Ramblings of a Crowe

Mean People Suck

I think we've all see this around at one time or another. "Mean People Suck".

Yes they do.

Why are people mean? Well, who knows, but they all have several things in common. Look at the word "mean". It can also be used to define something "small". Mean people live small, think small, and usually feel pretty "small" themselves. To feel big, they treat others badly because they aren't capable of being big on their own merit. The more smallness in thier lives and personality, the meaner they tend to be. It's actually pretty sad, when you think about it. It must be horrible to have such a crappy life and poor self esteem that you're unable to see anything good and decent in your life and feel forced to behave like an ass.

So how do you deal with one of these small minded nasties when they decide to target you? There's a few ways to handle them actually, but usually it depends on circumstance and personality. You can always do what this guy did (this story is probably not true, but it's funnier than hell), but that's a lot of time and effort to waste on a couple of assholes. Anyway, in most cases, smiling and outright laugher works well. Nothing throws a bully or jerk off more than when they insult you and you laugh in their face. Honestly, if you think about all the mean things that have ever been said to you, do they make much sense? No, probably not. Mean people live inside their own small little world where they are HUGE...laughing at them brings them back down into their smallness and makes them uncomfortable. Their words are meant to hurt. They make up the stupidest stuff to make others feel bad, often resorting to petty, school yard name calling. It's really asinine and funny when you think about it. If you really want to throw them, call them a "doo-doo head" or something equally as juvenile.

You can also counter meanness with head on. Usually this works with bullies who don't know you well and believe you'll just take their crap laying down. A few snappy comebacks and some "large" wit can shut them up. Then again, it can tick them off and send them spiraling into a diarreah of sophmoric cataurwauling that will make you want to stab them in the frontal lobe. Just remember how infanitle thier tiny minds are and try to feel some pity.

Ignoring a jerk has its uses too. The theory is that if you pretend not to see or hear someone's meanness, they'll think you aren't paying attention and leave you alone. This can backfire. Often, bullies just don't get it that you could give a shit about them, and mistake your silence for hurt feelings.

Of course, the honest truth is often a great counter to meanness. The saying "truth hurts" is very accurate. Calling a bully out and pointing out all their personality flaws will either make them run crying, or start a fist fight...so be prepared.

Overall, assertivness seems to work the best. Jerks are more often than not, preditors looking for people who'll put up with their crap. They have to be bigger, they have to be right, they have to be the best, even when they suck at everything they do. Feel bad for them. They aren't very smart. Case in point, the sticker we've all seen before. Jerkoffs decided to counter with their own sticker, and in a stroke of brilliance came up with the slogan "Mean people suck, but nice people blow/swallow."

Uhhhhh...correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it all go together? *shakes head* You see, they aren't creative enough to think big and come up with something orginal. Poor saps.

Don't let mean people intimidate you. Pity them, laugh at them, and put them in their place. They need guidance from us realistic, centered individuals. Only then can they begin to become constructive, useful human beings again.

Posted by Zoso at March 3, 2005 11:47 AM