Silly Grown ups.

[Taco-Calamitous]

I've been noticing something for some time; officially, I'm an adult. I live on my own, I take care of myself. I have gone through school, I've learned the "rules of society," so to speak. Sometimes, I seem to forget them, though. It particularly comes to my attention when I'm working some job in a school or watching other adults who are being in charge of children. The kids will do something I either think is either: funny, or bizarre but nothing to be concerned about. Then the adults in charge of them come in and discipline them, and I'm like "oh yeah, kicking each other in the butt is considered fighting, which is against the rules. Even though the kid who got kicked in the butt is laughing and doesn't care."

It occurs to me that if I were still in school or otherwise still under the supervision of adults, a lot of the behavior I exhibit with my friends would get me in trouble. There's a lot of behavioral issues and conduct issues some adults seem concerned about that I quite simply don't care about. So is it just me, or is the adult world overtly uptight sometimes? Are there certain adults that are just way too impatient or uptight with kids? The kicking in the butt is one example, which I guess makes sense because that kind of thing could potentially lead to them hurting each other.

I was also recently in the bathroom at church, and this guy was in there with his two little kids. One of them was giving him the attitude, and I kinda chuckled and said "He wants to do things his way, huh?" Or something like that. Not a second after I uttered that, the guy slapped his kid on the butt-not a tap, but a full on smack-and was like "I'm sick of your attitude today!" He didn't even acknowledge that I said anything. It was very awkward.

Also the other night, my friends and I were doing a fundraiser and taking down a wedding. One of my friends and I had to go potty, and we were waiting behind two other individuals at this port-o-potty. This grumpy looking middle aged guy in a tie walks up when the last person is going to the port-o-potty. When this person leaves, without hesitation this guy goes in ahead of us, and my friend is like, "...okay?" I actually kinda figured he'd go in before us; he had that look on his face. Aside from general rudeness, was this guy in exhibiting an additude of "I'm older, so I'm more important than you?" Or did he just think that we were the hired help, and by virtue of that he thought he was more important?

So there's actually a couple questions asked: not only whether or not the adult world is uptight, but also whether as a "young adult," are you really considered an adult by the older adults. Or was "grumpy, uptight middle-aged guy in a tie at a wedding" simply being a ****? I think a lot of middle-aged and older people are like that, actually. It probably just depends on the individual. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Furore]

I think regardless of anything, "grumpy, uptight middle-aged guy in a tie at a wedding" was indeed being a ****.

But yeah, a lot of people are rude and/or uptight these days, it's one of those things that seems to be getting worse and worse in quite a few places. I think a big part of it is that people just don't give that big a **** about anyone else these days.

As for kids getting disciplined, things have been harsh for a lot of them in ages. But there's also more and more parents trying out alternative discipline like sitting them in a corner or something when they have been naughty. Better or worse, I wouldn't really know, but I think both methods get results to some extent.

Personally I'm usually seen as an adult. I'm fairly tall, grow facial hair easily, am relatively mature most of the time even though i don't try to be and am doing a lot of things for myself that most aren't yet. I also notice I get a lot of respect these days, despite it being under a year since I became a legal adult. They'll want to know my opinion or advice on things that don't really concern me but I could, and usually end up helping out with.

[Sarah]

Ah, dear Taco. What you're witnessing is not the behavior of adults, but the behavior of people that have never actually grown up. A self important, inconsiderate, belligerent, do what I say attitude is definitely the mark of a child. These people are over-sized spoiled brats, often completely lacking an ability to comprehend simple things, be considerate toward others, be aware of their surroundings, use critical thinking, do simple math, et cetera.

I've witnessed this "phenomena" at every job I've held, in public places, on the road, and just about everywhere.

(Breeding laws for the win!)

Dear Taco, it is you who is the adult in this situation. You have the ability to observe what's around you and weigh what things require action, and fail to over react to simple things like kids being kids.

In regards to my treatment by other adults... I'm treated like shit by most, except those that have gotten to know me. Of course, I dare say this while sounding conceited- I do think it's because they're jealous of me. I'm almost always going to be more intelligent than they are. I'm young. I'm thin. I won't take their shit. AND I'm usually more attractive than they are.

I usually try to grin and bear it through the situation, killing them with politeness as much as I can. Of course, if it gets too out of hand, I will not delay making it as it should be. I am sick of seeing people treat me and others like this, so it is of utmost importance to me to stop it when I can, through whatever methods I deem reasonable.

As far as my family is concerned, they will always treat me like a little girl. There is nothing I can do about that.

Bah, I hope my semi boost of self confidence didn't make my point moot.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Thankee both for your responses; they've given me a bit more of a clear perspective on things. Sarah, no, having self confidence does not negate your message

To go a bit further into the "discipline" thing; I think either method can be effective; the "sit in time out" and the slapping of the anus. I think some adults are quick to punish, though, and some rules that have been set are rather restrictive (to stray a bit from the idea I'm trying to convey): like when a teacher only grants three bathroom passes per semester (or was it a month? A semester seems pretty long, but I wouldn't put it past some of those teachers.)

I think some teachers are just humorless, impatient, and uptight. Just like a lot of other adults (or people who never grew up, as Sarah put it.) I think it might stem from society as a whole becoming overtly P.C. and trying to protect everyone, emotionally and physically. Or society is just doing its best to get us all to become a part of the machine, and they're starting early. Both those claims may be a bit of a stretch, given I have given no evidence to support them, but I'm too lazy to give any examples. So there you go. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Sinister]

I have to admit, as a philosopher, I've pondered some useless things, as a philosopher is wont to do. I've never covered that, though...

Adult and child are legal terms necessary for distinguishing whether you're old enough to rent dirty movies, eligible for death penalty, military service or smokes...ect...

I always thought there would be a defining moment in my life where I'd say..."this is it. I've become an adult." But the more and more I waited for that moment, the stupider I felt.

The truth is, I feel no oppressive rules that I am bound to respect, neither through inclination or obligation. Only what I feel is best for me in the long run. Due to the nature of things, following standard social code and moral law is necessary to a point, if for no other reason, than to avoid being harangued by those who feel it is so all-important. I am what I am and that is all there is to say. Or maybe I say that, because, even as a child, I was extremely mature in action and behavior.

Though, I have to admit for being physically mistaken for someone very young if I am freshly shaven. Even so much as having to be carded while trying to enter a rated "R" movie. ><;;


-Sin