A question about one of my most disliked expressions.

[Edwardo Piet]

I have observed that bigoted people often say things like "I've got nothing against[...X group of people]".( But of course that could be said by non-bigots (to think otherwise would be bigoted towards anyone who says that)).

And then there is also another thing, sometimes when you don't personally have a similiar taste or opinion or lifestyle as someone else, when you say that you personally don't share what they share and you express that by saying something like "I don't like X" (X being for example, a particular genre of music, or fashion or lifestyle or whatever) this is misinterpreted by some people to mean that it means that you are saying "X is objectively bad, anyone who likes X is an idiot" as if it's not simply that you don't personally share that lifestyle/preference, but that you are also criticizing anyone who shares it. But it of course doesn't have the same meaning.

So, if you then want to go on to explain that you don't objectively hate such and such you simply don't share that preference/lifestyle, what is an informal way of stating that in a way that doesn't seem pretentious and like a smart ass to someone who would think that "I don't like X" means "I hate people who like X" - without it being "I have nothing against X group of people"... which is the sort of expression often used by bigots which understandably sounds bigoted because it should be obvious that you don't hate X group of people so it shouldn't need stating...

But in these cases when it actually does require explaining, what is the best way to explain it?

[festive1]

I'm not fond of X, but whatever floats someone's boat.

[Edwardo Piet]

Yes, I like the meaning of "whatever floats your boat" but for some irrational reason I don't enjoy the metaphor. Perhaps because it is dated and overused. I'd rather not be someone who instead of saying "I don't like X" always says "whatever floats your boat", because I'd simply overuse the metaphor. I would like a clear and direct literal version of the meaning rather than a metaphorical one.

I would rather like variations of the metaphor though... although I'm not sure that they'd be understood? Maybe I should create a new thread for some.

Anyway, as for the "I'm not fond of X" part... I can still imagine some people reacting in the same way: Thinking that that means I'm against X.

I guess the problem is that they may be misinterpreting a true statement as an understatement. They may for example translate "I am not fond of X" as just a polite understatement of something like "You're an idiot to like X" when actually what is meant really is what is explicitly said.

[Faith No More]

How about "I recognize their talent, but their music just isn't the style of music that I enjoy.

[Minimalist]

Eliminate all doubt.

Say "Fuck X."

[Darth]

Do you like X?

Rather than explaining how much you hate x because:
a) it sounds like noise,
b) it's a blob that you yourself could make, so it's therefore not real art,
c) it's twilight fan fiction with the names changed,

Could we just turn it around and make it positive?
Nah, I'm much more into Z, I find it so ( ). [without harping on]

[Kirbmarc]

Anyway, as for the "I'm not fond of X" part... I can still imagine some people reacting in the same way. They may for example translate "I am not fond of X" as just a polite understatement of something like "You're an idiot to like X" when actually what is meant really is what is explicitly said.

I think you worry a little too much. Most people aren't going to react in a bad way if you simply say "I'm not fond of X". I for one would never think that.

[Jackalope]

I'm not fond of X, but whatever floats someone's boat.

Or this...

[Edwardo Piet]

I think you worry a little too much. Most people aren't going to react in a bad way if you simply say "I'm not fond of X". I for one would never think that.

Often I think that most people don't react that way too. But then I do question that when so many people seem to get annoyed whenever you don't share the same interest as them.

Although it tends to only happen when it's something that they love to the point of intense passion or even obsession.

With a lot of obsessive fans saying that you don't like what they like can piss them off. Of course many people are mature enough in that regard to realize that that's nothing to get all "offended" about. But I do think that many aren't too.

[Something completely different]

I have observed that bigoted people often say things like "I've got nothing against[...X group of people]".( But of course that could be said by non-bigots (to think otherwise would be bigoted towards anyone who says that)).

The worst are the kind of people who think that they look likable, when they say:

"I have friends who are "some political or social afilliation" but......"

Everytime I hear that line, first off: I know the talking person is lying. Second: I know that the line following the "but.....", will contain something completly bigoted and repulsive.

If such a person would actualy not be lying, it would make things eaven worse. Who would want to have a "friend" or actualy has a "friend" who accuses you of the worst kind of things.

I guess you all know this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pU1UD7UzEY