I don't think you need to worry. It sounds like the kids and the mom may not normally be this stupid, but, having been caught out, didn't know how to back down, and ended up defending their stupidity as though they were proud of it. The mom in particular seems to be under the impression that as long as she claims to have the moral high ground, she must be in the right: indignation as substitute for doing the right thing. Being in a blazing rage is more comfortable (for many of us, anyway) than being embarrassed or scared (of her kids getting into deserved trouble.)
Of course I approve of your interfering with dangerous stupidity and vandalism. Also, you were careful and reasonable. In any case, when was the last time someone got in trouble for taking pictures of someone doing something illegal (the idiots who film themselves committing crimes don't count)? Besides, if they thought the scene worthy of photo documentation, what's wrong with agreeing with them?
I do wonder, though, if there's a way to give someone a chance to back down without abandoning their pride. I don't know how this could be arranged for the clowns in question, but I'm thinking a professional diplomat (which counts out anyone appointed by this administration) might know how to get the point across while incurring a minimum of indignant play-acting from the guilty party. Anyone know how that would work?
Rereading, surely what kids used to do in these situations is glance at one another and run away? Or maybe swagger off while commenting loudly about how they're not scared of you? Standing around and trying to convince you that right is on their side when it so obviously isn't -- that's kind of new and unpleasant.
Of course I approve of your interfering with dangerous stupidity and vandalism. Also, you were careful and reasonable. In any case, when was the last time someone got in trouble for taking pictures of someone doing something illegal (the idiots who film themselves committing crimes don't count)? Besides, if they thought the scene worthy of photo documentation, what's wrong with agreeing with them?
I do wonder, though, if there's a way to give someone a chance to back down without abandoning their pride. I don't know how this could be arranged for the clowns in question, but I'm thinking a professional diplomat (which counts out anyone appointed by this administration) might know how to get the point across while incurring a minimum of indignant play-acting from the guilty party. Anyone know how that would work?
Rereading, surely what kids used to do in these situations is glance at one another and run away? Or maybe swagger off while commenting loudly about how they're not scared of you? Standing around and trying to convince you that right is on their side when it so obviously isn't -- that's kind of new and unpleasant.
Reply
Leave a comment