Spock tantrum

a spock tantrum is a shouty, sweary, emotional response to someone who just isn’t being logical!

we all know that the socially acceptable response to someone with batsh-t crazy beliefs is to smile and nod politely and remember that everyone is ent-tled to their opinion. however, sometimes this is easier said than done. named after mister spock, everyone’s favourite logic-loving half-vulcan, a spock tantrum can be provoked by anything from religious fundamentalism to bad science in toothpaste adverts.

while it is highly inappropriate to have a spock tantrum at a sweet old lady who believes her cat, mr. fuzzyb-ttons, can communicate with the dead, sometimes a spock tantrum is perfectly justified. if someone (particularly someone in a position of power) is using cr-ppy logic to manipulate people, discriminate against people, endanger people in some way or sell everyone useless junk, just go ahead and let rip.
crazy fundamentalist preacher: “those who refuse to believe in the one true g-d will be punished by an eternity of torment in h-ll. so start worshipping him, stop having s-x and start shunning the gays!”

polite response: “errr, no thank you. obviously you’re ent-tled to your opinion though. have a nice day.”

spock tantrum response: “are you f-cking kidding? threatening atheists with h-ll is like telling you to stop believing in g-d or fairies will kidnap you. also, if i were to start believing in a god, why should it be your one? there are plenty to choose from – is everyone who chooses differently also going to h-ll? and why would any god worth worshipping punish people for eternity just for not believing in him? and why should i hate the gays – they’re f-cking fabulous. have a nice day.”