I wanted to clarify the reason I described this behavior as self-aggrandizing bullshit, since I realized I didn’t spell it out in the post. And it is because by making the power imbalance appear vast and unbridgeable, these mooks attempt to increase their own stature in other people’s judgment.

It’s yet another example of a deranged and dishonorable attempt to reduce other people to make yourself appear more puissant, more important, more influential. By taking away other people’s inherent power, you elevate your own.

It’s despicable and detestable. And hugely anti-feminist, though it affects more than women. These self-important swollen-headed vainglorious little Malvolios would have us all vying for their affections, and their approval, but in reality most people, as with Olivia, barely know they exist.