Ever been hit on by a guy whose "game" is based solely on ridiculing others? Me too.
He projects confidence. Might even have an intriguing swagger. But after a few minutes of one-sided conversation, it becomes clear that the machismo he displays has nothing to with his own character, his own accomplishments, or even a good old-fashioned healthy self-image. It results from a his personal scorecard, how he feels he stacks up against the competition. His method for determining his rank is rooted in how he feels he performs in these matches of manly solitaire.
"See that guy over there drinking Molson Triple X over there? Must be a lush."
"Getta load of that guy. Nice tennies, sport!"
"Check it out. Bet he drives a Saturn."
He develops this misguided sense of his own superiority through years of playing such tit-for-tat games in his own head or for the benefit of others. People like me or you. About people like me or you. Either way, he feels better about himself.
Unfortunately, most women (and men) recognize this for what it is: bitter insecurity. Sure, we all feel insecure sometimes. But how those innocent feelings are dealt with, particularly whether they do or do not manifest into harmful treatment of others, conveys a great deal.
In the end, twisted, bitter insecurity wielded as an ego-boosting sucker punch is more harmful to the cheap shot artist than his mark. But that doesn't mean it feels good to be on the receiving end. Nor does in mean it feels good to be put in the awkward position of being made to feel like you should applaud when such a tantrum is thrown to impress you. It's obnoxious. It makes you embarrassed for him. It makes you embarrassed for yourself. After all, nobody wants to be thought of as the type of person who would be impressed by such behavior. Everybody loses.
Maybe what everybody needs is a hug?
Maybe that is what the business class funders and creative team responsible for Ottawa, Ontario's new "This Aint Flint" campaign video were really asking from us when they pigeon-crammed the city of Flint, Michigan through the ever-popular urban industrial "war zone" hole in a effort to boost their own moral and impress their neighbors.
Maybe they knew all along that that would be our interpretation.
There, there, guy. We'll all be alright.
Won't you join me in sending an e-hug to Ottawa?
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Who needs a hug:
http://www.thisaintflint.ca/who.html
Email: thisaintflint@magma.ca
http://www.ncc.ca/...
http://www.alphabetcreative.net/...
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