Do you think that people who belittle the suffering of others are pathetic?

Either they are desperate for attention, or the idea of someone's suffering and possible death reminds them of their own mortality so they make jokes about it. As a defense mechanism, it's pathetic.

Freedom of speech includes the right to stand up to people who do that kind of thing. Thanks for standing up for Debra and those who love her.

Add--Wolfechu, it's not just Debra, but those who love her who are hurting. And Debra has suffered very much for a long time.

I think there is no need to 'belittle' someone in any way. The problem with answers is people can write whatever they like without having to suffer the consequences. So often people say or 'appear' to think things that in a face to face environment they woould never vocalise. Others view it as some sort of game and think it is funny, amusing or clever to be adversarial. You will find this particularly happens ina 'group' atmosphere like in the R&S section where there are regulars who know each other and communicate to each other through this forum. People will be jealous of this and feel that the only way they can get the group's attention is through negative and pointless comments and answers.

Rise above it, as they can not and will not affect anything of import. You know who your friends are and keep them close - the rest well that's up to them!

It's despicable when the person suffering cannot do anything about his or her situation-- I don't know Debra, and I don't know exactly what's happened to her, but I know it's not her fault.

There is some belittling that is justified, however-- if a person procrastinates, stays up late, and skips school, then complains about low grades-- belittling is okay, if not abusive. I know this isn't your point, though.

The ill and injured do not deserve mockery. Those who mock such people are most likely covering something up themselves.

Oh yes it's so sad. I think it stems from childhood. My late husband a swimmer with one leg used to have kids diving under the water to take a look. I don't condem curiosity but the cheek of it and the way people go about it is appauling. My children where bought up to have an understanding of others and now as adults they are very caring people.

It goes beyond pathetic and well into the realms of:

Petty, spiteful, obnoxious, crybabyish, attention-seeking,bone-headed, spineless, gutless, cr@pheaded, moronic, childish, silly@arsed, infantile, brainless, thoughtless, ridiculous STUPIDITY.

Did I leave out any appropriate adjectives?

Although not referring to this specific episode, I'd suggest that people who exaggerate their problems on here to gain sympathy are far more pathetic.

IN this specific example, however, how much suffering can someone who hasn't come round from an anaesthetic be in?

I read it on here often, sometimes it is very tragic, Funny thing is I pray for those who mock and those who suffer. For until you have suffered you will not understand where another is.

what kind of jackhole would insult anyone who is suffering? not only that but debra is the last person i would expect anyone to want to hurt. the only time i would mock suffering is if it was my own suffering.

it's distressing to know that there are those here who truly are that low and ignorant...part of the price we pay for free speech; we have to listen to the brayings of juvenile jackasses

I think it is a very clear relection of the sin nature in people.It is the completion of the survival of the fittest mentality.