Did you ever see the movie “No Time For Sergeants”? It’s an oldie from ‘56, ‘57 and stars Andy Griffith as Will Stockdale.
Andy plays a country bumpkin who gets drafted. Most of the movie centers around his initial processing. There is a scene where he meets with a shrink. The shrink asks him where he’s from and Will (Andy) replies, “Georgia”
Shrink (baiting Will): “That’s not much of a state, is it?”
Will: “Well I don’t live all over the state. I just live in this one little place in it.”
Shrink (visibly annoyed: “That’s where Tobacco Road is....Georgia.”
Will: “Not around my section. Maybe you’re from a different part than me.”
Shrink (indignant): “I’ve never been there. What’s more I don’t think I’d ever want to go there. What’s your reaction to that?”
Will: “Well I don’t know....”
Shrink (interrupting): “I think that I would rather live in the rottenest pigsty in Tennesee or Alabama than the fanciest mansion in Georgia. How about that?”
Will: “Well sir, I think where you want to live is your business.”
Shrink (incredulous): “You don’t mind when someone says something bad about Georgia?”
Will (grinning): “I ain’t heard nobody say anything bad about Georgia.”
Shrink (visibly irritated): “Well what do you think I’ve been saying?!”
Will (looking uncomfortable): “To tell you the truth sir, I haven’t been able to make too much sense out of it. Don’t you know?”
Shrink (exploding in anger): “Now watch your step young man!”
I hope you’ve followed along with my small diversion because it has an important point. I watched this movie with my folks when I was just a little sprout but I remembered both the comedy and the underlying message. Some people go around looking to be offended or to offend. I can’t help that - I can only try to modify my own behavior. I’m like Will - I don’t spend a lot of time looking to be offended by something that someone says. There are plenty of A-holes like the shrink looking to push your buttons - why oblige them?
You go out of your way to find enemies in FReepers like jmacusa and HandyDandy....and me when really all we have is a difference of opinion. That’s your prerogative and I’m not inclined to stop you if that’s what gets you off but it seems like a huge waste of energy.
I hope you liked my little story ;’)