How does one convey irritation in a polite manner? We’ve all shared the universal experience of certain animals flouting the unspoken rules of the jungle, but what does one do when it crosses the invisible line. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding other animals increasingly difficult to tolerate these days. Honestly, you’d think they were raised in a zoo!
Just the other day I was out shopping at Griff’s Groceries when a middle-aged (if I’m being generous) porcupine decided to complain, loudly and repeatedly, that she couldn’t see any of the items on the branches. My dear porcupine, Griff is a giraffe. His employees are giraffes. None of the items are going to be on the ground for your convenience. When shopping at Griff’s, you need to read the daily specials on the boulder by the entrance, and give your list to one of the delightful young giraffes that work for Griff. It is not the kind of store one goes to for browsing.
While waiting for my items, this prickly porcupine began to berate a young employee, demanding that all of the items be brought down so she could see exactly what she wanted. Nothing would satisfy her, even when the poor giraffe offered to break protocol and boost her up to see.
While this spectacle was unfolding, I look at my fellow shoppers for camaraderie. The sort of shared head shakes and tsking that universally condemns such behaviour.
Friends, I was ashamed. Many of my fellow animals were unfazed by the behaviour, unless they were all experiencing sudden deafness. I hope for the latter, but doubt it. The porcupine’s displeasure likely echoed to the centre of the Earth.
A few of us tried to express our disgust. Nothing big, just the usual head shakes and muttering, with a few expressions of ‘poor lad’ for the young giraffe saddled with the burden of customer service.
Eventually, the porcupine decided to persecute another retailer and the young giraffe escaped to the break room with his head low. The experience has left my whiskers trembling. Who does the porcupine think she is to make a giraffe feel so small? Outrageous behaviour, encouraged by the silent majority who couldn’t muster even the smallest act of condemnation.
I suppose you’re wondering why I didn’t step in, and lift my voice above the silence. You see, my voice isn’t all that loud. You could say I’m working on my roar, but in truth, I see little point in the exercise. What can a roar accomplish that manners and gentle correction can’t? I felt for the young giraffe. I felt deeply because I know what it means to be small and lonely in a vicious world.
Ah, I’m getting away from my point. If the tried and true methods of group disapproval are failing, how else can the poor behaviour of society be corrected?
One of life’s growing problems. If you saw a porcupine behaving badly what would you do? If we cannot shame the shameless, we can at least have sympathy with the downtrodden.
Until next time,
