I have always been genetically inclined toward whiteness so it would be an odd thing for me to proclaim that I have a great tan. I could say something like, “I’ve got a great tan for me.” And that would make plenty of sense. But this is a silly example because I would never say something as foolish as that right?
But I think I do.
It’s an interesting display to watch other people brag about things. “Look at me, I did this or that.” Sometimes I hear something nonsensical like, “I’ve been in AA for six months.” Seriously, when did participating in AA make you a cool person?
I can think of many times in life when I have made fun of someone: “They don’t have a good personality.” Or, “They’re so boring…” “They don’t know how to have a good time…” “They’re creepy and weird…” “Their personality is not so great…” And to top it off, “I just don’t think they’re very attractive.”
I’m sure someone else has said the very same thing about me before. And I’m sure they felt superior to me and justified to make those comments.
So that means that I am guilty of the same things that I condemn in others. I must be quite a spectacle.
I’ve watched countless people mock others for the same things they did. Seeing this made me realize that I too am guilty. I feel justified, believing myself to be superior to others. I think because I have X or Y, I am intrinsically better. And because I am better, that gives me a right to verbally degrade them.
That shouldn’t be the case.