this post was submitted on
118 points (71% like it)
197 up votes 79 down votes

psychology

unsubscribe71,735 readers

~57 users here now

Understanding Our Minds

Please do not ask for psychological advice here. We cannot guarantee qualified answers.

While we understand not all of our subscribers are interested in the academic side of psychology, we ask that the posts here maintain a serious and scientific viewpoint.

By that nature, image posts (such as memes), and posts discussing things such as spirituality, religion, politics, philosophy, and pseudo-science shall not be posted here (unless they are within the context of a scientific study).

If you submitted a link and it doesn't appear in the "new" queue, please ensure that your post conforms to the submission guidelines. If your post conforms to the submission guidelines and was still removed, please link to the post in question and why you think we should re-approve the submission.

crossroads:

a community for

reddit is a source for what's new and popular online. vote on links that you like or dislike and help decide what's popular, or submit your own! learn more ›

all 108 comments

[–]asuwere 44 points45 points ago

He's not feeling threatened at all. Looks like he's enjoying the attention.

[–]randombozo 33 points34 points ago

He's a real life troll.

[–]HitlerIsNotDead 5 points6 points ago

he's me gusta-ing hard

[–]StillLifeWithDog 3 points4 points ago

'Bemused', I would say.

[–]Sir_smokes_a_lot 13 points14 points ago

Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman son. If you are bad at recognizing emotion in facial expressions read that shit asap.

[–]linuxlass[S] 8 points9 points ago

Thanks. My library has it! Yay!

I didn't really clue in too much about how opaque people's faces are to me until I started watching Lie To Me, and I saw the little twitch of contempt in real life. It was amazing to me to really see that. (Of course, it made the conversation much more hurtful than it might have been otherwise. Oh well.)

[–]CuriousCursor 1 point2 points ago

Lite to Me was pretty amazing :(

[–]linuxlass[S] 0 points1 point ago

I just finished the first chapter, and it looks like a very fascinating book. Wow.

[–]neko_loliighoul 0 points1 point ago

as someone who scans peoples faces for any little hint of disapproval or emotional changes, I think that would quite possibly be a really bad idea. lol

[–]asdfman123 0 points1 point ago

You've got to be careful about reading that sort of stuff, though. It makes you armed and ready to project and overanalyze the shit out of everything.

[–]aclarson 37 points38 points ago

High.

[–]deusexignis 61 points62 points ago

Really? What are your motivations in asking this, may I inquire? And it's amusement/pride. He's smiling, that's a shit-eating grin if I've ever seen one.

[–]linuxlass[S] 48 points49 points ago

Because I have a hard time reading expressions (I also have mild face-blindness), and his eyes looked a bit odd to me. It struck me as a complex expression, but perhaps it isn't. I didn't know where else to ask.

[–]Miz_Mink 9 points10 points ago

He looks like he might be a little drunk or stoned (but then again, it might be the context that makes me think this), which is perhaps why the expression is hard to read.

[–]deusexignis 3 points4 points ago

Ah, alright. I just assumed (you know the saying) that because of the recent controversy over this picture on reddit, that you were asking for more sinister reasons. My apologies.

[–]linuxlass[S] 23 points24 points ago

No problem. As I was looking at the image, the guy's expression caught my eye, and I couldn't really tell what it was. Perhaps I don't see shit-eating grins all that frequently. :) It's ugly to me, in a way i can't quite put my finger on.

As a side note, I remember when I learned about the "fear smile". It blew my mind. Especially when I realized that I had seen that look on my kid's face when he was being scolded as a little kid. I had assumed he was being mocking, but instead he was afraid. I still feel bad about that.

[–]holyshiznoly 17 points18 points ago

It's not a normal expression. He also looks a little crazed in addition to the other emotions people are saying, so you're right it's an extremely complicated expression.

[–]liltitus27 6 points7 points ago

whoa, what? can you explain this "fear smile to me, like i'm five?

[–]linuxlass[S] 10 points11 points ago

Here's an example.

Other primates smile in fear. it's thought to be a disarming gesture, a sign of harmlessness.

[–]Rekel 2 points3 points ago

I see a forced, fake smile, but is that necessarily out of fear?

[–]deusexignis 3 points4 points ago

Yeah, I see that kind of grin a lot. I'm friends with some people who employ it quite frequently, haha.

And yeah, 'fear smiles' are alarming, but you can still usually detect fear vs. happiness based on the eyes. But I actually sometimes have a habit of laughing when I'm frightened...

[–]iamtheowlman 4 points5 points ago

What controversy? This is the first time I've seen this pic

[–]deusexignis 8 points9 points ago

I'm lazy so I'm copy pasting my reply to the same question from another person:

He's exposing himself (he pulled out his penis) to a group participating in Slut Walk, which if you don't know, is a rally that has a lot of rape victims, and is generally an anti-rape protest. So his actions were very distasteful, especially because in other pictures it is very obvious that he was mocking and humiliating the people marching with the intent of getting this reaction. He probably triggered a few victims of rape with his actions, but many people think it was all in good fun and that he's a 'hero'. I assumed this picture was posted to try and garner evidence for the "oh poor man just wanted to show his dick" side of things.

I don't think attacking him was an appropriate solution, not in the slightest, but what he did was disgusting.

[–]iamtheowlman 2 points3 points ago

Oh, that guy. Saw the title on my front page, never opened it.

[–]linuxlass[S] 5 points6 points ago

He ended up getting chased away by some of the women, and then arrested by several cops (with onlookers cheering), presumably for indecent exposure.

[–]deusexignis 0 points1 point ago

Yeah, you probably made a good choice...Battle lines being drawn everywhere.

[–]tupiniquim 1 point2 points ago

Do you have the link to the previous post of this picture on reddit?

[–]deusexignis 6 points7 points ago

Yes sir/ma'am! Let me go find it.

Here you go! The top comment explains it is not a ''feminist pride" event, but one regarding rape, and it is usually attended by victims of rape, which is why I think his actions were so crass. Especially in other pictures, where it is obvious he flips them off and taunts them.

[–]linuxlass[S] 0 points1 point ago

At the top of the page, there's "Other Discussions". I think the one I originally saw was on /r/pics.

There's also a video, where the guy gets chased by some of the women. Here.

[–]liltitus27 0 points1 point ago

what's the recent controversy? what's this picture from?

[–]deusexignis 5 points6 points ago

He's exposing himself (he pulled out his penis) to a group participating in Slut Walk, which if you don't know, is a rally that has a lot of rape victims, and is generally an anti-rape protest. So his actions were very distasteful, especially because in other pictures it is very obvious that he was mocking and humiliating the people marching with the intent of getting this reaction. He probably triggered a few victims of rape with his actions, but many people think it was all in good fun and that he's a 'hero'. I assumed this picture was posted to try and garner evidence for the "oh poor man just wanted to show his dick" side of things.

I don't think attacking him was an appropriate solution, not in the slightest, but what he did was disgusting.

[–]PenguinPerson 7 points8 points ago

I agree, it is obvious he is expressing satisfaction as the crowd responds similarly to how he probably hoped they would. Like when someone challenges you to a fight (if he isn't bluffing). They expect and want the fight. Here the man is getting what he wants.

He would have had a negative reaction only if they didn't have a negative reaction themselves. Like if their instead just pointed and laughed.

I figure that much is obvious it is a kinda egh question, but I suppose may just maybe create psychological discussion.

[–]MrProper -1 points0 points ago

"haters gonna hate"

[–]iceani 1 point2 points ago

What a strange expression. A shit eating grin. I've never understood it tbh. Why would one grin if one was eating shit?

[–]Geminidragon07 11 points12 points ago

satisfaction he's getting exactly what he wanted

[–]ShortFuse 6 points7 points ago

[–]deusexignis 37 points38 points ago

It's actually Slut Walk, which is an anti-rape rally. So, his actions are even more asinine, seeing as based on his facial expression he knows exactly what he's doing; mocking a group comprised largely of rape victims.

Not that attacking him is warranted.

[–]PenguinPerson 10 points11 points ago

Indeed his actions can be seen as somewhat malicious in this situation.

[–]anillop 1 point2 points ago

He looks like a guy who is getting the attention that he wanted.

[–]deusexignis 0 points1 point ago

Sadly, yes. I wish they had ignored him, or called the police, but when you maliciously sexually harass a group of a people that is comprised of mostly rape or sexual assault victims, they will react rashly.

It made the movement look bad, which was likely his goal.

[–]nilved 1 point2 points ago

How on earth does this make the movement look bad?

[–]deusexignis 2 points3 points ago

Well, it just justifies all the detractors going "Oh what hypocrites attacking people for nudity!". I've seen people doing it already, or saying that they're just violent sexists.

[–]pizooozooo 0 points1 point ago

my first thought was that his cock was out, off frame. awesome

[–]AngelaMotorman 8 points9 points ago

You were right.

Not awesome at all.

[–]pizooozooo 5 points6 points ago

I meant that I was able to guess what was going on. Of course, I do not condone public displays of genitalia nor the shaming of women.

  • This message was approved by Citizens for Pizooozooo

[–]FraterEAO 0 points1 point ago

After watching that video, I came to two conclusions: (1) that guy is an asshole, and (2) mobs are terrifying.

[–]WolfInTheField 2 points3 points ago

Well I don't know how much insight this provides, but he mainly looks like I just shit myself laughing. He looks like fucking [10] guy! He looks like the absurdity of the situation got him high. So I would say, yeah, that's a shit-eating grin if ever I've seen one.

[–]schug 2 points3 points ago

Any context?

[–]DettaOhdetta 1 point2 points ago

kinda what I was wondering. I saw further up that there was controversy of some kind, but I hadn't heard 'bout that either..

[–]gophercuresself 2 points3 points ago

Not sure about the reddit controversy but here's the story.

[–]DettaOhdetta 2 points3 points ago

Thank ya. And wow..I am very surprised that man avoided a beating there...way beyond inappropriate trolling..

[–]Girlwithnousername 0 points1 point ago

I really wish I hadn't watched that now :(

[–]themapleboy 1 point2 points ago

He apparently whipped it out during slut walk.

[–]vibrate -1 points0 points ago

Someone trolling SRS

[–]unrealdustin 2 points3 points ago

It looks like the acid just kicked in.

[–]ModeratorDucoNihilum[M] 0 points1 point ago

Hey guys. There are a lot of reports on this post, and I myself find this post borderline for this subreddit. If any of you who have reported it could comment here as to why, it would be helpful in establishing the rules later.

So - why should posts like this be removed / why should we keep this post?

I find the responses to be mostly utterly lacking in thought, which disappoints me, but it's such a close call I don't even know.

[–]strangersadvice 0 points1 point ago

I think it's ok. It's an interesting distraction if nothing else, and that is what we are here (on reddit) for. Complainers gonna complain.

[–]jjme 0 points1 point ago

I think the post is a fine one for this subreddit, because without knowing context, the photo clearly shows what I take to be an abnormal reaction in a given situation. The question posed in the post title seems genuine, and there is no hint of the OP not being serious. The post has generated some discussion on facial cues for emotion and some have given relevant backup literature for research.

Not sure why someone would report this, actually. Would be interested to know what the argument is for this post not being appropriate.

[–]aggrosan 4 points5 points ago

he is sexually aroused, some femdom shit

[–]echoshield 15 points16 points ago

[–]ModeratorDucoNihilum[M] 2 points3 points ago

Please read the subreddit rules. Meme posts, including in comments, are unacceptable.

[–]ballzach 14 points15 points ago

While I agree with the rule, this post could be argued to be constructive. We know the emotion that that face is trying to convey, because it is a reference to popular (internet) culture. So, it could be an answer to the question?

[–]smokinshep 1 point2 points ago

One awkward moment, that's for sure.

[–]thats_chicken 2 points3 points ago

I agree. While he does look a bit amused, something about his expression makes me uncomfortable.

[–]Aspire101 1 point2 points ago

Ejaculating, clearly.

[–]orthag 0 points1 point ago

This man has a very specific fetish, it seems.

[–]stickmanDave 1 point2 points ago

His expression jumped out at me when i first saw the picture, too. It reminded me of the face of a guy I was standing next to, right up against the stage at a concert years ago. As the singer was strutting about the stage, this asshole grabbed the mic cord (remember when mic's had cords?) so that the singer couldn't move away, pissing the singer off no end. Eventually security came and hauled him off, but until they did, the guy had this very same expression on his face. It's an exceedingly creepy expression, and I've always remembered it. In both cases, it's the expression of someone taking great joy in pissing people off, and enjoying the attention of so many angry people.

[–]ilovemilkmorethanyou -1 points0 points ago

satisfaction.

[–]Raytoran 0 points1 point ago

He's high as fuck

[–]kiddink 2 points3 points ago

Looks like it's a fake smile; you can tell by his eyes, they don't "join" the rest of the face in the smile; he's focusing really strongly on everything BUT the people that are focusing on him. He's purposely ignoring them, and to purposely ignore such a strong influence means you have to counter it; so he's in some sort of trance that let's him act happy(maybe he's telling himself to keep smiling or he's reliving some sort of happy past experience).

Everyone's yelling over him and for some reason he's smiling; it's a giant emotional contrast between him and his environment. I think he's trying really hard not to be swayed by the people around him and he's focusing on holding the smile but on the inside there's struggle. The smile doesn't look genuine so I'm guessing his struggle is between portraying happiness and his reflection to the emotions of the people around him.

Edit: My analysis posited that when surrounded by many outward displays of a certain type of emotion directed at you, it's very difficult not to have the same emotion.

[–]rhinovr 2 points3 points ago

I see fear(eyebrows pulled together) and a fake smile(edges of his lips pulled to the side, not up, and no crinkling around the eyes). Maybe a bit of contempt(the muscles above his nose look like they may be pulled up, but I can't tell for sure). The faces of the crowd are far more interesting.

Edit: Looking back, I'm fairly confident in the contempt part

[–]IamTypingWithOneHand 1 point2 points ago

It's the "totally worth it" expression.

[–]jamesmhall 0 points1 point ago

Dis-associative amusement. He is both elated by a previous or separate event that is in direct conflict with his surrounding environment. I find your question to be excellent and observant. His eyes look off because he is fighting to maintain his emotional state. They are unfocused and the brows are lowered. If this were true elation his eyes would be more focused on the source of his elation, and his brows would be more raised.

[–]altrocks 1 point2 points ago

Well, to actually break it down: His eyes aren't wide with fear, in fact they are quite relaxed/amused looking. His cheeks are raised and his mouth is in a genuine smile configuration, with the lips pulled all the way back but with little tension across the front of the lips. He seems to be, at that particular moment, happy about his situation.

[–]screwthat4u 0 points1 point ago

It looks like he is sitting back thinking to himself... wtf am I doing here

[–]Do_It_For_The_Lasers 1 point2 points ago

AROUSAL.

[–]gatorade42 0 points1 point ago

Withdrawn

[–]Dunabu 1 point2 points ago

That's the expression of a man who has multiple women blowing him simultaneously.

[–]follw_logic 0 points1 point ago

Satisfaction

[–]RaindropBebop 1 point2 points ago

He appears to be staring up at the sky, not at anyone in the crowd. This seems to indicate that either he's not interested in his action(s) being seen as negative by the women in the photo, and does not appear to be feeling any shame/guilt or he's thinking about/imagining something else.

The smile looks genuine, albeit small, which would indicate that he's deriving at least a small amount of pride/satisfaction/arousal from his action(s) or the situation.

When I look at the entire expression, one word that jumps out to describe his expression is relief or satisfaction. It's that glazed-over-eyes, but relaxed-face look that you'd see from someone who's slipping into, say, a Jacuzzi after a long day. I could also, perhaps, see a look of mischeif; like the face you would have when plotting to play a prank on someone as small child — perhaps a mix of both.

What that means about the person, in this situation, I couldn't say.

Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion based on my experiences being a human and seeing faces for my entire life. I have no official training or professional experience in "reading" faces.

[–]Hellrazor236 1 point2 points ago

Contentment.

[–]TheGodWalrus 0 points1 point ago

Unconscious

[–]BlessedConstipation 0 points1 point ago

An air horn blast at that close of a range could probably do some serious damage.

[–]theVice 0 points1 point ago

John Leguizamo?

[–]starrychloe 1 point2 points ago

It's arousal

[–]starrychloe 0 points1 point ago

Wow never seen the photo before and after reading the comments can't believe I called it spot on! I thought it was WTF because why would he have that face in that situation? And why its the wall slanted? Now I know... Well one out of two...

[–]strangersadvice 0 points1 point ago

Bashful guilt.

[–]THE_Psychologist 0 points1 point ago

Satisfaction, with a bit of pride or self-directed happiness. You can tell this based on his half-smile and the position of his eyes. But, this is only a moment, and emotions change as time moves. I would say anyone attempting quantitative, valid, reliable data could not source from a photo in this case, only from a video.

[–]TheOtherAnon 1 point2 points ago

That? That is the sudden realization, that with all of your tactical training, with your unique skillsets and abilities, your prestigious military history, and all of the life experiences you've acquired up to this point, you are going to die by a mob of hippies airhorning you to death. What else is there, but to laugh?

[–]Shit-Analogy 0 points1 point ago

shit-eating grin.

[–]Mad-Duke 0 points1 point ago

That guy has the same face as the nearby women... That is the face of dumb ignorant stubborn people taunting society because it dares to make sense.

[–]nsfwdreamer 0 points1 point ago

I'd guess its WTF.

[–]Jesmojo 1 point2 points ago

To me it looks like "why am I smiling at this, and why Oh Why, didn't I call in sick this morning?"