I'm trying to track down a science fiction story I read in the mid-to-late 1980s. It's been stuck in my mind for years, and I'd really appreciate your help!
Here's what I remember:
The story centers on a character who appears to be an alcoholic, wandering through town, causing trouble, and getting drunk everywhere. People in the community point at this person and use them as a cautionary example for their children, saying things like, "Don’t be like this."
At some point, the character is kicked or falls to the ground, and it's revealed that they're actually an android. The twist is that these androids are intentionally created to behave badly in public as "reference actors" or moral examples, helping to reinforce societal norms by showing others what not to do.
I read this story in the mid-to-late 1980s. I believe it might have been written by Sheckley, but not sure.
Does this ring a bell for anyone? If you have any leads, I'd be incredibly grateful!
Thanks in advance for your help!