Without taking it personally, I nonetheless have done some analysis of reasons for such an approach. Granted, part of problem is simply a reaction to “spamming.” They are unable to distinguish between that and legitimate use of Internet. Aside from that, however, I think cause for rudeness might be same as for rudeness to which we are all susceptible on other occasions.

It might be a simple case of cat-kicking-syndrome. This is where a person is upset over something totally unrelated to family cat. It might involve an incident with a co-worker, boss, a customer or someone in traffic. Regardless, person is looking for someone to kick. The family cat better not be in person’s path when he/she walks in door.

Our reactions to people and circumstances are often that way. Instead of dealing with person or situation directly, we tend to kick someone who is totally innocent. The person who takes “hit” is often oblivious to what precipitated it, and takes attack personally. The aggressor, on other hand, knows better and under normal circumstances conducts himself/herself with more class.

The lesson here is twofold: (1) On those days when things go badly, beware of cat kicking conduct. (2) If you happen to be “cat of day,” don’t take it personally.

BARBER-OSOPHY: Problems only increase with cat kicking.

Copyright 2004, Sumerlin Enterprises.

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