[senior citizen]

Drinking the Kool-Aid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



What does “Drinking the Kool-Aid” really mean.......?

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

Drinking the Kool-Aid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



What does “Drinking the Kool-Aid” really mean.......?

Do you mean in terms of The Villages?
It's an unattractive way to say you have become sold on living here.

[Taltarzac725]

It does seem offensive especially with its relationship to the Jonestown Massacre. Seem to recall at least one TOTVer who had a relative who died in that tragedy.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

It does seem offensive especially with its relationship to the Jonestown Massacre. Seem to recall at least one TOTVer who had a relative who died in that tragedy.

I just wanted to clarify, for myself, what it really meant as lots of folks on this forum do say it now and again.

First time I really paid attention to that term about the Kool-Aid was re Casey Anthony and her missing daughter.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

Do you mean in terms of The Villages?
It's an unattractive way to say you have become sold on living here.

I know I haven't had any Kool-Aid. Just wanted to see what it actually refers to.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

Do you mean in terms of The Villages?
It's an unattractive way to say you have become sold on living here.

Hit the nail on the head.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

I just wanted to clarify, for myself, what it really meant as lots of folks on this forum do say it now and again.

First time I really paid attention to that term about the Kool-Aid was re Casey Anthony and her missing daughter.

It sure comes up in a lot of the articles on Casey Anthony. I try not to use it because of the TOTVer who had mentioned having a relative who died at Jonestown.

[OldDave]

Last spring we had a bit of discussion about this as a part of a different thread. I cannot remember what that thread was, but I do remember a couple of things.

I read through the Wikipedia definition you listed. I think it's pretty much on the nose. In the case of the Villages, it doesn't mean you like living here. It means you are totally devoted to the place to the point that you refuse to hear or recognize anything negative, even if it is clearly true.

I think this comes up with things like the post a couple of days ago by a woman worried about the recent accidents and whether this was common here. While she eventually got several good responses, most of them really dispelling her worry, the first few were very defensive of TV, and a couple even rude.

I've mentioned this sort of attitude a couple of times and continue to be puzzled by it. This place has some really wonderful, unique things. Like any place else it has some issues. Pretending there are no negatives just doesn't make sense to me. I think when people have such knee jerk reactions to reasonable questions, it makes new people feel like there is something to hide here. I think it actually adds to some people's paranoia. Those people that take the time to make serious, well thought out answers do a much better job of selling the place in the long run, at least they did to me.

I will say one other thing about the kool-aid term. During the earlier thread I mentioned in the spring, I got a message from a guy who was really hurt by the use of the term. He in fact had a friend who died there. (That may be what you are remembering.) I apologized on the thread and have tried to avoid using that term any longer. Unfortunately, it really does describe the kind of blind faith that Jonestown represented. While I will try hard never to use it again, I'm afraid it's become part of our language.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by OldDave

Last spring we had a bit of discussion about this as a part of a different thread. I cannot remember what that thread was, but I do remember a couple of things.

I read through the Wikipedia definition you listed. I think it's pretty much on the nose. In the case of the Villages, it doesn't mean you like living here. It means you are totally devoted to the place to the point that you refuse to hear or recognize anything negative, even if it is clearly true.

I think this comes up with things like the post a couple of days ago by a woman worried about the recent accidents and whether this was common here. While she eventually got several good responses, most of them really dispelling her worry, the first few were very defensive of TV, and a couple even rude.

I've mentioned this sort of attitude a couple of times and continue to be puzzled by it. This place has some really wonderful, unique things. Like any place else it has some issues. Pretending there are no negatives just doesn't make sense to me. I think when people have such knee jerk reactions to reasonable questions, it makes new people feel like there is something to hide here. I think it actually adds to some people's paranoia. Those people that take the time to make serious, well thought out answers do a much better job of selling the place in the long run, at least they did to me.

I will say one other thing about the kool-aid term. During the earlier thread I mentioned in the spring, I got a message from a guy who was really hurt by the use of the term. He in fact had a friend who died there. (That may be what you are remembering.) I apologized on the thread and have tried to avoid using that term any longer. Unfortunately, it really does describe the kind of blind faith that Jonestown represented. While I will try hard never to use it again, I'm afraid it's become part of our language.

It isn't a guy, Dave, it is a girl.

And I try not to use the term for her sake.

There is NO reason for anyone to be rude, snarky, snipey or just plain mean to anyone on this forum because we disagree with them. Some of us who others label as K.A. drinkers are just positive souls and try very hard to keep the truth out there. It is just as offensive to be negative when there is no reason for it to us positive folks. We aren't dim witted, we don't work for the Morses, we don't gain anything by our attitude that this place is dang nigh perfect. It is HOW we perceive it.

There is a group of folks who for their own private reasons feel that NOTHING is perfect enough to celebrate, and others who are jealous of people financially more well off, and others who suspect that all big business is corrupt.

Naturally anyone thinking to move here would have to think just as WE did that this is WAY too good to be true. I was VERY suspicious after we came here the first time. WHAT is going on there. That was five years ago and it is still as nice as when we were looking at it, but I now feel so good about our choice to move here.

We don't need to encourage anyone to live here, they are coming in droves. WHO we need to encourage are happy souls, good drivers, people who want to enjoy life and get along with others. The other kind are kinda making me all snarley.

[mgm4444]

Originally Posted by OldDave

Last spring we had a bit of discussion about this as a part of a different thread. I cannot remember what that thread was, but I do remember a couple of things.

I read through the Wikipedia definition you listed. I think it's pretty much on the nose. In the case of the Villages, it doesn't mean you like living here. It means you are totally devoted to the place to the point that you refuse to hear or recognize anything negative, even if it is clearly true.

I think this comes up with things like the post a couple of days ago by a woman worried about the recent accidents and whether this was common here. While she eventually got several good responses, most of them really dispelling her worry, the first few were very defensive of TV, and a couple even rude.

I've mentioned this sort of attitude a couple of times and continue to be puzzled by it. This place has some really wonderful, unique things. Like any place else it has some issues. Pretending there are no negatives just doesn't make sense to me. I think when people have such knee jerk reactions to reasonable questions, it makes new people feel like there is something to hide here. I think it actually adds to some people's paranoia. Those people that take the time to make serious, well thought out answers do a much better job of selling the place in the long run, at least they did to me.

I will say one other thing about the kool-aid term. During the earlier thread I mentioned in the spring, I got a message from a guy who was really hurt by the use of the term. He in fact had a friend who died there. (That may be what you are remembering.) I apologized on the thread and have tried to avoid using that term any longer. Unfortunately, it really does describe the kind of blind faith that Jonestown represented. While I will try hard never to use it again, I'm afraid it's become part of our language.

Old Dave - Just yesterday, after reading about the thread on the accidents, my very first thought was I'm glad I'm not a newbie, anymore, on this forum. I would probably never ask any questions for fear of people jumping all over me. I would have never came here to look around. Or bought. I can't help to think some of the responses here turn alot of people off. A couple of years ago, you'd get maybe one or two people who gave attitude, but it's happening almost every day now, on here. Attitude, defensiveness, being sarcastic. I don't think the newbies know there are thousands more Villagers that are out having fun, joining clubs, at the pools, squares, etc. There's still good info on here, but this forum sure has changed in a few years. I don't log on as much just because of this kind of thing. Everyone on this forum was once a newbie, and alot of people forget that. It's very sad.

[billethkid]

the saying was around long before Jonestown and Casey Anthony.

I would venture a guess that over 99% who use the cliche' have absolutely no reference to Jonestown or Anthony.

It usually has one of or all multiple conotations i.e usually in the vein of implying one not knowing what they are doing/talking about. And even if they do and the other disagrees the cliche' is used similarly. Hence it's much used status in political discussions.

Just as simple as that!!!!!!

btk

Very akin to the other cliche', you must be out to lunch!!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

Do you mean in terms of The Villages?
It's an unattractive way to say you have become sold on living here.

This is the truth, without embellishment, without sarcasm, and without being defensive.

(and without my usual "sermon". lol)

As usual, good stuff from that Uptown Girl

[OldDave]

Gracie, I always appreciate that you take time to explain your thoughts, even though you are a bit "enthusiastic" at times. I know it is sincere. btw, the person who sent me a personal message about Jonestown, was not a girl. He is someone who I've become friends with on here. So if you know a girl, there are at least two people on here who were personally touched by that tragedy.

I have heard that "drinking the kool-aid" is older than Jonestown. I thought so too, but I have tried to find an earlier reference and haven't been able to do so, if someone has I'd like to see it.

MGM, you stated things very well. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm truly not sure if the people who snap at newbies really mean to be rude or what. As I said earlier it truly puzzles me. As Gracie said people are coming in droves. Maybe those grumpy folks are just trying to slow down the growth.

[redwitch]

I hate the term. I was one of those who lost people dear to me at Jonestown, including a young man I taught to drive and a girl I babysat and, of course, their parents. It was almost impossible to live in the Bay Area during that time and not be personally affected. "Drinking the Kool-Aide" is beyond offensive to me. It is truly painful.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by OldDave

Gracie, I always appreciate that you take time to explain your thoughts, even though you are a bit "enthusiastic" at times. I know it is sincere. btw, the person who sent me a personal message about Jonestown, was not a girl. He is someone who I've become friends with on here. So if you know a girl, there are at least two people on here who were personally touched by that tragedy.

I have heard that "drinking the kool-aid" is older than Jonestown. I thought so too, but I have tried to find an earlier reference and haven't been able to do so, if someone has I'd like to see it.

MGM, you stated things very well. I appreciate your thoughts. I'm truly not sure if the people who snap at newbies really mean to be rude or what. As I said earlier it truly puzzles me. As Gracie said people are coming in droves. Maybe those grumpy folks are just trying to slow down the growth.

I do not think "drinking the kool-aid" as an analogy is older than Jamestown. I think it is directly related to that tragedy, and refers to people who blindly follow along with the crowd or a charismatic leader, without regard to the consequences.

As for people who snap at newbies, I think they see certain opinions as a threat to their strongly held beliefs and react accordingly. The dynamics of chat sites like this, and I have been a participant on several over the last ten plus years, are interesting to say the least, and would probably make for a fascinating psychological study. People who are relatively non-confrontational in their real life, suddenly become active debaters on a keyboard. People who are passive-aggressive in life become simply aggressive on a keyboard. With a level of anonymity comes a "courage" to say things one would seldom, or never, say to another person's face. Add that to the fact that many people struggle to accurately express their opinions and feelings, and you have a situation rife with the probability of misunderstandings. I have often found statements I have made to be minconstrued or mischaracterized. Sometimes it is my fault, particularly in an effort to be brief and concise when I don't provide adequate context, and sometimes it is because the responder did not read carefully, or misinterpreted what I said. I try not to get too excited about what people say here because; a. everyone is entitled to their opinion, and legitimate opinions can coexist, even if diametrically opposed, and; b. because I can choose what I read, and I can choose what I want to beleive, regardless of what anyone else thinks or types. Have a nice day and be kind to one another! Merry Christmas.