I just got a call from my daughter, who was waiting on a parking place at Oak Court mall when someone else took it. She saw the people when she was walking in and said “I had my blinker on. You had to see I was waiting on that spot.” To which the son replied:
“If you weren’t a baby killing tree-hugger, I might’ve let you have it.”
First, she has a John Edwards sticker on her car, which doesn’t make her any of the above. Second, and this is what gets me, the mother said nothing to her teenage son! Man, if my daughter had said something like that to someone, we wouldn’t have moved until she apologized. (And that still goes, even though she’s grown.)
Then I check messages and had the nastiest phone call from a woman mad because I didn’t include her favorite ethnic restaurant on my dining list on Friday. As I said in the article, I’m sure I’ve forgotten some. But she’s accusing other restaurants on the list of being run by the Mafia, for Pete’s sake.
Why are people so angry and mean? Let’s relax everyone. Have a glass of egg nog. Take a few deep breaths. See your doctor about a prescription. Whatever it takes. Let’s have a little peace and goodwill…
Uncategorized
Responses to “Come on, be nice…”
December 25th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I was standing in a rather lengthy line in a store Sun. waiting to purchase a gift card. I am arthritic so I use a cane to help support myself when I have to stand. There was a stool by the counter, so I sat down to wait my turn. There were two people at the check-out but one was closing out the registers (at 4:00?!) When he finished closing out the second one, he indicated the next person in line would be waited on. People in back of me, without asking if I was ready to check out or waiting for someone, tried to go ahead of me. I stood up and indicated politely, debit card in hand, that I was next. The checker apologized and said he “didn’t see me.” I had been in the store at least 20 minutes at that point in a very bright colored holiday outfit, so I know that was a lame excuse. However, I felt fortunate that the people didn’t cause a scene or try to get ugly. I agree about the guy who tried to use that reasoning for taking a parking place - what if your daughter had borrowed someone’s car?! There is no excuse for that type of behavior - anytime. What happened to peace on earth, goodwill to men?! May
December 25th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I like to remind fundamentalist bigots that their hate-driven actions will be replayed for them on the judgment day that they so desperately await.
December 25th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
In general random acts of meanness to strangers are not the best way to claim the moral high ground. 
Could have been worse - confronting people who have already demonstrated that they don’t feel constrained by the rules of decent conduct rarely turns out well!
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
December 25th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Merry Christmas to all, peace and goodwill to all men. Why is it that the self-righteous ones that preach tolerance are the ones that are LEAST tolerant?
December 26th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Instead of condemning so called fundamentalists and others we smarmily judge, let’s do and be something worthwhile. Spread a little kindness and humanity— why not lead by example and not by cynicism , bitterness and clever mots.
Goodwill and peace to all men—-and, of course, women on Christmas and every other day as well.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:20 am
Hey, I’m only applying Matthew 7:2 as applicably as I know how. Reminding folks that they get to be judged too only seems fair, and biblical.
December 26th, 2007 at 11:33 am
It’s best not to stew about people who are deliberately hateful for no good reason. Hopefully you only have to spend a few minutes out of your life dealing with their unpleasantness… they’re stuck with it forever.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
randal,
Since you seem to fancy yourself a Biblical scholar, I am sure you are familiar with the admonishment from the Gospel of Matthew –throwing pearls before swine, i.e. a food blog. Oh, yes, wonder what happened to those clever Pharisees and Philistines who passsed judgement on Jesus– using quotations from the OT………..And if you are going to cite the Word of God, know your facts and the context in which it was written in Matthew’s Gospel.
This is a food blog, not Brother Randal’s power hour.
December 26th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Love your column!
And I am looking forward to the Friday Cheap Eats clips.
Keep up the fabulous work!
December 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Matt, I’m so glad you said what you did. That kind of helps to put things into perspective. A friend told me about wishing a co-worker a Merry Christmas & she replied in turn, “Merry Christmas to you too…I guess.” Why say it at all if you don’t mean it. My parents always taught me if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. But these tacky people apparently didn’t learn or retain any of their parents’ wisdom. I think he decided to consider the source & move on, which is the best way to handle it, as you said. You have a good head on your shoulders!
December 26th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
But on the positive side - As well organized as I thought I was, I still had to make a last minute trip to Kroger on Christmas Eve. I only needed three things and was standing at least 6 deep in the Express lane. After a few minutes I realized that I had forgotten one other thing. I muttered this to the woman in back of me, left to retrieve the forgotten item and returned to the same line where another 3 people were now in front of me. The woman I had muttered to motioned me to return to my place in front of her and I thanked her but stayed where I was. She had waited as long as I had in this line and it was very kind of her to offer to give me my spot back. Most people are kind.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
“Most people are kind”….. one hopes so, one tries to believe that that is true. and when people are kind, as they often are, one is pleased and gratified. when they are kind, it’s mainly in small ordinary ways that seem a little extraordinary. so why do so many bad things happen? we’re human, all-too-human. and, boy, that’s enough philosophy for one day!
December 27th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Okay, am I in the Twilght Zone or some of the same people who are regularly nasty on these blogs also lamenting the lack of ‘nice” people in the world?
December 27th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
By the way, I think Memphis needs a little help in the niceness or pay it forward department. I was recently in Nashville where people seemed friendlier and much more positive.
Why not start a pay it forward campaign in Memphis? Kinda like the revamping of NYC many years ago–making it friendlier and more open to tourists and citizens alike.
For instance, I remember the time ( and I’m not that old) when a man (or woman) would give up his seat for an obviously pregnant (or elderly person) woman. The other day, my very pregnant friend was in a crowded restaurant with seating in the entrance and not one person offered her their seat. In fact, when a seat became available, a young man moved quickly to get it before she could waddle over to it.
What’s that all about?
December 31st, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I am so upset to read this story. People are mean. I agree, there are nice people in this world..but who raised these people? Where did they grow up. I am always reminding my children (5 of them) to get up and offer a seat to any woman or elderly person. I am so mixed up and totally freaked out about how people can behave in such an obnoxious way! Please…be kind. We are trying to help make this place better for our kids and grandkids, and just everyone! It is so much easier to do someone a favor and you just may sleep better at night! Have a Happy Holiday Season!!
17 comment.