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March 09, 2006
Dodging the Sidewalk Annoyances
When Coworker #1, Coworker #2, and I ventured to lunch the other day, we spotted one of those incredibly annoying human beings who stand on busy sidewalks trying to get people to give them money for whatever they seem to think is a worthy cause. Needless to say, I refused to buy any of her Girl Scout Cookies. (That’s a joke; it wasn’t a Girl Scout, but if it had been a Girl Scout, I might have called a truancy officer. After all, it was lunchtime in downtown D.C., and kids need to learn how to read, yes?)
I’m not sure what this woman was selling or what was on the flyers she was handing out; all I know is that I didn’t want to have any part of it.
Hippie Woman: Excuse me, sir...
Thinking Fool: (Shaking my head and shrugging my shoulders as I walked by her) Sorry. No ingles.
Hippie Woman: (Calling after me) No? Es bien porque hablo español.
Thinking Fool: (Still walking, but yelling back) No español either!
A few seconds later, coworker #1 looked at me and offered a friendly reminder.
Coworker #1: You know, you’re really an awful human being.
Comments
It's worse in Miami. After speaking to me in Spanish I tell them that this is America and then they get really pissed.
One woman told me that I was lying when I told her that I did not speak spanish. I ripped into her about that sort of madness and had a fun time with it as well.
Posted by: Finished.Law.School at March 9, 2006 04:43 AM
Ugh...one of the things I dislike most about DC (and there are many). If I wanted to donate to a cause I wouldn't do it because I was being harassed by some street person.
Also, this is why knowing a slight "unusual" 3rd language comes in handy :)
Good going fool :)
Posted by: First Year at March 9, 2006 12:15 PM
I usually just go with the pretending not to see them strategy. When you're by yourself, an iPod is the best protection.
Posted by: The Attractive Nuisance at March 9, 2006 10:40 PM
I used to make an effort to turn them down nicely. Then, one time, one of them said "F*** you" and called me a bitch. Now I go with the "pretend not to see them" technique (as mentioned above)...maybe I'll try your "no ingles" technique for laughs.
Posted by: Summer at March 10, 2006 01:59 PM
