Anti-Social Behavior

I did not even want to discuss this topic, but the list of choices was looking anorexic, so I threw it on to fill it out a bit.  Rather to my surprise, a bunch of dumbasses voted for it.  What a bunch of maroons!  Now, would those comments be considered anti-social?  Let us consider.  Like many psychological and behavior terms, there are two uses for anti-social: the clinical; and the colloquial.  Colloquially, an anti-social person does not want to participate in social activity out of disinterest, shyness or distraction.  Clinically, an anti-social person does not only not participate, but attacks society.  This is true of almost all "antis".  The anti-war protester shouts, marches, and perhaps vandalizes a few recruiting centers.  The anti-choice advocate screams at women trying to get health care, bombarding them with gruesome images, and on occasions even going so far as to threaten health care providers.  The anti-communist demands blacklists and witch hunts.  This aggression leaves the anti-violence adherent in an interesting position.  So, when one is clinically anti-social, there must be an attack on society, or at least some social mores.  There may be a long-term agenda behind it, or it may be a form of vandalism, but it is always an attempt to alter society in a fundamental way.  Anti-social individuals exist, although they may have little influence.  On the other hand, some groups mat get labeled anti-social when they are trying to create a change that they perceive as for the better; still, under this broad definition, they are working to modify society in a way that may affect every member in it, usually with a requisite change in social values.  In that way, they are technically anti-social, or at least anti-current-society.  I find the topic to be one of more psychological root than philosophical.  We did, however, attempt to make meaningful connections in the discussion.

The Leader had little to say previously, but in the meeting did say that the question of intent is the real philosophical question to deal with.  While we agreed that anti-social behavior is an attack on social norms, the Leader was adamant that the motivation be more petty and distinguishable from mere illegal activity, thereby protecting protesters for better values from being lumped in.  Even acting in a violent way might be a reaction to violence committed previously, and even justified.  He questioned our education in etiquette, saying that people have to be taught to behave properly, we do not simply acquire manners in a vacuum.

The Actress shared a memory of her parents refusing to open their door when visitors appeared, saying that it might be considered anti-social to pretend one is not at home just because a visitor is not expected.  However, she had come to think that they might have had some justification after living through a war, and were living through their trauma still.  Vandalism was brought up as an example of anti-social behavior with few real consequences, and she wondered if the great privileges some enjoy could not be considered social vandalism.

A Returning Participant gave the example of graffiti as a lack of respect for others and a mild attack on the social idea of private property.  She also mentioned squatters as examples of anti-social behavior, but like the Leader, admitted that they might be justified in their actions when the general situation does not allow them any other recourse.  She also admitted the possibility of positive actions being considered anti-social, if they are not in the interests of the powerful.  The taking over of empty lots for gardens and public use might miff the higher-ups, but who could deny that these are actions with good intentions behind them?  She agreed that education was the key to promoting pro-social behavior, and wondered why governments were not very interested in establishing programs to disseminate it.  Authorities could also take an active role in keeping society fluid by constant mixing, preventing the solidification into strata that treat each other with disdain, mistrust and fear.