The Effects of Trickle-Down Meanness

The date was March 21, 1997.  Sunny and 75 degrees outside, it was a postcard perfect day, but Henry hadn't noticed.  Inside, his boss, who had been chewed out earlier in the day by the president of the company where Henry worked, was mean to him for no good reason. Driving home, Henry didn't notice the blue skies, warmth of the sun, flowers blooming, trees budding, birds in flight because all he could think about was how mean his boss was to him for no good reason.

Upon arriving home, Henry's wife Sarah said, "It's the first day of spring; it's gorgeous out; let's take a walk before dinner to appreciate nature's beauty," but Henry didn't hear her because all he could think about was how mean his boss was to him, and he snapped at her for no good reason.

Sarah retreated to the kitchen where she found little Johnny holding a Daffodil that he had picked for her.  "Mommy, I picked this pretty yellow flower just for you," he said. But Sarah didn't see in her son's face the excitement and joy from giving someone you love a gift. All she could think about was how mean Henry was to her, and she yelled at Johnny for no good reason.

Little Johnny turned around and ran out the backdoor. He ran down the stairs and sat down on the bottom step next to where Fido the dog was basking in the sun. Fido immediately jumped up, ran for his ball, and returned to his young master, tail wagging and eager to play. But Johnny didn't join in Fido's enthusiasm because all he could think about was how mean his mother was to him, and he screamed at Fido for no good reason.

Fido dropped the ball and walked down the sidewalk in the backyard that led to the garage and an old majestic oak tree with branches that spread out over several properties in the neighborhood. Dejected, Fido laid down under the tree, put his head on his outstretched front legs, and sighed. He had two questions on his mind: 1) Why was Johnny mean to him for no good reason, and 2) Where the heck was his scapegoat, Fluffy the cat?

Plop

Ouch! Something hit Fido on the head.

Plop, Plop

Dang! Fido looked all around for the source of his discomfort but didn't see a thing. What was plopping him on the head?  Fido wondered who would be so mean as to cause him pain for no good reason.

Plop, Plop, Plop

From the safety of his perch on the oak tree branch, Fluffy the cat, who had suffered the effects of trickle-down meanness by living with Henry, his wife and son and their dog for ten years, lobbed another four acorns at Fido.

Plop, Plop, Plop, Plop

Fido, wincing in pain, heard rustling overhead and looked up to see Fluffy about to throw more acorns. "Fluffy, why are you being so mean to me for no good reason?" Fido said, just as a nut smacked Fido on the nose, "Oh, I have my reasons," the cat said, "They just aren't good ones. Run Fido Run."



So my question is this. When are there ever "good" reasons to be mean to others? No matter how you try to justify it, being mean is always a bad thing, never good. That's my elder perspective and I'm stickin' to it.