06
Jun
Would that I were kowtowed to more often
It is my firm belief that the world would be a better place if I were kowtowed to more often. I can see a world in which that happens. If people I don’t know spent more time being nice to me, and especially being nice first, the world would be a better place. It’s beyond debate. I get tired of being the one that sets civility in motion during encounters I have day to day. Would it kill people I have to interact with to say “Hello” before I say it? Apparently it would. Apparently it’s some kind of deadly poison.
I can also see a world where acquaintances kowtow to me even less, and that disturbs me. For instance, I seem to remember cashiers being nicer than they are today. Today’s cashiers, some of them, actually wait for me to kowtow to them. I don’t remember that happening in days of yore. Now, as often as not I have to say “Hello” or “How are you?” to make the transaction not be done in total silence. That’s plainly garbage. It should not be my responsibility as a customer to make business transactions a pleasant affair. I’m the guy with the money; say “Hello” to me before you start ringing up my bananas and beer, frchrissakes. You’re in business partly because of me.
I suppose it could be worse, though. It’s not yet customary for Wal-mart employees to spit on their customers prior to handing over the receipt.
I think one of the impetuses behind the pursuit of fame or power is the bald desire to be kowtowed to. And I can’t fault anyone for that. It’s got to be nice. I’d like it. Because not only are the famous and powerful kowtowed to on a regular basis by their business associates, they are also respected for their opinions and actions in ways that have nothing to do with why they are famous or powerful. Michael Jordan likes coca cola? I’ve GOT to get me summa that! He’s a famous basketball player; my taste buds MUST emulate his taste buds!
I’m certain that does wonders for Michael Jordan’s self esteem.
