a much needed rant.
I have 3 papers to write and midterms to study for, but I need to allow myself to type up this rant and get it off my chest. It’s imperative.
The topic? People. People and their complete lack of consideration for their fellow man. But adults of this kind in particular.
Over the past few months, I’ve let incidents slide by without doing anything about it. And I’m the one that is stuck brewing over these things for hours on end afterward, thinking “Why didn’t I say something?”
A few months ago, I was in Dunkin Donuts with my family and I needed to use the restroom. So I got up and went to stand in line. This woman, who was sitting down at a table near the bathroom immediately got up in protest and said “Ah, I was waiting in line.” I was put off, but because she was an adult, I said “Oh, ok.” And then she proceeded to stand her ass in the line. What should have happened? I should have put her in her place, and respectfully told her that she was wrong to claim a spot in the line. If she wanted to be in the line, she should have stood in the line like everyone else. Why did she deserve special treatment? Her legs weren’t broken. That lady was standing just fine in front of me… after I let her have the spot.
A few hours ago, I went to the orthodontist. The lady who usually does my checkup, braces-tightening routine was handling another patient. So this younger woman took her place. Now, this lady was a little heavy handed. And when you’re dealing with people’s mouths, that’s a horrible trait to have. She nearly yanked the wire and memory chain out of my mouth. And replaced it just as forcefully. And when I started wincing in pain, she says, “Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. But hey, no pain, no gain.” In my head, I’m like: “This bitch did not just say that to me. She did not.” But she did, so, I just laughed it off. Not enthusiastically, but I laughed anyway. I thought to myself: “Suck it up.”
You know what I should have done? I should have told her to stop, picked myself up and told her: “No, I’m too old for this crap. I’m not 11 years old like that kid in the other chair over there. I’m almost a legal adult. I may look younger, but I’m not. So, don’t patronize me. Do your job as if I was a person, not an object.”
But I didn’t. And now I’m sitting here, writing this. And I’m mad at myself for it. I consider myself to be the kind of person that speaks up for myself when it’s time to do so. Now I’m realizing, I usually only do that with my peers. But adults can be wrong, too. Adults can be just as rude and inconsiderate as my peers. I’m no longer going to be caught off guard and tolerate the same short comings, simply because they’re older. I will be respectful, but I will stand up for myself.
Yes, I’m 17. No, I don’t want to hear what you thought my age was. And no, I am not your doormat.
