Context: I work at an after school program in a fairly affluent school district for second and third graders.

I have two girls (2nd grade) “Molly” and “Sarah” who are just wonderful. Kind to each other, their friends, their teachers, willing to play with new people, always excited to tell me about their days. They both cry and have their off days (as all children do) but are generally a pleasure to talk with and be around.

Then I have a boy, “Johnny”, third grade. Johnny is often openly disrespectful, resorts to pushing people, and will not hesitate to make a joke at another’s expense (for those wondering, his home life is generally okay– caring parents together, not strapped for money but I’ll admit I don’t know everything). When he was in the first grade, Johnny destroyed a classmate’s lego tower and laughed so hard he cried (I swear I’m not making this up).

Today we were lining up to go inside at recess. Molly and Sarah, who had been playing in the mud that day, asked me if they could go inside to wash their hands. I told them yes, and then Johnny, who was standing near by, said in a high, simpering voice, “Can we go inside and wash our hands?” Clearly mocking them.

and it’s just like…how. dare. he. Why are me so fucking cruel even when they’re children???

Molly and Sarah are both younger than him, making them easy targets.

They were literally asking a teacher to do something. How does that warrant ridicule?

He was in no way involved in the conversation. There was no reason for him to comment.

Molly and Sarah have never said an unkind word to or about anyone. Johnny, in his whole life, will never be half the person either of them are as second graders.

I was fuming. I sent Johnny to the back of the line and told him (pretty sternly) that making fun of others f or any reason was unacceptable. He then started laughing and wouldn’t even look at me. I then told him that he would be sent to “Jane” (our boss and the “principal” of the program) if it continued, and then he finally took me seriously. I know I probably should have gone into more detail with him but I was just so FUCKING angry I was afraid I would say something regrettable.
This stars from the fucking cradle, ladies. Men are cruel and they’re socialized to idolize that cruelty. They love being mean for no reason and think it’s fucking funny. I just can’t even fathom that degree of sheer toxicity. I can’t wait until the day I never have to see or listen to or think about a man ever again.