My name is Tucker Max, and I am an asshole

I am not making this up. This guy appears to be a professional asshole. His web site starts out:

My name is Tucker Max, and I am an asshole.

I get excessively drunk at inappropriate times, disregard social norms, indulge every whim, ignore the consequences of my actions, mock idiots and posers, sleep with more women than is safe or reasonable, and just generally act like a raging dickhead.

 

He is apparently an object of admiration among a certain breed of testosterone poisoned young man.  His books include I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (which is selling pretty damn well in paperback) and the forthcoming Assholes Finish First. (Note cover above... he seems very proud of being arrested).

One of my favorite Jimmy Buffett lines goes something like "Some things in life are still a mystery to me, and other things are much to clear."  It is a mystery to me why, at least in some corners, people like Tucker Max are celebrated by others and take pride in their sexism and the damage they do to others. It is much to clear to me, however, that he is exactly the kind of vile person that I try to avoid at all costs.  And it is also clear to me that the world would be better off without the likes of Mr. Max.

Also, I doubt Tucker Max has much interest in evidence, but the research seems to be that although there are some conditions when acting like an asshole has advantages (see "The Upside of Assholes"), they don't finish first in most cases.  Rather, it appears that finishing first -- or at least being put in power -- can make people dumber and turn them into insensitive jerks. The evidence is also crystal clear that people who act like demeaning and self-centered creeps damage the mental and physical health of people around them (as this blog and The No Asshole Rule show), as well as the performance of their teams and organizations.

But I guess leaving a trail of damaged people  in your wake would be a source of pride rather than shame for a self-anointed certified asshole like Tucker Max.

Comments

[Christy]

I think he uses it to hide his self-hate - the alcoholism, etc. He's convinced if he "punches" everyone hard enough, they'll a) be too stunned to react and b) share his pain. I actually feel sorry for him.

It's also not a surprising result of his (and my) generation - it's a generation that is looking for meaning, freedom and fame - and for him, this is the ultimate solution for these 3 things.

[PerGynt]

Rather than ignore these people I prefer to listen to them very carefully. The really big problem with being an asshole is that one's reasons for doing so are thin, fragile and easily impeached. Although I prefer to leave these assholes alone, I like to have this in mind.

[Steve H]

Bob, I think you've missed the point of Tucker Max's book (and, moreover, Tucker himself). You need to consider the context. When he talks about "being an asshole" and "nice guys finishing last", he isn't referring to behavior in the workplace, but rather about behavior with, around, and towards women (i.e., getting laid).

In fact, there is biological (and, of course plenty of anecdotal) evidence, that women are sexually excited by being in fearful situations, such as might occur when being pursued by an uncaring, asinine-acting male. (Unlike men, who shut down sexually in fearful situations in order to prepare for a fight.)

In addition, one of the most common responses that women give about attractive qualities that they look for in a mate is confidence. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a fine line between being confidenct and being an asshole, at least on an external, superficial level. Indeed, these two constructs might even have a high correlation when rated by unknown observers.

I think this line of reasoning is a key omission in your work on the "The Upside of Assholes", namely, the biological and evoutionary advantages of acting like an asshole, at times. Biology doesn't disappear just because we go to work.

Finally, is it your contention that somebody is (objectively) an asshole, as opposed to just exhibiting immature, rude, insecure, or inappropriate behavior at times? If so, how do you explain how one person's asshole (e.g., your boss), is another person's sweetheart (e.g., their spouse) just by changing contexts?

[Imperadør Hasemörder]

I've noticed on the blogsphere, being an asshole is quite popular. People create avatars that they live through, typing things they would never say in life. I think it gives people an easy way to feel a sense of power, especially if can they provoke other bloggers. I can easily see why he has so many trolling fans on the internet.

The provocateur is nothing new, and law seems to be an appropriate career choice for this sorry sack of shit. Karma will eventually catch up with him.

[Michael Sporer]

Bob;
Jimmy Buffett also does "The Asshole Song". It is great...
Mike

[Cara]

Need a reason to avoid law school? This website is it. Unfortunately, law school seems to attract plenty of guys like this joker. I've had the displeasure of working with a number of them.

[Bob Sutton]

Joyce, if you look at his blog, he is not only employed, Assholes Finish First is delayed because a movie is being made of Beer in Hell. As I said, some things are beyond me.

Cheers,

Bob

[Joyce Maroney]

Wow - this guy must be completely insane - in addition to being morally bankrupt. He mentions having attended law school. If this is his real name and photo ID, how could he possible be employed?