Why do some bozos have to ruin everything?
I'm going to sound a bit preachy today. I warned you. It doesn't matter what the event, there are often people in attendance who ruin it for others.
The common denominator for much of that misbehavior is beer, alcohol, John Barleycorn - booze. Those rowdies are often immature and lack any concern for others. Some say E.C. Booz, a distiller in the 19th century is the source for the name booze. Not so. There is a very old Germanic word "bausen" meaning to "bulge" or "billow." An Old Dutch word "buise" meaning to "drink excessively, to get drunk" predated America. A later meaning of the Dutch word "buise" is a "drinking vessel." Etymologists believe booze is a combination of all those terms. The word booze came into usage in the English language in the 14th century.
FYI -- American natives (Indians) had forms of fermented beverages long before Plymouth Rock. "Fire Water" was not taken to them by the white man in spite of what Hollywood portrays. They sold it to them during the westward expansion but they already knew about it.
Regardless of the origination, alcohol or booze is involved in many events as the primer and explosive that cause improper behavior. Somewhat considerate people become absolute jerks when accompanied to an event by their friend John Barleycorn.
Many Little League baseball games have been disrupted by parents and other fans who spew profanities, vulgarities and scream at the umpire and coaches. Booze often makes them loud and abusive. Some are just jerks.
I have attended a number of football games at the high school, college and professional level. John Barleycorn has been at all of those games. I have seen many fights, arguments, puking and disrespect shown by those under the influence toward opponents and even fans in the same shirts. As a high school principal I attended many athletic events to try to keep peace. There were always those students and former students who were there not to see the game but to settle an old score by fighting over what someone said or heard or thought he heard. I had to mop up their messes on Monday morning.
My patience has been worn out by people at the Symphony and theater who have diarrhea of the mouth and rustle paper, arrive late and leave early.
There is large percentage of drivers who speed, have loud mufflers, disobey traffic signs and bust through stoplights and signs. They are annoying and dangerous. Many of them are DUI, texting or not paying attention.
The quietude and solitude of neighborhoods is destroyed by revving car and cycle engines, speeders, domestic violence, fighting and yelling, loud parties late at night. I hate it when dogs roam free and bark endlessly especially late at night.
Then there are boaters who like drivers speed, play loud music and endanger others. Concerts at Klipsch Music Center, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil have the smokers, tokers, fighters and pukers. Why do some bozos ruin everything? I will stay at home.
Vandeventer grew up north of Calvertville on a farm and graduated from Worthington High School and Indiana State University -- four times. He can be reached at Goosecrick@aol.com or (317) 839-7656. Write him at 6860 Sunrise Drive, Plainfield, Ind., 46168.
Posting a comment requires free registration:
- If you already have an account, follow this link to login
- Otherwise, follow this link to register