What does it mean to tell someone “You make me proud” or “I’m proud of you” when you had nothing to do with their achievement? Is it territorial, maternal, paternal, matronizing, patronizing? Or just something we say?

I had a huge argument with Jocko after a Slowrider show, Carlos Santana had been there and he came backstage and told them he was proud of them and I was like “Fuck that guy, that’s a typical boomer trying to take credit for everything.” (See also: Todd Gitlin and every movement, every music writer over 40.)  Jocko saw it as a benign “You are operating in our shared tradition and it makes me happy to see that,” but then why not say that? WHy not just say “Good show.” I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS.

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