Blog: America's Got Stupid
America doesn't have talent. Or brains. But we are loaded to the gills with stupid. Case in point:
This afternoon, I was frequenting a famous chain store that specializes in greeting cards in Ocean City (don't be hatin, I was buying fantasy football magazines. And some Hoops & Yoyo cards. And some scented candles. And a few knicknacks).
The gal in front of me was buying a magazine, and her total purchase price came to $3.75, with tax.
She said to the clerk, "I've got four bucks right here." And then she accidentally gave the clerk $23.00. Three one dollar bills, and a twenty, instead of four ones.
The clerk then spazzed out.
"No, you just gave me too much money than you said you would, so now I've got to void this purchase, and start all over."
She then got on the intercom and bellowed, "I need help with a customer's purchase that has to be voided and I don't know how to do it."
At that point, the customer lady said, "I'm so sorry. Here's four dollars. Give me 25 cents back and we'll be even."
That's where the clerk's brain started to implode.
"But you gave me over twenty dollars when you said you'd give me four!"
"And again, I'm so sorry. But here's four one dollar bills. Please just give me a quarter back."
"No. The register says I have to give you $19.25 in change."
"But I have the $20 bill back in my hand. I have given you four dollars."
"If you want to get your $19.25 in change, you better give me the $20 back."
At this point, the gal looked at me for support. I thought.
Sadly, I offered none. I was watching the manager making her way to the front.
The entire situation was replayed for her, at which point she gave the customer her quarter, and said thank you. She seemed to grasp the equation.
The customer then left the store. Followed by the stares of all three sets of eyes, theirs and mine. As they were voiding out the previous receipt, I heard them chat a bit more.
Manager said, "You just should have given her a quarter."
Clerk said, "Yeah, but she was mad before she paid because she wanted to use the bathroom, and I told her we didn't have a public bathroom for customers."
Manager said, "She could go to the Burger King."
Clerk said, "Maybe."
Then they both turned their dolls eyes towards me. I made sure I announced the money I was giving the clerk was correct.
She said, "Thank you. I'm sorry for the wait. That lady was just not very smart."
Do tell.
d.
Sunday
July 26th, 2009
