Head cases. We all know 'em, or at least think we do. It's the crude characterization used so often these days to describe those who display odd and unacceptable behavior. The urban dictionary in part defines the term as "not of sound mind, whacko, a carelessly acting person."
Ranging from professional athletes and their off-field shenanigans to other figures, public and private, involved in bizarre and sometimes illegal conduct, these are the ones from whom we try to distance ourselves.Rarely do we explore the circumstances or genetic underpinnings, if any, to get a glimpse of what's ticking in their noggins. We're content to view it as out of bounds and worthy of our disgust, a benefit to ourselves of being "normal" as we define the term.I'm guilty of making these assessments, far too often, involving public figures based on information gathered from those purveyors of truth and justice known as "media sources." No need to explore it independently. Read the newspaper column, listen to the talk radio pundit(s) and gather supporters who have similar views. There's something comforting about being grouped with others who exhibit "acceptable" behaviors, and who join in, demonstratively at times, while commenting about those who don't.Exactly who may be first ballot selections for this group of characters?The possibilities are endless, but a few appear to be obvious. From the antics of former Cowboys players Terrell Owens and "Pac Man" Jones, to the conspiratorial ramblings of former professional wrestler/Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and the heretical "biblically-based" nonsense of Westboro Baptist minister Fred Phelps, most seem to make major miscalculations on what passes as rational. Not sure if an apology or efforts at rehabilitation, such as they are, will reset their course toward normalcy as defined by the general population.Now, for the more difficult chore of selecting the not-so-obvious crowd, those at the tipping point of such a characterization. These are the not-so-publicized individuals who we're not really sure about, whose questionable conduct and/or comments, oftentimes for only a portion of their lives, make them ripe for our sometimes faulty evaluations. Consider some examples:The married guy at work boasting about his on-the-clock unfaithfulness with a co-worker.The obnoxious and heavily bearded uncle who during the last three Thanksgiving Day feasts at home continues to voice his bizarre views on end times and pot legalization.The neighbor whose radical interpretations of homeowner association rules and regulations result in knee-high grass and 4-foot-high kelly green fencing around his home.While selection is subjective, seems we're drawn offsides from time to time based on our own experiences, political views and moral standards. The "I know it when I see it" threshold test, as used to define obscenity by former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, may not always be accurate when choosing what we not-so-affectionately refer to as head cases.We're currently in the opening innings of the holiday season. The bewildered and bah-humbuggers for this elusive club appear to be everywhere. Take some deep breaths and maintain your cool.Can a few boneheaded comments or acts over a lifetime be enough to toss somebody into the category?Based on my personal experiences, I hope not.David Friant of Fort Worth is a member of the 2012 Star-Telegram Community Columnist Panel. dave.friant@att.netHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
