Why Ya Gotta Be So Mean

I have this song stuck in my head right now.  People can be mean, no doubt about it.  I'll admit that I struggle with the fine art of holding my tongue at times, but I really don't think I've ever said something with the flat out intention of hurting someone's feelings.  Please don't mistake my sarcastic, filter broken, don't-give-a-damn attitude for not caring.  It's actually just the opposite.  Sometimes Most of the time, I care more about someone else's feelings than my own.  But I have to wonder...why are some people just inherently mean??


We've all been told that kids can be mean...I think kids are just honest (by kids, I'm referring to 6 and under).  For instance, the day my son told me that another woman was like his mom because I'm not around all the time crushed me (you can read more about that here).  Some would say it was mean...but do you really think he said it to hurt my feelings?  Part of me feels like that's why it hurt even more, because he had no idea how that would make me feel.  


You see, I believe that when it's least expected is when it hurts the most.  Here's a for instance...a few jobs back, I had a boss that was brash, loud, and some would say slightly obnoxious.  When he said something slightly off color or derogatory, it didn't phase me.  His give-a-damn was on vacation with his filter and you just had to deal with it.  But when the trainer of an ethics (key word) class made a blatantly derogatory comment about Jewish people and money, I got pissed, and that's putting it mildly.  I would have NEVER expected to hear that from someone in her position.  


Then there's the fine art of selfish-mean.  We all know someone like this.  They specifically say things to point out the flaws in others for the sole purpose of making themselves feel better.  You know who they are...hell, they probably even know who they are.  I'm not talking about the people that brag on themselves.  I'm referring to the people that have to put someone else down in order to feel better.  These are the people that I want to smack in the face...hard...with a 2x4.  But I don't, cause karma will take care of them one day.