Has American Tolerance taken a step back?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:10 pm
Are we headed back to another pre-Stonewall era? My guess is that we are.
Why is it suddenly "cool" in this country to be a racist, sexist, homophobic, uneducated, inbred moron, completely devoid of independent thought? Because even here in NY of all places, (NY!!!) which was once known for being very open-minded, has suddenly seemed to revert back to its old Archie Bunker mentality.
On Friday I got into my third fight in less than a month. But I don't post them because I just didn't feel like rehashing those, plus I really was not in the mood for any lectures from anyone about "what I should have done" either. As a NYer I have HAD to be a fighter my whole life. Let's just leave that at that once and for all.
But I digress.
On Saturday (I was en drab) at my "best friend's" place with his family & friends during what was supposed to be a friendly night of cards, I was insulted and backstabbed. These were my friends; these were people I have trusted, people I have known since early childhood. This past weekend I witnessed actions confirmed something I have feared for a couple of years now.
They corrupted the next generation, especially the 15-year old nephew who was suddenly allowed to get stinking drunk to the point where he called me "gay nig". All the while their 8 y.o. daughter was allowed to be up past midnight, sitting at the table with adults, listening to the entire exchange & encouraged to laugh along.
All of the other adults, including the aunt & uncle (my supposed best friends) were just laughing it off. But I kept my cool. I smiled & calmly told the drunken 15 y.o. that people exist in every walk of life, and that if he didn't change his attitude, someday he would offend the wrong stranger who would happily kick his backside, or WORSE.
However, as for the aunt & uncle, I wasn’t as merciful. I totally ripped into them. They really ought to know better. I didn't mind the comment so much as I did the fact that they were granting FULL PERMISSION to a 15 YEAR OLD to get drunk!!
However, as far as the comment went, that's been a little banter that's been going on between my friend Kevin & myself for a few years. Perhaps it's my fault. Had I nipped it in the bud years ago, it would not be an issue today, especially not with people's kids. But then again they should have had the presence of mind to withhold certain levels of banter from children!!
If these irresponsible a**holes want to let underage kids drink, then let them suffer the consequences. I will NOT be around to "help them" in any way. I want NO part of it. And I damn sure want no part of their lives anymore.
And I want to let you all know that I will appreciate any input that anyone here may have on this situation, however I do NOT want to hear a bunch of “should”s. I am NOT looking to be told “what to do” in this situation. Input is okay, but only in the form of INPUT. Are we clear? Understand that NOW; otherwise do not bother to post.
Why is it suddenly "cool" in this country to be a racist, sexist, homophobic, uneducated, inbred moron, completely devoid of independent thought? Because even here in NY of all places, (NY!!!) which was once known for being very open-minded, has suddenly seemed to revert back to its old Archie Bunker mentality.
On Friday I got into my third fight in less than a month. But I don't post them because I just didn't feel like rehashing those, plus I really was not in the mood for any lectures from anyone about "what I should have done" either. As a NYer I have HAD to be a fighter my whole life. Let's just leave that at that once and for all.
But I digress.
On Saturday (I was en drab) at my "best friend's" place with his family & friends during what was supposed to be a friendly night of cards, I was insulted and backstabbed. These were my friends; these were people I have trusted, people I have known since early childhood. This past weekend I witnessed actions confirmed something I have feared for a couple of years now.
They corrupted the next generation, especially the 15-year old nephew who was suddenly allowed to get stinking drunk to the point where he called me "gay nig". All the while their 8 y.o. daughter was allowed to be up past midnight, sitting at the table with adults, listening to the entire exchange & encouraged to laugh along.
All of the other adults, including the aunt & uncle (my supposed best friends) were just laughing it off. But I kept my cool. I smiled & calmly told the drunken 15 y.o. that people exist in every walk of life, and that if he didn't change his attitude, someday he would offend the wrong stranger who would happily kick his backside, or WORSE.
However, as for the aunt & uncle, I wasn’t as merciful. I totally ripped into them. They really ought to know better. I didn't mind the comment so much as I did the fact that they were granting FULL PERMISSION to a 15 YEAR OLD to get drunk!!
However, as far as the comment went, that's been a little banter that's been going on between my friend Kevin & myself for a few years. Perhaps it's my fault. Had I nipped it in the bud years ago, it would not be an issue today, especially not with people's kids. But then again they should have had the presence of mind to withhold certain levels of banter from children!!
If these irresponsible a**holes want to let underage kids drink, then let them suffer the consequences. I will NOT be around to "help them" in any way. I want NO part of it. And I damn sure want no part of their lives anymore.
And I want to let you all know that I will appreciate any input that anyone here may have on this situation, however I do NOT want to hear a bunch of “should”s. I am NOT looking to be told “what to do” in this situation. Input is okay, but only in the form of INPUT. Are we clear? Understand that NOW; otherwise do not bother to post.