Allies vs. Enemies

 

It's a simple concept. Treat someone like crap and there is a good chance that they won't appreciate it and in turn, not think or act so kindly toward you when given the chance. I find it interesting how after some people gain some level of notoriety, popularity or influence no matter how significant, it's easy to develop a superiority complex. They may begin to think of themselves as elite. Not long after that, they start to treat others who aren't in their click or status differently, disrespectfully. Treating other people poorly for whatever reason is a recipe for more conflict with them as well as within ourselves.

We've all seen it back in our school days: The cool kids treating the other kids who weren't as popular crappy. You may see the cool kids laughing behind the backs of kids who weren't in the popular group or people being made fun of openly.We do this as adults too. It could be at work, in our family, extracurricular activities and/or in our socioeconomic stratified groups. This is toxic to everyone.

I must admit, there is nothing that pushes my buttons as much as someone I think is being a bully, disrespectful or belittling toward others. I have to check myself sometimes, because if I feel I am being treated this way or I see someone else on the receiving end of this, I can get a bit riled up, so I have to make sure I'm not making something more than what it is or over reacting to what I think I'm seeing or experiencing.

Who likes being treated like crap? No one. Treating someone as if they are worthless or expendable is not a good way to deal with conflict or build camaraderie in a group. Being exclusive rather than inclusive is not a good way to develop goodwill. Yes, if you have enough influence you may find a group of people who will kiss your ass. There are plenty of them. If that is what you're looking for, enjoy yourself, have fun. However there will only be a few that are loyal for  the right reasons, so don't get so full of yourself that you become blinded by your own ego. Further, don't take people's loyalty and attention for granted, it may backfire on you. Be respectful, humble and kind when it comes to others or you may lose the very thing you were trying to build or benefit from. Even in the midst of success you will probably find yourself alone.

Something for all of us to consider: Be mindful of how we treat others as well as who we choose to surround ourselves with.

Keep going,
~Craig


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are people from Crete Creteans??

Here I am in Crete. It is a pretty cool island. It is a bit more difficult getting around, but far from impossible. Most people speak at least a little english and I have gotten very good at asking (in Greek) if they speak english. I walked around about 15 miles today. Into town, around town, to all (and I do mean all) of their museums, archelogical sights, some cafe's and town squares. I really didn't even get lost today. Wow, I must be making some progress. I met a couple English people (yes, people from England silly) we hung out until about 1am or so and talked about politics, troubled youth, the difference between the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service (don't ask, if I told you I'd have to kill you:), body guards, ccw laws etc. It was kinda of funny, most of the museums that I went to today were under construction and had only one exhibit open. Geeze, you'd think that they would have at least discounted their entry price, but noooooooo! Oh well. I at least had a real
Read more

What's Your Rosebud?

Image
  One of my favorite classic movies is: "Citizen Kane" It starred Orson Welles. [NOTE: spoiler ahead - if you haven't seen it] And, was about the life and legacy of a powerful newspaper publisher, based partly on the late William Randolph Hearst. The movie starts with Charles Foster Kane dying, with his last word being "Rosebud" — and the entire movie is this sort of question of what "Rosebud" is. Turns out it was simply the trade name of a cheap little sled on which Kane was playing on the day he was taken away from his home and his mother as a child. Welles revealed in an interview: "In his subconscious it represented the simplicity, the comfort, above all the lack of responsibility in his home, and also it stood for his mother's love which Kane never lost." The point? We All Have Our Rosebud That thing, moment, or whatever it is that anchors, drives, guides, or inspires you.  For example, the late Johnny Carson and the book of magic tr
Read more

You'll Never Guess What This Parrot Said!

Image
  The Parrot Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly Mother. . The first said,  "I built a big house for our Mother." . The second said, " I sent her a Mercedes with a driver." . The third smiled and said,  "I've got you, both beat. You know how Mom enjoys the Bible, and you know she can't see very well. I sent her a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took 20 monks in a Monastery 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $5,000 a year for 10 years, but it was worth it. Mom just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it." . Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her letters of thanks: "Dearest First Son,"  she wrote the first son,  "the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but have to clean the whole house." . " Dearest Second Son,"  she wrote to another,  "I am t
Read more