Tough
My brushes with the military exposed me to quite a variety of people over the years. And with some of the key to decode the types. Not all, being a part-timer, one hitch, and medical to boot. But I watch people closely, and I think about these things.
Working with an obnoxious retired Marine, who is new at being a scrub tech, has confused me, until this week. I think I know what's going on. Most of the tough guys I've known have had at least an element of self-deprecation, amusement, in their manner. The final insight came with seeing the R. Lee Emery in that ad*. There's a guy who is playing a part, and not buying his own hype. Reminds me that all the Drill Sergeants never seemed to be genuinely angry when they were shouting so well. Very controlled, very impersonal, an act to produce an effect.
My impression of the work-marine is that he's bought into his own myth. Not the sharpest spoon in the drawer to start with, lots of experience with zero insight. Unlike most of the strong men I've talked with, who are whole human beings and matter of fact about their humanity, this one is all crust and terrified of appearing anything but hard. As a result, he's out of control. Frightens me, to be honest, bearing in mind a slew of little tells that I read, but would have a hard time putting into words. Big, loud and entitled, but lacking a genuine sense of humor.
I don't think I'll tell him that joke.
That joke:
What do you call a Marine with an IQ of 100? A platoon.
*For that crappy company.
Working with an obnoxious retired Marine, who is new at being a scrub tech, has confused me, until this week. I think I know what's going on. Most of the tough guys I've known have had at least an element of self-deprecation, amusement, in their manner. The final insight came with seeing the R. Lee Emery in that ad*. There's a guy who is playing a part, and not buying his own hype. Reminds me that all the Drill Sergeants never seemed to be genuinely angry when they were shouting so well. Very controlled, very impersonal, an act to produce an effect.
My impression of the work-marine is that he's bought into his own myth. Not the sharpest spoon in the drawer to start with, lots of experience with zero insight. Unlike most of the strong men I've talked with, who are whole human beings and matter of fact about their humanity, this one is all crust and terrified of appearing anything but hard. As a result, he's out of control. Frightens me, to be honest, bearing in mind a slew of little tells that I read, but would have a hard time putting into words. Big, loud and entitled, but lacking a genuine sense of humor.
I don't think I'll tell him that joke.
That joke:
What do you call a Marine with an IQ of 100? A platoon.
*For that crappy company.
Posted by Zhoen on Friday, October 15, 2010
1 comments:
I've not ever really been exposed to a large number of new people. Sure, like everyone else, there was school with all of the other kids, but since then the new people in my life have come in dribs and drabs. Not a one of them crusty like you describe.
Post a Comment
<< Home