In America today (and in the tennis officiating world particularly) there is a practice we call "backstabbing" and it has grown into immense proportions in recent years. I'm sure its always existed since it is condemned in the Bible, but it seems to be rampant these days...
If you have ever been the "backstabee" then you know how real it is and how disgusting it can become. If you are the "backstabber" I hope guilt overwhelms your wicked heart...
Here are some symptoms:
1. The backstabber usually masquerades as one of your friends if not your best friend.
2. The backstabber is filled with insecurities and jealously of the one he/she stabs.
3. Children can and do learn it at an early age as they watch their parents doing it to their "friends."
4. The backstabber usually has some misguided idea that by stabbing someone they will be climbing some mythical ladder to somewhere.
These are just some generic observations about a backstabber--now here are some specific characteristics exhibited in the tennis world:
1. Usually happens when someone is assigned a match that is higher than yours.
2. Occurs when you're trying to become the #1 official in your area. Of course, this is usually only in the mind of the backstabber.
3. Its usually done to people that you publicly call your "friends."
4. Often done in the darkness of night but sometimes in plain view of your like-minded friends.
5. Normally done to people in authority over you; i.e. referees, coordinators, etc.
6. Never done face to face. The very nature of a backstabber is that he/she does it from behind.
7. Normally done with the one you are stabbing is not in attendance.
8. A skilled backstabber can actually look someone in the face and smile while they are stabbing them in the back.
9. Very often it is a learned behavior from observing other more skilled backstabbers. In most circles, it is a "top down" learned behavior.
I'm sure we all know some skilled backstabbers. At least now their qualities are in print for all to see.
NOTE: Any similiarities anyone might feel this has to you personally is purely coincidental so please do not file a grievance against me.
8 comments:
And the most insidious backstabber is the one who can insert the balde without the victim feeling it for days or weeks later.
Interesting that the "Black Man" is the one holding the knife.
Reminds me of one who lives in Ft. Worth and another who lives in Belton. No worry though since neither has the courage to admit what they have done.
If you want to see backstabbing at its best just go on the pro circuit. They wrote the book.
Please try not to mention cities (Frisco in particular) so I don't get another grievance filed against me...
Randy
Two years ago I was officiating the Tulsa-SMU men's tennis match and during the course of the match, the Tulsa assistant coach asked their head coach, "what do you do when you are getting screwed by an official?"
The head coach replied, "just bend over and let them shove it in."
I didn't code him (and probably should have) but he may have had more wisdom than I gave him credit for having...
If you think its bad in Texas you should go up to Oklahoma. They not only stab each other in the back but then they sue each other.
haha -
Randy - I DID code the coach for saying that to me at a Frogs match the previous day.
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