ain’t that a shame?
by Stace on October 8th, 2011
filed under ticket to write
i never ask for more than i deserve
you know it’s the truth
you seem to think you’re god’s gift to this earth
i’m tellin’ you, no way
-Janet Jackson, “What Have You Done for Me Lately?”
You make me sick. Seriously, how dare you treat people the way you do? What makes you think it’s alright to speak to other human beings as you do? You must be pretty proud of yourself; you’ve done so well. And yet there you are, daily, talking down to people like they’re pieces of trash. And not just any people. No, specifically it’s those around you who are there for you day in & day out, breaking their backs just to help you succeed.
I asked you a simple question. I wasn’t questioning your judgment, or doubting you. I was sincerely trying to help – the same kind of thing for which most in your place would actually have thanked me. But you couldn’t do that. You had to shout at me and belittle me in front of other people instead. I hope it felt good. Really, I hope you were able to let off a little of that steam. It seems that that’s necessary, and at least I’m strong enough (for the most part) to take it. Still, it wasn’t enough for you to be condescending and publicly embarrass me. You had to actually continue to come after me; you didn’t get enough of what you were looking for in the first go round? It wasn’t enough until you were shouting so loud that you were literally screaming? Apparently that’s the case, so I hope it had the desired effect: I hope it made you feel like a big, strong, important man.
What you don’t seem to get is that every time you see me, I’m literally there to help. I hear you use that tone regularly with others and I inwardly cringe, but I say nothing because I’m just thankful it isn’t me. Here I was thinking that I had somehow earned your respect, and in the end I somehow manage to be the unlucky soul who incites a tyrannical outburst of epic proportions instead. And now I sit here thinking I no longer care if you respect me or not. What bothers me is that the remorse you allegedly feel for this morning’s explosion will wane without consequence, and ultimately it will matter not to you that what it cost you was my respect. I’ll never look at you the same way, and I’ll never forget how I felt watching your mouth contort and clench with rage. It may be of small concern to you, but I’ll never admire you again. I’m gonna ask this one more time, and then I’m gonna take a big deep breath and get on with my life. How fucking dare you talk to another human being the way you did today? You, sir, disgust me.
I really do hope it was worth it.
what have you done for me lately?
