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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIt was depressing that I had to have this talk
One of the girls at work is marrying her partner this weekend in a local park and invited a number of us to come to the ceremony. One of our other truck drivers who didn't know she was gay started making some really nasty comments behind her back and I know I'm supposed to control my temper but I fully admit to being weak in a number of areas. I told him I didn't care if he went to the wedding or what he thought about her but he was damned sure going to keep his mouth shut and and be polite. I told him if he should ever say anything offensive to her I would start breaking his fingers one by one until he apologized. Of course he went to the boss and he told him that he should pay attention because he had known me for years and seriously doubted I was joking.
I know I shouldn't handle problems like that but I was seriously pissed, why is it that so many people have to hate anything they don't understand? This girl is really nice and goes out of her way to help everyone, she starts up a collection when anyone is in need and always has time to listen when someone needs to talk, what more can you expect of a person?
freshwest
(53,661 posts)RKP5637
(67,112 posts)dump on someone trying to feel good about themselves. She was as easy target for this asshole!
stillwaiting
(3,795 posts)Tearing down others to feel better about oneself is unfortunately a common occurrence in our society.
Those who engage in it have very low self-esteem. It's no surprise that many in our society have low self-esteem due to the way our society is structured and the main messages that are instilled in us throughout our lives from a very early age.
dballance
(5,756 posts)Yes, I know I'm also supposed to be better than that. Some days I just can't help myself.
KentuckyWoman
(6,692 posts)I would have humiliated him in front of anyone nearby by openly pitying him and the poor woman who bore him.
I have a gift in this regard. I can make a bully almost whimper in pain with the right look and a well placed sentence.
bearssoapbox
(1,408 posts)You don't need no stinkin' pliers.
You know...for that 'personal' touch.
Iggo
(47,565 posts)pnwmom
(108,994 posts)Good for you and the boss.
vlyons
(10,252 posts)threatening to break is fingers is not the answer. That type of answer comes from the same place as his bigotry - a place of fear, anger, and hatred.
Next time (and I hope there's not a next time), just tell him that his belittlement of other people is the hallmark of deep insecurity and ignorance. That compassion and tolerance and peace are the teachings of Jesus. That when he spouts such ignorant and hateful statements, he loses respect in your eyes. That he needs to meditate on where the ignorance and hatred in his mind and heart come from, and start working on doing something positive about it. That ignorance and hatred are poison and always result in unhappiness for himself and others.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)raven mad
(4,940 posts)My niece and her lovely spouse - both beautiful, educated, exciting and FUN women - got badmouthed so badly at work, they both quit. Both are software coders - and landed better jobs.
I get so angry when LGBT friends are put down for being who they are.
ripcord
(5,537 posts)It is nice to know everyone else seems to accept her and is happy for her.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)Fantastic Anarchist
(7,309 posts)randome
(34,845 posts)[hr][font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font][hr]