In William S. Burroughs' "And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks," the author reflects on a pervasive culture of petty arguments occurring across America. These disputes, often emerging in public spaces like street corners and bars, suggest a society fixated on credentials and validation, with individuals competing to prove their experiences and accomplishments. This creates a toxic atmosphere of one-upmanship where personal worth is tied to demonstrating superiority over others.

Burroughs envisions a tipping point where frustration culminates in chaos, with people rising up against each other in a wave of anger and defiance. The phrase "I don't take any shit!" captures the essence of this rebellion against conformity and societal expectations. This sentiment implies a collective yearning for authenticity and a rejection of the superficial standards that have come to dominate interactions, emphasizing the strain beneath the surface of social civility in America.