That’s kind of cliché, honestly. It’s a common assumption that in reality doesn’t necessarily always hold true. It may even be an appeal ad populum.
The easiest counterexample is to say that it’s entirely possible to be surrounded by assholes, while being one of a few people who isn’t a jerk (perhaps being loosely defined as someone who makes an effort to be respectful and considerate of others, an increasingly rare characteristic).
If we reject that claim, then it makes it virtually impossible to make a valid social critique, as it gives a free pass to anything that’s a collective responsibility or widespread issue. If the norm is to be a jerk, then the culpability would rest on anyone who resists conformity, according to that logic.
It also normalizes abusive behavior. Often an abuser will push their victim past the breaking point, then use the result to smear the victim in the public eye, making the victim look like the bad one. Or on a larger scale, in an oppressive society, it would make the only ones willing to stand up look like the bad guys, making it a convenient tool of oppression.
If all people around you are always angry, maybe it’s you?
That’s kind of cliché, honestly. It’s a common assumption that in reality doesn’t necessarily always hold true. It may even be an appeal ad populum.
The easiest counterexample is to say that it’s entirely possible to be surrounded by assholes, while being one of a few people who isn’t a jerk (perhaps being loosely defined as someone who makes an effort to be respectful and considerate of others, an increasingly rare characteristic).
If we reject that claim, then it makes it virtually impossible to make a valid social critique, as it gives a free pass to anything that’s a collective responsibility or widespread issue. If the norm is to be a jerk, then the culpability would rest on anyone who resists conformity, according to that logic.
It also normalizes abusive behavior. Often an abuser will push their victim past the breaking point, then use the result to smear the victim in the public eye, making the victim look like the bad one. Or on a larger scale, in an oppressive society, it would make the only ones willing to stand up look like the bad guys, making it a convenient tool of oppression.
It’s not all people, just most. Despite the name I’m not angry most of the time.