Saturday, July 31, 2021

Words People Say

 I have a sign on the door at eye level that states you need to wear a mask to enter unless you have been vaccinated. I didn't even use big words. KISS. Keep it simple stupid. So, I am wondering why the young man that came to the door just asked if he would have to wear an "actual" mask.

"If you actually want to enter the building, then yes you need an actual mask." Actual. What does that even mean? Is there a "not actual mask"? What does it look like?

I was taking a reservation and told the man on the phone that I would need a credit card number to secure his reservation. "The whole big number?" he asked. "All the numbers on the card, big and small." I replied. Deep sigh before revealing all the numbers to me. What would I do with a partial number? How would that be something that would guarantee the reservation. The man was very put out at having to recite the numbers to me.

Another man trying to secure a reservation was reciting the numbers on his card and when he got to the expiration date, he said, "I think it is a '3'." "I need the correct numbers," I say, "just one number off and the charge won't go through." "Are you kidding me," says the reciter of numbers, "that can't be right, not when all the other numbers are right!!"

No comment, I won't even share my thoughts about the person's ability to navigate the world. Use your imagination. I often want to ask people how they have managed to get this far in life lacking the basic knowledge that we would all assume everyone has. Credit cards are not new technology. And yet the same people seem to be able to text with agility. Of course texting does not require correct spelling and grammar. 

I am glad I am old and won't have to watch the crumbling of civilization.

7 comments:

Donna. W said...

I would think anybody who has been onine would know you have to have the right date. I believe the world is already crumbled beyond saving.

Allison said...

I have learned much about my fellow citizens from reading your blog. They're a constant amazement to me.

ellen abbott said...

I don't know happened to common sense but it seems to be in very short supply at least in this country. an actual mask. does he have a pretend mask? and yes, all the numbers and all the correct numbers. is this the first time they've had to give their credit card number over the phone?

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Some people leave use speechless

River said...

Texting SHOULD require correct spelling and grammar, sadly even many of the e-books I read don't have that either.
I'm wondering if a non-actual mask might be a bandanna or a hanky held over the nose and mouth while the wearer tries to conduct business?

RunNRose said...

Amen to what Donna said about the world crumbling. I think the planet is doomed, in large part because of stubbornness/ stupidity, I see all the people out and about with children, and I wonder what kind of world they will know in even ten years, what with fires, floods, droughts and pandemics. And to think, I used to be an optimist.

Joanne Noragon said...

I remember when my sister and I collected the stupid things people said to us at shows. We were going to write a book when we retired. Geesh!