture. So our culture is somewhat stagnant. Janet Jackson's floppy old boob sent our networks into a spasm. When on the other hand we are the Worlds biggest consumer of Pornography.  We send our TV and Movies overseas, but very few films not produced by an US studio will make much money here, so we only see one type of film - American. We have lived very large compared to the rest of the World and we want everything quickly, so we have McDonalds and the rest. Our lifestyle is very enticing. All of this come at a price. The British poor are healthier than healthier than upper income Americans.    

LOL, thats an oxymoron.
Only culture in Florida grows on the walls (except for me of course)
PJ

[crazypj]

Now this is culture
http://www.fetchfido.co.uk/games/crazy-frog/axel-f.htm
Nothing new to british readers, dont know if its been posted before but its funny
bing bing
PJ

[ElCheapo]

I just did mine in glass only. Random fiber glass is best. Then premium filler on the outside to fill in the cut line. It is not perfect but not too bad.  $20 for the main part of the cover, which had the emblem area filled with bondo and had to be cut out. Plus there was a major crack that ran horizontal form the air cleaner to about the middle. The other 2 covers were busted freebies and then a few bucks for filler and glass.

Funny crap is that I found out that if I used "Problem Plastic Repair" which is 2 part. You would be hard pressed to see the damage even from the back side of the cover. 

[Terry in Australia]

Terry- it seems very obvious to me that you are a huge fan of the USA- but not really.

That's a bit harsh mate, I am a big fan of the US and have many friends on your side of the pond, and the figure (62.5%) came from a quick google search.

I guess the difference between Aussies and (some) Americans, is that we can take some teasing, as well as give it. If you look at my other posts you'll see I enjoy "taking the piss" out of Britain and Spain too, but I don't think Raul, Steve, Sam or Biffta are too concerned mate.

We all love our countries, but we shouldn't be that "thin skinned" that we can't accept a little criticism, especially if it's in jest! cheers, Terry.

[putnaja1]

Terry- it seems very obvious to me that you are a huge fan of the USA- but not really.

That's a bit harsh mate, I am a big fan of the US and have many friends on your side of the pond, and the figure (62.5%) came from a quick google search.

I guess the difference between Aussies and (some) Americans, is that we can take some teasing, as well as give it. If you look at my other posts you'll see I enjoy "taking the piss" out of Britain and Spain too, but I don't think Raul, Steve, Sam or Biffta are too concerned mate.

We all love our countries, but we shouldn't be that "thin skinned" that we can't accept a little criticism, especially if it's in jest! cheers, Terry.

You know what?  You're right Terry.  Sorry man- I've been a little thin skinned about that kinda stuff lately..  I gotta try to take it easy and lighten up a bit!  It's Friday after all!

Jason

[Terry in Australia]

Have a good weekend mate, I love Friday best of all, it's the day when I make all my plans for the weekend, and Saturday is generally when it all turns to poo, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[cbjunkie]

ah terry - you know it's impossible to tease a teenager...they always get so defensive...and that, folks, is what we have here - America is a spoiled teenager who made a lot of money through sweat and hard work, but has no idea what to do with it now they have it. buy another big truck. add another 15,000 lbs to the AirConditioning (the ozone what?) It's like a big party over here - that's why everyone wants to get in - either get in or f*** us up.
it's more fun to take the piss out of the rich smartass than ANYONE ELSE - ask anyone.

anybody know what the red heifer is?

[ElCheapo]

Poo? I was just scolded by an event organizer for not wearing my helmet and doing a killer burn out.   The other guys liked it but the event organizer was ready to crucify me. 

[Uncle Ernie]

I don't think it's his fat so much as he should shave and comb his hair.
Believing crap and lies... Well, Reagan and Bush got voted in twice.   

[Dusthawk]

I know I'm wierd, strange, and goofy, (among other things ,I mean come on, I listen to Polka!!!!!), but there is something I do whenever I get criticism. I mentally add the word 'Constructive' in front of it then I don't feel so bad. The last time I went in for a physical the nurse had to double check my pulse after the blood pressure check for it was so low. I figure there is enough people in the world to worry about things, why not do something to make someone smile?

Peace and Long Rides,

Jeff

[74cb750]

Ok,.
I'll do something gfor other people, I quit smoking todayyyyyyy
and got the shakes, but other people no longer have
anything to critizire me about. 

Hope they don't critizie my riding style or....
peace,
michel

thin skinned may be another way to say insecure. I feel secure with the
homeland security people reading my mail and the wierd ones I get
from New Zealand

[Terry in Australia]

Ok,.
I'll do something gfor other people, I quit smoking todayyyyyyy
and got the shakes, but other people no longer have
anything to critizire me about. 

Well done Michel! I gave the smokes away on 1 July 2004 after 29 years, and once I lose some fat (not as bad as Mikey Moore just yet, but if I don't watch out it won't be long) I reckon I'll be good for another 40-odd years! Geez, I wonder if i'll still be able to get my leg over the seat at 86, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[chung]

Another political loudmouth like Rush. I ignore them all. I can watch ten TV ads and not know a single product name. And no, I don't care if he is fatter than me, dosen't change a thing. IMHO But will we ever have another fat bald president? I don't think so