You picked up the bitchiness of my post but not the entire subtext. My point is when using the same quote we’re able came to quite different conclusions. One assuming the IT guy did know but merely likened it to “magic” in order to not explain it to a lay person, for whatever reason. Another assuming they don’t know a key concept and are therefore a complete failure.

And yes, I can say someone who works in IT who doesn’t know what DNS is, is a failure.

Like even a trainee? A student? A failure in what way. It just feels like a weird put down. Presumably everyone has to learn it at some point as they begin their IT career. So the idea that they’re a failure until then and that DNS is the bar, is a peculiar world lens in my view.

Sorry if it hurts their feelings but maybe they’re not yet familiar with a concept called qualifications, credentials, experience, expertise, knowledge, skills… you know, silly old fashioned stuff like that.

Feelings aren’t really the point, the unnecessary extremes like labelling people “complete failures” is closer to it. You can give objective and concise criticism, which is more than capable of “hurting feelings” by the way, and not seem to be intentionally abrasive in doing so. Like the second quote you can surely see especially after the ellipsis, it’s condescending right? Unless you believe we live in an age of zero qualifications, credentials or knowledge. If so, you understand that apologising for hurting feelings prior is clearly performative and how that is perceived.

Also, I’m disappointed to inform you but all of that “old fashion” stuff is very much still the case. Hell weren’t there articles on lemmy about older generations agreeing that younger generation face an absolutely ridiculous job market? The “must have 5 years experience in a 2 year old language” memes? I don’t think it’s an age issue, generational maybe. I’m not middle age but I’m definitely not that young either. It unfortunate how often inter-generational shit flinging occurs.