Your comment made me have a flashback to my dad getting irritated at me for squeezing the middle of the toothpaste tube.
You’re only supposed to squeeze the far end of a metal tube – pushing product from the very end to the opening. Then as it gets empty you fold/roll up the flat bit at the end. You can even even buy “wringers” designed to assist with that.
The real story was showing that part of American history: the culture, events, people, etc. Forrest and Jenny were just plot devices to tie it all together.
I’ve raised Cornish crosses and fed them normal, quality feed without any hormones: they ended up looking just like the chicken on the right at about 8 weeks old.
They’ve been selectively bred over the decades to grow as fast as possible, as big as possible, docile, and stupid.
I’m not saying those are the exact techniques that were used to build the pyramids, but they demonstrate that massive stones can be easily lifted and accurately placed using only “primitive” resources and leverage.
Your example is from one of this industries notorious for being toxic – that doesn’t make it right.
“Why would you think that’s even remotely acceptable? Now I have to go apologize and possible comp a meal.” Depending on the circumstance: take them off that table, send them home, or fire them. Being in control of themselves is one of the defining aspects of leadership, and being abusive is the sign a “leader” that isn’t.
If they start being a dick: sure, game on – so long as you’re not demeaning yourself doing it. But most people are capable of a degree of self reflection and accountability once you make the situation clear to them, and they deserve that chance. Sometimes people don’t even realize they’re the ones that screwed up, even when it’s obvious to everyone else.