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 ;’)
I like the vignette where Ben, Will's friend, says something to the effect “my great grandpa fought with Stonewall Jackson.”
Will didn't understand the pride in the claim and responded cheerfully “and I bet he whomped him too.”
Lot's of good dialogue in that movie.