I like how you stick with your convictions for all of one post. [ROFL1]
Printable View
TM, I have to say it, I agree 100% with Hollohas... and it's more than one post. The general consensus I get from some of the responses on this is there are two groups- the group that gives the OP a "pat on the back" (it's ok, you can chuckle a bit) for his actions, and the group that says "OH MY GOD! YOU TOUCHED HIM!? He had every right to hit you, keep your hands to yourself!" What is this? Kindergarten? If a friendly gesture of just touching someone warrants violence then I'd say we are surrounded by psychos! I wouldn't throw a punch if I got a bit peeved at someone and they patted me and laughed. I might ask them not to touch me, but I wouldn't take a swing at them, c'mon, a little ridiculous. If physical contact is enough to warrant a fight then I should have had at least 60 fights in just the last few days, because I've touched, bumped into and put my hands on at least 2x that many. Not one of them tried to fight me, no one got angry, and I certainly didn't "provoke" anything. So let's all fucking stop with this pansy attitude where we should all keep inside our own personal bubbles and never touch anyone at all costs for fear of "instigating" something.... jeez, I thought you all would be a little thicker skinned.
This was already by the OPs description a confrontational situation. Not a friendly bump into someone in the office. Not a Tim McGraw concert. Those are different situations. Not once have I said that it is ok. I have said it is to be expected. If you are in someones face cussing at them and they laugh at you and reach for you this does not defuse the situation.
Let me clarify. The guy should not have been in the OPs face. But in a confrontational situation with someone who is worked up like that the physical contact is a catalyst for a fight, or swinging on someone since it was obviously not much of a fight. Is patting someone on the back wrong? No. But in a physical confrontation it can spark off EXACTLY what the OP described. And most of the time I have seen it do just that. When someones temper is running not enough for them to be yelling profanities at someone else any touch, inadvertent or purposeful will be the catalyst for someone to start swinging.
Comparing what was described in the OP to your office or to a Tim McGraw concert is... well silly. Completely different situations with completely different dynamics.
ETA: No I do not think the guy had every right to hit him. I think that it was a response that was easily predicted considering the situation.
Ok guys...shake hands and.. nevermind, that's touching too...someone's gonna get decked...[Help]
I don't want to join either group of response givers.
I say unleash your dogs and let them eat the meth addict for dinner.