MachIVshooter
Member
So lately I have been seeing a number of threads along the lines of "I almost got in a fight today", I thought I would need my weapon today", etc. and inevitably, the following posts always promote defusing the situation in any way possible. And I don't totally disagree with this advice, as I do believe it's best to resolve a confrontation non-violently whenever possible. But the key word here is RESOLVE; backing down or running away only ends the immediate situation, it does not necessarily resolve it.
People have, no doubt, become increasingly rude over the last half century in just about every way. This trend has accelerated even more over the last two decades, as our society has become very self-absorbed, with instant gratification and a me, me, me entitlement attitude being all to pervasive. Technology, especially cell phones, has made this phenomenon even worse.
And on the other side of this rude behavior, we have been force fed this ridiculous tenet from an early age, that we should always avoid conflict and involve an authority figure later (tattle, IOW). But as we become adults, the level of behavior that is tolerated before involving that authority increases substantially from "billy called me a meany head" to "this guy with license plate ABC-123 just followed me home and threatened to burn my house down". In the middle is all of the rude and inexcuseable behavior that we see day-in, day-out at work, on the road, in the supermarket, at the movie theatre, etc. Basically, as the bullies become adults, they learn that they no longer have to answer for their behavior and continue with impunity.
So here is my concern: As a society, are we not creating a worse situation by allowing this behavior to go unchecked? I mean, people who behave in such ways tend to push until pushed back, and by allowing them to push harder and harder, are we possibly creating a situation in where the push back comes only at a level that involves deadly force?
I'm not suggesting that everyone go and pick a fight with the next guy who behaves in a juvenile manner. I'm just wondering if the constant backing down, backing away or otherwise avoiding any type of confrontation is really making the situation worse in the long run.
Please discuss at length, as I'm very interested in what other's perception of the situation is. All I ask is that no one twist my words or accuse me of encouraging conflict.
As an aside, I am that guy who WILL say something to the guy ahead of me in line who's being a jerk to the poor sap at the register for no good reason, or any other such situation. I believe people need to be reminded that rude, obnoxious behavior is not acceptable. Boy do you get a shocked look sometimes, when that person who's gone through life being that way without ever being called on it realizes that there are a few folks who will. Kinda funny, actually.
----Edited to emphasize a sentence that seems to have been repeatedly overlooked.
People have, no doubt, become increasingly rude over the last half century in just about every way. This trend has accelerated even more over the last two decades, as our society has become very self-absorbed, with instant gratification and a me, me, me entitlement attitude being all to pervasive. Technology, especially cell phones, has made this phenomenon even worse.
And on the other side of this rude behavior, we have been force fed this ridiculous tenet from an early age, that we should always avoid conflict and involve an authority figure later (tattle, IOW). But as we become adults, the level of behavior that is tolerated before involving that authority increases substantially from "billy called me a meany head" to "this guy with license plate ABC-123 just followed me home and threatened to burn my house down". In the middle is all of the rude and inexcuseable behavior that we see day-in, day-out at work, on the road, in the supermarket, at the movie theatre, etc. Basically, as the bullies become adults, they learn that they no longer have to answer for their behavior and continue with impunity.
So here is my concern: As a society, are we not creating a worse situation by allowing this behavior to go unchecked? I mean, people who behave in such ways tend to push until pushed back, and by allowing them to push harder and harder, are we possibly creating a situation in where the push back comes only at a level that involves deadly force?
I'm not suggesting that everyone go and pick a fight with the next guy who behaves in a juvenile manner. I'm just wondering if the constant backing down, backing away or otherwise avoiding any type of confrontation is really making the situation worse in the long run.
Please discuss at length, as I'm very interested in what other's perception of the situation is. All I ask is that no one twist my words or accuse me of encouraging conflict.
As an aside, I am that guy who WILL say something to the guy ahead of me in line who's being a jerk to the poor sap at the register for no good reason, or any other such situation. I believe people need to be reminded that rude, obnoxious behavior is not acceptable. Boy do you get a shocked look sometimes, when that person who's gone through life being that way without ever being called on it realizes that there are a few folks who will. Kinda funny, actually.
----Edited to emphasize a sentence that seems to have been repeatedly overlooked.
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