Observations of Drunk People

Watching drunk people can be entertaining.  They say things that don't make sense, they are relaxed, and are often amiable.  Most of the time they seem to be enjoying themselves, and don't pay much attention to outside observers.

However, I always experience subtle underlying feelings when observing drunk people, especially people I know well.  First is a slight sadness, like when you see a monkey at the zoo.  The monkey is fun to watch swing around and play with the other monkeys, but at the end of the day you know he is still locked up in a cage.  Second is fear.  In a similar way to my post about chanting, the shocking change in people's behavior is enough to question what you know about reality.  It's like seeing some inner part of them come out, and you realize the potential they have.  Third is anger.  Anger at the decisions of others, and a culture that supports the type of behavior before you.  All of these feelings are hard to identify when everything seems so relaxed and fun.

It's like a layered cake, with enjoyment on the outside, but sadness, fear, and anger hidden in the middle, unnoticeable unless you take a knife and slice it open.