When I used to work in a convienience store (called "All-N-1", ironically), I would come into contact with many young school children. Now, All-N-1, being on Spruce street (a very bad area of town), was a place where many families came to buy food. Now, if you know me personally, you know that I am a fervent misanthrope. However, that wasn't the main reason I was upset at a particulat group of kids that came in that day.
It was the fact that one said to the other, "You got fifty cent?"
"You got fifty cent?"?????
Just the...arrogance of the statement..the bloody murder of syntax...enraged me beyond control!!!
I tried to control myself, and succeeded--at first. However, when the child's friend revealed that he did not have the "fifty cent," the child came to me, and asked me, "you got fifty cent?"
"No," I replied.
"Awww, c'mon. You don't got two quarter? ( "Two quarter!" Does the child fear humiliation due to a lisp?)"
I could feel my face twitching with agitation. "If you are asking if I have fifty cents, then yes, I do."
"Ok, can I have it?"
"Can you have what?"
"Fifty cent."
"No. I told you already. I don't have it."
"But you just said you have fifty cent!"
The poor child just didn't understand, did he? It seemed I would have to say it in..plain English. Do excuse the pun.
"You asked me if I 'got fifty cent,' and I said no. However, I do have fifty cents."
I could tell I had angered the child, as he proceeded to tell me not to correct his grammar (while using more poor grammar).
Needless to say, I quit the job after 7 months.
See you next week, for a new weekly Rant!
Next Week: Find out and see!
