Weaponized Incompetence Explained Through A Comic With An Otter As The Main Character

It’s not that you can’t, it’s just that others can do it better

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• December 11, 2022

Not being able to accomplish tasks or not being skilled enough to accomplish a goal will lead you to feel insecure about being incompetent. At any time, society upholds its expectations for us as well as expectations for ourselves.

Sometimes we ask for the help of others that are more than capable to do the tasks that we couldn’t and there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem lies in the time when this incompetency is weaponized so that others will accomplish certain things without you doing any heavy lifting. 

This is simply named weaponized incompetence. A Singaporean data analyst who shares what he learns through comics has touched on this topic. 

He uses the character of a Singaporean otter to get his message out about certain subjects like this one. Otter describes weaponized incompetence as a toxic pattern that exists in different kinds of relationships and something that we have to be aware of.

Have we done it to others? Does it exist in our current relationships?

These are all the questions that Otter’s comic makes us question. Not only that but it is described what steps you can take to make sure that you wouldn’t do it in the future.

Otter’s comics are shared on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The topics range from different things this Singaporean data analyst learns that might be useful for others to know as well. 

What exactly is weaponized incompetence and how does it come in and affect your life?

Otter overheard a conversation one day about this exact topic

Otter is very much aware of what incompetence is

It’s a pattern wherein the person pretends to be incompetent in doing something so another person would do it for them

Weaponizing it is something he wasn’t as aware of. This made him doubt if he ever did it to others.

This situation is usually seen in heterosexual relationships wherein the men divert their needs to women

Otter discussed examples of where weaponized incompetence is usually present like the workplace

In friendships filled with people who want to go places yet only one iron out all the plans

And the most prevalent place for weaponized incompetence to thrive is in relationships

What are the signs that it is happening or you’re doing it?

Subtle gestures of manipulation also fall into this category

If you’re the one being constantly manipulated, you’ll feel that you can’t rely on your partner

All of these things as well as the distrust will burn you out in the long run

Other than being burnt out, these are the things that would result from weaponized incompetence

It is possible to deal with weaponized incompetence

If you’re already worried about your partner, sort out what you think you can compromise to let go in their care

Break the mold and learn what you can to help

However, we shouldn’t be quick to assume that they simply couldn’t do tasks solely because of weaponized incompetence

If all things fail even after communicating it to others, then they mustn't really want to change

With important traits such as understanding and sensitivity, you can navigate better in relationships

Improving yourself means there’s room for your precious relationships to grow

There are a lot of trials in trying and learning to be better. It’s not always an easy road but it has more payoffs than sticking to toxic personalities. 

Not only will you be in tune with what would be better for yourself but for others as well. The growth that you do will help you build a circle or an environment that can help you in the future.

Chelsi