Sarcasm

 This is a post, I thought I had published in the past.   Now I am publishing it.

What is sarcasm?
A sharp, bitter or cutting expression remark, a bitter gibe or taunt, usually conveyed through irony or understatement.  Most authorities distinguish sarcasm as irony, however others that sarcasm may or often does involve irony or employs  ambivalence.

Ok, the pretty much covers as to what Sarcasm means.  But, I have something to say about it.  What Do I think about it?

I think sarcasm is an excuse to be rude  and/or mean.  Sometimes people might ask something, thinking maybe they can start a friendly conversation.  Example, you are getting out of a car.   Someone might say,  "Wow, is that your car?"  Your reply, usually in snide remark, is, "No, its John Smith's from Oregon."  Obviously, you don't want to talk to this person?  Or there is a personality clash?  You just don't like others asking you questions?  You're having a bad day, so take it on this individual?  Etc, etc, etc.  Instead of saying,  "Yes this is my car."  And leaving at that, I guess would be polite thing to do.  And as far as this individual knows, it might be someone else car.  We all have driven somebody else car, at one time or another.  Remember, this is just an example

Maybe you don't like this person.  Come on, don't be rude, just answer the question and walk away.

Many times, when I hear sarcasm come out someone's mouth.  Really at the end, they are the ones being dumb.  You don't know what the person is thinking about at the time they are asking the question.  The sarcastic person ASSUMES, that they know what the person is asking about.   Many times the answer given, does not pertain to the question that was asked.  Then the person that ask the question, has to ask the question again, and draw the picture to explain.   The Sarcastic individual, is standing there really dumbfounded now.

I was at a restaurant, with some friends.  Betty, asked a question, and a sarcastic remark came out of someone's mouth.  Me, seeing that this was wrong.  I politely, did the best I could to answer her question.  She said Thank you.   Now, who is the fool here.

Yea, maybe it is a stupid question.  But once again, the person was trying to start small talk, conversation, whatever you want to call it.  Then you have to turn around with another remark, to add to this individual embarrassment, by saying, "If you don't want a stupid answer, don't ask a stupid question!"   How much more rude can one be?

Self Check Outs

I was in Walmart today, where 6 new Self Check Outs were up and running.  Okay, being new, the attendees were sort of lost.  Shock my head.  What a shame, I thought to myself.  I remember when the Self Check Outs were started in Iowa and Nebraska, about 12 years ago. Yep, it is a shame.

Now you all, might be wondering, what I am talking about.  The attendees, as I call them; otherwise the cashier or cashiers operating the Self Check Out.  I am not referring to them  being oblivious to what their doing.

I remember when they first open in Iowa.  I was in line at a register to check out.  And attendee came up to me, try to encourage to use their new toy, Self Check Out.

I looked at her and said, "Ha,  no thank you".

She asked me why?  And can check out quicker.

So, I told her. " It's taking jobs away from people."  She said no it's not.

I looked at her, as if I was a Math teacher.  I said, "Ok.  How many registers  you are taking care of?"

She said, "Eight."

I said, "Ok.  How many cashiers do you see here?"

She said, "One, just herself."  She still couldn't do the math.
 
"Okay"  I said.  I practically had to draw a picture for this girl.  "Eight Cash registers and one cashier.  Those registers that are taking seven people jobs away.  Seven people that could be working, that aren't."

She had a look on her face,, as if something struck her.  Then said,  "I never thought of that.  Wow.  That's  a very good point."

Also, another thing, that didn't think of before.  If customers are checking out their own merchandise and groceries.  Shouldn't they be getting a discount for using these Self Check Outs?

I realize some of you may think these Self Check Outs are great.  And, they might be fun to play with.  Think about, what this is doing.  Who it is hurting.  Do the Math.  I have more respect for a working human being, than a robot.

So, think about this the next time, you check out at one of these Self Check Outs.  Do the Math.