“In every neighborhood, on every block, a spoiled child (brat) can be found.” Donna Jones
And they can be spotted on sporting fields as well.
Pétanque is not a contact sport, far from it… but under certain conditions, a game can become contentious, even heated.
In a tournament, any disagreement is usually settled by an “arbitre” and everybody abides by his ruling; but a casual game is somewhat different. Since no referee is present, some people (inspired no doubt by a Trumpian size ego) take it upon themselves to pronounce… self-serving rulings. They are accustomed to having their way and if they don’t, they wail and whine like spoiled brats.
They lack emotional maturity… and are prone to display bratty behavior. This flaw usually affects very young children, but it also impacts many “adults” who neglected to grow up. Regardless of the circumstances, they are very likely to argue and have tantrums.
Childishness usually stops around 18, but sometimes, due to a freak of nature, it extends to adulthood… And as recently seen in the news, it is disturbing… and pathetic.
“Learning to control your reactions, saves you a lot of explaining, regretting, and apologizing.” Remez Sasson
Even when he tries, the spoiled brat can’t change his spots. He is condemned to misbehave and antagonize whoever he comes in contact with. Once in a great while, he shows contrition, but this repentance lasts as long as a pole-vaulting jump.
In every team sport, there is a playmaker, usually an experienced “shooter” who best knows what to do. He uses a quiet authority to lead his team and few people quibble about his decisions… but a spoiled brat will. He cannot help it; he has to sound off.
Many people have seen or experienced this unpleasant situation, and it is their prerogative to boycott such individuals. I, for one, won’t hesitate to do it.
“all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill-disciplined, despotic and useless… sniveling brats.” P. J. O’Rourke
Alain