Trying To Encourage Independent Thought
(I’m decorating our storefront for Independence Day, which is July 10th. In 1973 we gained independence from Britain, though we are still part of the British Commonwealth. The glass doors are decorated with American colours for July 4th and the whole front of the store is decorated with Bahamian colours for July 10th. An American tourist walks up with her husband.)
Tourist: “Miss! You’ve got the date wrong, and why are you using those colours?”
Me: “Oh, yes, ma’am. Bahamian Independence Day is the 10th. These are the colours of the Bahamian flag. I’ve decorated the front door with red, white, and blue for Americans like yourself!”
Tourist: *looks puzzled for a moment* “But Independence Day is on the 4th…”
Me: “Yes ma’am, in the US it is, but here it’s the 10th.”
Tourist: “But it’s July…”
Me: “Yes, ma’am. A strange coincidence that they are both in July, isn’t it?”
Tourist: *finally looking resolved* “No! This isn’t right; you should have the right date and colours like every other state, even if you’re on an island!”
Me: “But we aren’t a state… We aren’t even part of your countr—”
Tourist: “State, member, province, whatever, that is no excuse to act un-American! Darn islanders…” *she walks off as her husband glares at me over his shoulder*
This story is part of our July 4th roundup!
Question of the Week
Have you ever served a bad customer who got what they deserved?
