The sliding scales of perception

'People are strange' isn't just a Doors song. It's a fact of life.
We are indeed strange, and one of the strangest things about us is how we can rationalize behaviour to the point where two people can do the same thing, and we can then claim that one persons actions are unacceptable, while the other persons are not just fine, but maybe even admirable.
Probably the best example of this is how we consider one individual to be a heinous criminal for taking another persons life in an act of violence, but it's a heroic act if it is state sanctioned.
Similarly this sort of excusing poor behaviour extends to the world of entertainment and that's also where the sometimes admirable angle comes in.
For instance the alcoholic who while drunkenly driving home manages to hit every other vehicle in his street is a complete and utter pain in the rectum, and without a doubt a danger to the public.
However when a rock start does it then his, or her, actions are an amusing anecdote to be repeated across the dinner table.
This must be human nature though as we see it every day in how we promote this strange attitude in the defence of family and friends.
If a neighbours kid tramples through your garden managing to destroy the flower bed that you have cultivated over a six month period, then they are classed as the offspring of Genghis Khan and nothing short of a public flogging will suffice as a punishment, but if the shoe is on the other foot and it's your kid that did it then it's a different story.
The livid neighbour is painted as someone who takes life too seriously. The curmudgeon that should get a grip.
I'm sure anyone reading could give more examples, and many - if they are honest - could admit to acting in this way to.
Personally I've never really understood this sliding scale of what is, and isn't acceptable, depending on who is displaying the poor behaviour, and I admit that I'm in the minority with my inability to rationalize it.
I don't do it with friend or family and consider that everyone without exception should accept responsibility for their actions, and the backlash – if it is fair - that they receive.
Very often we see people who would offer no second chances to a stranger magically finding compassion and empathy for a friend, and then throwing forth chance after chance after chance until the antisocial actions of their compadre can be described in amused terms such as 'Ach, you know what they are like?'
Yes. I do know what they are like actually.
They're an arse, and if it was anyone else you would be advocating that they got a slap.
Maybe even a high five, to the face, with a chair.
Is this attitude actually helpful?
Not the high five with the chair obviously, but this sliding scale being applied.
I don't think it is.
Why is one person a character and another a cunt when they do exactly the same thing?
I've asked this of people that I like and respect recently, and while the logic is accepted the rationalizing continues.
There's a distinct lack of equality to it all and it twists my melons.
Loyalty is an admirable trait, but misguided loyalty..........well, you know.