History Main / AcceptableHardLuckTargets

The so called ''incels'' (short for '''IN'''voluntary '''CEL'''ibate, basically people who can't get a girlfriend or have sex) tend to be reviled by everyone else online, mainly because they are almost always [[StrawNihilist miserable assholes]] who tend to [[HatesEveryoneEqually hate and envy anyone they think is better off then them (which in their minds is almost everyone)]], to the point of celebrating whenever "normies" get killed in a mass shooting or the like, especially if female. Even [[NiceGirl Rachel Oates]] can't muster up much sympathy for them after finding out what they are really like in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvuoD9FoRsI this video]]. It should be noted that most people who can't get dates don't identify as "Incels", there is a heavy misogynistic slant to most groups of people who do identify as "Incels", generally focusing on [[EntitledToHaveYou how women are evil for not dating nice guys like them]], and self-identified "Incels" have committed several mass shootings, often targeting girls who wouldn't date them and anyone else in the vicinity.

The so called ''incels'' (short for '''IN'''voluntary '''CEL'''ibate, basically people who can't get a girlfriend or have sex) tend to be reviled by everyone else online, mainly because they are almost always [[StrawNihilist miserable assholes]] who tend to [[HatesEveryoneEqually hate and envy anyone they think is better off then them (which in their minds is almost everyone)]], to the point of celebrating whenever "normies" get killed in a mass shooting or the like, especially if female. Even [[NiceGirl Rachel Oates]] can't muster up much sympathy for them after finding out what they are really like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvuoD9FoRsI It should be noted that most people who can't get dates don't identify as "Incels", there is a heavy misogynistic slant to most groups of people who do identify as "Incels", generally focusing on how women are evil for not dating nice guys like them, and self-identified "Incels" have committed several mass shootings, often targeting girls who wouldn't date them and anyone else in the vicinity.

In a way, these might be even worse than other AcceptableTargets. While many people do show pride in their culture, ethnic group, nationality, etc. - people generally (with few exceptions[[note]]the Deaf culture being one[[/note]]) don't show pride in a disability, illness, or whatever hardship that they have. It's usually considered bad enough that they have the disability, illness, or any other hardship - that being discriminated for it would add insult to injury, so to speak.

The so called ''incels'' (short for '''IN'''voluntary '''CEL'''ibate, basically people who can't get a girlfriend or have sex) tend to be reviled by everyone else online, mainly because they are almost always [[StrawNihilist miserable assholes]] who tend to [[HatesEveryoneEqually hate and envy anyone they think is better off then them (which in their minds is almost everyone)]], to the point of celebrating whenever "normies" get killed in a mass shooting or the like, especially if female. Even [[NiceGirl Rachel Oates]] can't muster up much sympathy for them after finding out what they are really like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvuoD9FoRsI

* ''Webcomic/VeganArtbook'' dismisses allergies to vegan staples (along with limited ability to absorb non-heme iron) as nothing but [[LameExcuse lazy excuses]] concocted by [[LackOfEmpathy callous]] [[ItsAllAboutMe egotists]] in order to [[AuthorTract avoid going vegan]].

* In Creator/HarryHarrison's ''[[Literature/WestOfEden Eden]]'' trilogy, Armun has a harelip which she covers with her hair, as it makes her a target for insults and names from her tribesmates.

** It's hard to classify Boomhauer because nearly every character in the show can understand him perfectly, even if the audience can't.

*** Inverted in one episode where from his point of view, ''he'' is well-spoken and clearly enunciates, but everyone ''else'' mumbles and adds random 'dang ol' cruft. Which goes a long way to explaining why he talks the way he does.

* Mentioned in ''Discworld/{{Hogfather}}'', with the stupid thug Banjo who "looked as though he was living on invisible plankton".

There's usually a good reason for it in RealLife, but in sitcoms they're often depicted as lazy, ignorant, etc., or else the ButtMonkey[=/=]CosmicPlaything. It's really interesting when the lower-class (usually) guy falls for the RichBitch and has to deal with [[CultureClash the vast ocean of differences between the social classes]]. HilarityEnsues.

** Sure? "What accent is that?"
*** The character that asks that was born in India and moved to America; it seems like the writers were re-asking a fan question.
*** It would be hard for them to "re-ask" a fan question considering that Raj asks that in Kripke's ''first appearance''.

'''EvilAlbino'''

* Averted in ''Manga/KinouNaniTabeta'', the lawyer protagonist took a case in which a big guy is abused by his small girlfriend, it is portrayed realistically.

Though with some luck, this just might be heading for DiscreditedTrope status, though there's still a very long way to go yet. See HeroicAlbino -- compare how short that page is next to the EvilAlbino one.

* Played with in ''Literature/ThePrincessBride''. The Albino in that really only takes care of the Zoo of Death.
* In ''Literature/TheDaVinciCode'', it seems like Silas is this. Turns out, [[spoiler:that's ''exactly'' what he is]].

** Who is, [[SubvertedTrope in fact,]] a sympathetic - and surprisingly well-treated - character.

** Who is, [[SubvertedTrope in fact,]] a sympathetic [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments - and surprisingly well-treated]] - character.

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The so called ''incels'' (short for '''IN'''voluntary '''CEL'''ibate, basically people who can't get a girlfriend or have sex) tend to be reviled by everyone else online, mainly because they are almost always [[StrawNihilist miserable assholes]] who tend to [[HatesEveryoneEqually hate and envy anyone they think is better off then them (which in their minds is almost everyone)]], to the point of celebrating whenever "normies" get killed in a mass shooting or the like, especially if female.

The so called ''incels'' (short for INvoluntary CELibate, basically people who can't get a girlfriend or have sex) tend to be reviled by everyone else online, mainly because they are almost always [[StrawNihilist miserable assholes]] who tend to [[HatesEveryoneEqually hate and envy anyone they think is better off then them (which in their minds is almost everyone)]], to the point of celebrating whenever "normies" get killed in a mass shooting or the like, especially if female.

[[/folder]]

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* The infamous OneHitWonder "Short Dick Men" by Gilette, back in the mid-1990's. The bowdlerized version changed that part of the lyrics for "Short ''Short'' Men", which not only misplaced the singer's complaint to another AcceptableTarget (men of small size), but also because the "tiny weenie" lyrics weren't edited out the target became "short men with small equipment".

[[folder:Education]]
'''[[HeldBackInSchool People who were held back a year in school]]'''

Commonly portrayed as a JerkAss Bully, being ''much'' bigger than the class, being ''incredibly'' stupid, and most fiction examples won't cover any potential examples for being held back (such as how they were held back because they spent too much of the school year in the hospital recovering from a severe illness or injury). They also are ''never'' shown as taking school seriously; frequently giving up and not even ''trying'' to do their schoolwork so they can catch up.

'''Community college'''

The ultimate butt of education jokes. Whether a series takes place in high school, "real" college, or the outside world, expect at least one joke about a character attending community college.(Extra points if it's referred to as "13th grade.") Despite the fact that many educational professionals agree attending community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year school is an excellent financial decision, pop culture and society at large have not gotten over the fact that "anyone can get into community college." Community college students are seen as A) poor, B) lazy, C) stupid, or D) all of the above.
* And this despite the fact that many community colleges offer an excellent education with some even offering programs not available at the local universities. In particular, many community colleges offer courses covering technical content not available at most public four-year schools. For example, a traditional four-year school might offer enough lecture courses to get you a mechanical engineering degree, but community colleges are more likely to offer ''actual hands-on courses on machining and welding'', leading to a more practical understanding of the trade. Engineering in particular is notorious for involving designs that look good on paper but don't perform that well in practice. The hands-on experience can be invaluable.
** Also, at a university, in some fields you're unlikely to get to actually ''ask questions of'' any instructor who isn't a grad student for the first two years anyway. The guy teaching the 300 person lecture class will probably be a Ph.D., but he might as well be a video for all the interaction you'll get from him. Community Colleges don't ''have'' grad students, so most of your interaction will be with people who at least have a postgraduate degree (and, often, actual real-world experience to boot) right from the start.

[[AC:{{Film}}]]
* While not a comedy example, Film/{{Rudy}} is told that he must build his academic record at a community college before he will be eligible to apply to Notre Dame. The inference is that these institutions are dumping grounds for Ivy League rejects.
** He's explicitly being told to go there to "build up his academic record", i.e. prove that he's smart/dedicated/whatever enough to make it at Notre Dame. Sounds more like a refinery than a "dumping ground".
* In ''Film/IronMan'', Tony threatens to donate Dummy to a community college, the implication being that it would be a most embarrassing fate for the poor AI/robot.

* In Creator/ChristopherPike's ''Final Friends'' series, the heroine finds out that she'll be unable to get into a "real" college due to her abysmal SAT scores and will have to go to community college instead. She says it's "like going to summer camp after you expected to climb Mt. Everest" and eventually decides to give up on academics entirely rather than suffer the humiliation.

* Played with in the episode of ''Series/CSIMiami'', with Richard Speight Jr guest-starring as an intelligent guy who didn't get into a great college because his classmate stole the test, got a really high score and offset everything. The classmate then lorded it over him at a reunion.
* Played for laughs on the TV sitcom ''Series/{{Community}}'', set in a community college.
** The show lampshaded this in one episode where the main characters try to find a way to get Highschool Students attending the campus for college credits to stop making fun of them for being in a community college.
* In ''Series/TheBigBangTheory'', Sheldon looks down on Penny for attending (and dropping out of) a community college. Though in this case, it's less that the show itself attacks community colleges and more that Sheldon is an InsufferableGenius who looks down on everyone - including his other friends and colleagues, many of whom have earned Masters and Doctorates from "proper" universities. None of the other characters seem to have a problem with it.

* Bonus Points as sometimes, community colleges are better in some courses than "real" colleges, only cost ''much'' less. (For example, the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, arguably one of the best culinary arts schools in the country, is part of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.)
* Laney College in Oakland, UsefulNotes/{{California}} is increasingly regarded as one of the best theater schools in Northern California, as its actors frequently land top spots in universities--or, you know, get picked by theaters ''as soon as they graduate''. Unfortunately, it has the double-whammy of being a community college in ''Oakland,'' which is stereotyped as being dangerous, poor, and riddled with drug dealers.

[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* Unless, of course, the character comes from a poor background, like Luanne Platter from ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill'', where her going to Community College is celebrated by her family.
* Hayley on ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' attends a community college, which is often the butt of some jokes ("I got a check-plus. That's like a C at Arizona State!").
* [[TooDumbToLive Patrick Star]] from ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'' claims to have attended community college in the episode "The Bully."

'''Trade School'''

By people who have not been to trade schools.

[[AC:RealLife]]
* Astronauts actually ''did'' get people understanding them, before [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Nowak Lisa Nowak]] went after that woman her boyfriend was having an affair with.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Other]]
'''CrazyHomelessPeople'''

'''Mouth Breathers'''

It's ''always'' used to describe people who are dumb in some way. Admit it...you've heard it used to describe that JerkJock or that big-ass bully with [[DumbMuscle more muscle than brain]] in high school, those stupid customers who ask stupid questions, the slovenly {{basement dweller}}s [[InternetToughGuy talking shit on message boards and online games]], or that big fat motherfucker of a bouncer with a squashed, bulldog-like face that you just ''know'' was caused by him getting his nose smashed one too many times. Some of us have to breathe through our mouth because we have a cold, sinus infection, the flu, or really bad allergies (and we all know 90% of Allergy Medications don't work). OI!

[[AC: Comics]]
* Marvel's Weasel is a mouth breather, and a creepy nerdy loser criminal on top of it.

[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* Uhura calls Kirk one in ''Film/StarTrek2009'', although considering her talented ears, it may just have been an accurate descriptor - breathing through your mouth is of course quieter, and he was trying to hide.

* Mentioned in ''Discworld/{{Hogfather}}'', with the stupid thug Banjo who "looked as though he was living on invisible plankton".
** Who is, [[SubvertedTrope in fact,]] a sympathetic [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments - and surprisingly well-treated]] - character.

[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* Jack Donaghy of ''Series/ThirtyRock'' is liable to call you one if he thinks you're stupid. He's called Kenneth a mouth-breather at least once.
* Jaye's supervisor is nicknamed this by her and her family on ''Series/{{Wonderfalls}}''. He doesn't take kindly to it, telling Jaye that it's due to an undeviated septum, but this doesn't stop her from using it. It should be noted that she rather dislikes him anyway, due to being younger but promoted over her, and for being annoyingly upbeat at their retail job.

[[AC:RealLife]]
* Not to mention when it's caused not by a temporary sickness or allergy, but a permanent deformation of the internal sinus passages.

'''PerpetualPoverty'''

There's usually a good reason for it in RealLife, but in sitcoms they're often depicted as lazy, ignorant, etc., or else the ButtMonkey[=/=]CosmicPlaything. It's really interesting when the lower-class (usually) guy falls for the RichBitch and has to deal with [[CultureClash the vast ocean of differences between the social classes]]. HilarityEnsues.

'''Male Sexual Harassment Victims'''

Did you know that Sexual Harassment can actually happen to ''men'' too? Or that women can actually commit Sexual Harassment...and actually do it to ''a man'' and not another woman? Or that men can actually commit Sexual Harassment against ''other men''? Most places don't actually realize this and force men who are targets of harassment to "take it like a man" and that anyone who tries to do something about the harassment is "PC Bullshit" or "a wimp." See also DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale.

[[AC:{{Manga}}]]
* Averted in ''Manga/KinouNaniTabeta'', the lawyer protagonist took a case in which a big guy is abused by his small girlfriend, it is portrayed realistically.

[[AC:{{Film}}]]
* The treatment of Dale (played by Charlie Day) in ''Film/HorribleBosses'' zig-zags this. On one hand, his friends don't seem to think that his problem--his sex-crazed and very hot (played by Creator/JenniferAniston) boss constantly hitting on him at work--is all that bad. On the other hand, the creators go out of their way to make her seem insane and kind of creepy, and make him seem like a really nice guy happily engaged to his fiancee and not in the least bit interested in any other woman--which accentuates the horror.

[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* An episode of ''Series/WhatWouldYouDo'' tested peoples' reactions to abuse by different sexes, by having two actors playing a couple alternate being abusive. When the man was the one yelling and being rough, more often than not people stepped in to stop it. When the woman was the abuser, most people did nothing -- in fact, several women who saw it happening looked satisfied, including one who did a little fist-pump after she passed them. When asked her about her reaction, she said [[DeathByWomanScorned she assumed he had it coming]].

[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* Pretty much the whole message of Michael Crichton's ''Literature/{{Disclosure}}'' and the MacGuffin for the book. He also waxes at length on the (presumably correct for the time) statistics and what they mean.

[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill'', Hank Hill's reaction to being told he can sue for "Male on Male Sexual Harassment" is... "BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!" followed by his shocked expression. The other person he shows it to also is too afraid to admit it. It's amazing how [[TruthInTelevision real]] it can be.
** Another episode had him being borderline-stalked by a female cop with the hots for him, which wasn't shown as being the least bit acceptable. Yet still played for laughs.
* An episode of ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'' had Peter being sexually harassed by his boss, to the point that she demanded he come to her house and have sex with her. While she was clearly shown as being in the wrong, the whole thing was PlayedForLaughs, and Lois outright refused to believe that a woman could sexually harass a man (mostly because AllMenArePerverts). Later on, the boss tells Peter she's a virgin because she was [[InformedDeformity too ugly to get laid]], itself an {{Acceptable Target|s}}.

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'''Minimum Wage Employees'''

Anyone who works a low-paying job. Bonus points if it's "menial" labor or customer service. See also BurgerFool. Overlaps with AcceptableProfessionalTargets.

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** Played with in the episode, "The Discovery Dissipation", in which Kripke mercilessly mocks Sheldon over his retracted paper, calling him "The Wetwactor". Sheldon eventually tried to retaliate by mocking Kripke's speech impediment, much to the horror of everybody else present. Sheldon apologises and takes it back, only for Barry to triumphantly conclude, "Of course you do! Because you're the Wetwactor!"

'''People with 'mild' disorders such as [[AttentionDeficitOohShiny ADHD]], [[SuperOCD OCD]] or [[UsefulNotes/AspergersSyndrome Asperger's]]'''

For the most part, people with Aspergers, ADHD, OCD, depression, etc. will get smacked from two angles. On the one hand, they'll be portrayed as stupid, incompetent, and foolish - the traditional way to do it. Then, they'll get attacked from the opposite angle - that they're actually perfectly fine and are either whiny or suffer from SpecialSnowflakeSyndrome. Drama queens in other words. Or that they're just trying to get special advantages on tests. There is a grain of truth here, like there is in a lot of things that gain public traction. There has been an over-diagnosis of various disorders over the years, with ADHD probably being the most notorious, which means people are even less likely to believe people who legitimately have the disorder(s). In addition, ADHD medicine often gets abused by people in high schools and on college campuses in order to stay up and study later. That said, people who actually have ADHD are often just as troubled by this behavior as everyone else, if not more, since the medicine that they actually need is at risk of being stolen and abused (not to mention the fact that it's really friggin' expensive and there are frequent shortages).

* Uhura calls Kirk one in ''Film/StarTrek'', although considering her talented ears, it may just have been an accurate descriptor - breathing through your mouth is of course quieter, and he was trying to hide.