Group Think

Each morning the zebras gathered at the watering hole to discuss their day. Zane the zebra was the last to arrive one day. He had had a terrible morning. First, he woke up late and missed out on the good grasses for breakfast. Then he stubbed his hoof on a rock, and it now had a crack. He was very grumpy.

Because he was so late, Zane was the last to show up. There wasn’t a lot of room. This made Zane feel even grouchier.

“Move over, you guys,” said Zane. “It’s my turn.”

“Zane, we just got here, you’re going to have to wait,” replied Zane’s friend, Ned.

“Oh, come on,” pouted Zane as he sat back. “Isn’t it annoying how Mr. Farrell always makes sure that his daughters get the best grass every day and the best position here at the water?”

Ned had to think about it for a minute. “Come to think of it,” said Ned, “You are right. That is kind of annoying.”

“And that Sally has such bad breath. Doesn’t she?” asked Zane.

“You are right about that, and her mane is always tangled,” added Chris, another friend of Zane’s.

Before long, all the zebras were talking poorly of others and were all as negative as Zane.

“Wait a minute, Zane,” interrupted Felix. “We were all having a good morning until you came along. Don’t drag us down to your level.” The zebras all nodded in agreement and went back to their drinking.