What is the origin and meaning of the word sheople?
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This is a word that I doubt is in the dictionary. I heard it long ago and use it from time-to-time in softer context than how I think that it might have originated.
Answers to this question:"Sheople" - Sheep People. People who just follow along after whatever without putting any real thought or logic into it, like sheep. They go "just 'cuz".
Do you know anything of the origin of the term, Jean?
I think that it may go back to the "anti-establishment" advocates of the sixties but I'm not certain.
I didn't know the origination so I did a little research and found that it's more commonly spelled, "sheeple" and goes back at least to the early 1950's in some college newspapers.
So, I learned something new!
Marlin, it so happens that during this coming election campaign, many people will become sheople.
I don't think it's a matter of "becoming" sheople, Hilda. They're already wearing wool over their eyes and mindlessly, following the ding-a-ling of TV ads.
Sheep people. I don't know where it originated, but it sounds like something from the 60's!
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Okay, so I checked Wiki, and discovered that "sheeple" originated in the US, and the first documented print usage was in 1950 in "We, the Sheeple", in the Emory University Quarterly, v.6-7 1950-1951, page 64.
Total Answers: 5, Total Page Views: 608.I think it Origin's from Persian literature. We often use the term please don't be like a sheep. It's title of a book in Iranian bookstores.
Still, the word "sheople" or "sheeple" is clearly a meshing of two English words.
I wonder when the book that you mention was originally published? As you can see from Jennifer's comments above. "Sheeple" goes back to 1950 in the US.
This last point I don't say to antagonistic. It is merely an observation. I find it interesting that, in your culture, there would be a book with such an enlightening title. By your own admission, as a writer, you are considered a propagandist and there are limits imposed on what you can publish. If the masses are surrounded with enough shepherd dogs then they will either march in step or or perish by the jaws of the protectors.
Thank you very much for your input, Abolghassem!
I am Propagandist because western culture classifies extremely different voices as propaganda. The term propaganda I think is an overused mean to suppress minorities that aren't welcomed In the west. limits that are imposed on what I can publish have a root in Texas :), although I admit freedom of speech is respected in Iran, but freedom after speech is not recognized for all issues :)
it is the link to the book's cover page:
http://www.asriran.com/files/fa/news/1387/3/26/94414_183.gif
Thank you for the link. I found the book after your previous message through Google.
"freedom of speech is respected in Iran, but freedom after speech is not recognized for all issues"
If for speaking out, one's freedom might result in detainment then I don't see the freedom of speech. I guess it's open to interpretation within a given culture. From my perspective, though, it seems as if the shepherds have no tolerance for outspoken sheep. I may seek out the English version of the book that you mention.
It's interesting interacting with you, Abolghassem. I once knew an Iranian immigrant to the US. He was a truck driver that worked under my supervision back in the 1990's. He was very hard working fellow but he had a very abrasive manner. He, most definitely, was not one of the sheep. His notion of customer service would have put us out of business if all of the drivers had the same feelings. I didn't get to know much of his native culture other than his insistence that to treat customers harshly was an acceptable practice in Iranian business.
I'm not saying that is so. It was only what he related to me.
Thanks for the dialog.
You know Ahmadinejad Himself called me last night. He was resented by my sentence "freedom of speech is respected in Iran, but freedom after speech is not recognized for all issues". He told me I must spend some time in prison to learn there is freedom of speech in Iran.
Regardless of making fun of freedom in Iran, I think all countries have some control means for the sheep class.
Here are some lists:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/10/15/266831/eu-bans-broadcast-of-iranian-channels/
http://presstv.com/detail/2012/08/23/257786/bbc-censors-syrian-insurgents-crimes/
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/222180.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/24/suppressing-press-tv-ofcom-licence
I try to express my opinion as soft as I can. I don't know for example how can I express the sentence: "I am Propagandist because western culture classifies extremely different voices as propaganda. The term propaganda I think is an overused mean to suppress minorities that aren't welcomed In the west."
I think what I have written is a bit harsh. But I don't know how can one express my sentences in a more moderate version in English language. being in wrytestuff, I am learning Your language and culture as well.
Your kind of approach is respectable for me.
Thanks for the dialog as well.
*Yawn* Your employer must do better to make the world believe that Iran has true freedom of speech, and the rest of us do not.
Hi Bruce The great fighter of Propagandists of the world. I didn't tried to imply such a meaning. Its a fact that freedom of speech is in great need of improvement in Iran. But its also a fact that it is not as dark as what your media made you to believe. You are smart, aware and watchful, but still you are a media product, just like me.
Actually, I thought much more highly of Iran until I started interacting with you, Abolghasem.
I am sorry for this. But it is me. I can not be someone else to please you.
Although I am open to new information. I like to learn from you, If you are interested to teach. Maybe the problem is that I am more American than you are :).
I am sure, although I don't believe in freedom of speech, liberalism and so on the way your believe in them. But in Practice I am more tolerant than majority of Americans. I accept people the way they are, I try to understand them. I never try to belittle people.As time passed, I learned to avoid name calling. Someone told me to avoid name calling but he practice what he said I must avoid( in his recent endorsement).
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