Some people are blaming
arsonists for the wildfires
all over the world,
instead of the real culprits
– drought and climate change.
That doesn’t surprise me.
Many people look
for a person or a group to blame
for their problems.
And they want promises
that person or group
will ‘be dealt with’
i.e. punished.
That prospect makes them happier.
A business building buddy,
knowing this,
blames all the problems
customers come to her with
on Stanley.
Stanley made that change
in their favorite product.
Stanley set that return policy.
F*ckin’ Stanley, always messing up.
No one in the company
is named Stanley.
He is a dummy target
for both customers and employees
to curse,
a name to give
when the customer demands one.
Cursing Stanley makes them happier
and it makes them more likely
to remain loyal to my buddy’s business.
People often
are looking for a person
or a group to blame.
Do your best
to ensure no real person or group
is harmed.