By bdk_2020 - 17/01/2010 00:16 - United Kingdom

Today, whilst working at the supermarket, a man came through my checkout who couldn't open the plastic bags. I thought it would be a laugh to make fun of him because of it, saying "Come on! What's wrong with you?". Turns out he has arthritis. And Parkinson's Disease. He left, more than angry. FML
I agree, your life sucks 6 285
You deserved it 68 076

bdk_2020 tells us more.

Ok. I've tried explaining why I did what I did, but I'm still getting the death threats and a lot of the word '****' being used to show your disdain. I would like to tell you what really happened, not because I want you on my side or I'm trying to defend what I did. I just want you to see that what happened was based on simple stupidity and not because I'm the spawn of satan. So here's you some of the stuff you've all assumed that I would like to put right: - 1. This man was not at all elderly. He must have been 45-50 years old. You don't have to be elderly to have Parkinson's Disease. See Michael J. Fox for proof of that. 2. I offered to pack for him before he started struggling himself. He was alone, so I felt I should help him. He declined. That's why I thought he could do it himself. 3. I had no idea he was suffering from arthritis or Parkinson's Disease. I'd never met him before. He was struggling to open the bags, like myself and most people do, and so I made the very stupid comment based on that. 4. No, I didn't notice the shaking associated with Parkinson's Disease. I know that people think Cashier's are all idiots, wasters and the job is really easy, but you do have to focus on the screen in front of you to check the identity and the price of the item is correct. Therefore, I was barely focusing on his movements or his mannerisms. I was just doing what I'm paid to do. 5. As soon as he told me what was wrong, and I then focused on him properly, I then noticed he had a mild tremor in his hands. 6. I immediately apologised for what I said, feeling terrible. I then opened all the bags for him and offered to pack. He declined because, like you, he thought I had made fun of him because of his disability. I tried to explain, but he didn't want to hear. 7. If I knew he was struggling because he had a medical reason for not being able to open the bags, I would never had said it and would have made him let me pack. I would hate it if I saw someone who clearly had a disability not being able to do something and I'm just standing there ignoring it - That IS evil. 8. He left angry and hurt. I was left feeling horrible and guilty for being so stupid. 9. I wanted to post the FML not to get sympathy. As I said, I felt terrbile for upsetting him, and I just wanted to get it off my chest. I wanted to show people how much of an ass I'd been that day. 10. FML is all about bad things that have happened to you or that you have done. I felt that my stupidity for saying that to a man I didn't know was an FML moment. In retrospect, I realise that the way I worded the FML sounds like I was being cruel. I can understand why you are all upset. But to say I deserve to die or have all this offensive language thrown in my direction was ok? You know nothing about me. To assume that I always behave like this, that I'm this evil, vindictive bastard, based on one stupid comment... Well, I really don't know. Furthermore, why would I post this as an FML moment if I enjoy being horrible to people? It's because I hate myself for being so stupid that I posted this. Again, I really am sorry if I offended anyone. The last thing I wanted was all of this, so I just hope this post will clears it all up.

Top comments

Comments

ironwolf56 5

So this is what a FML moment looks like from the person who causes it's side huh?

moleSG 6

YDI. I work at a supermarket as a cashier on weekends, a LOT of blokes can't open the bags. You don't make fun, let THEM do it to themselves first before you join in. Be careful.

I never want to end up in your supermarket. what asshole employee makes fun of struggling customers, TO THEIR FACE?! dick.

How rude can you be?! I have myotonic dystrophy, would you make fun of me too!?

saranottelling 7

wtf is wrong with you? This is the biggest "YDI" on this website. You thought it would be a laugh to make fun of someone to their face? I imagine that when you were a child you were the annoying kid that made fun of everyone and got beat up everyday. I hope that man reports you and you get fired. My aunt has Parkinson's and watching her hands shake and having problems doing things is not a laugh. When a struggling man with shaking hands tries to open a bag you laugh at his weaknesses. That wouldn't even be funny if a normal person had trouble opening bags. Did you ever think of helping them?

xlostwithoutu 0

OP I'm on your side... I read all of your comments and I can understand that your intention was not to insult the man, but to simply joke around. Some people on here... I swear

"Some people on here"? Yes, because some people have this terrible concept of being respectful to one another.

xlostwithoutu 0

Whatever you say. Im so disrespectful because I have a sense of humor. Since you feel the need to pick apart everything that I'm saying, I guess you must be the disrespectful one here.

redblueviolet 0

I agree with #101. So OP made an insensitive comment. And the rest of you are perfect?

I have a sense of humor, but I don't make a point of saying shit to people without knowing how they'll react, just because *I* think it's funny. There are more important things out there than just your need to laugh. Kind of like, a person's feelings. If you need to laugh THAT BADLY, trip yourself in the parking lot. Or go home and come on this site. But don't do it at the expense of other people. Common ******* sense, people.

By the way, you said I'm picking apart "everything that you're saying", so I actually had to go back and look at my other comments on the page. I had no idea that the things I was replying to were said by you, so you can take a needle and deflate that awesome ego of yours, because I'm really not targeting you personally. I look through the comments for naivety regarding humanity and reply, so if anything, the fact that I've replied to you multiple times communicates nothing positive or flattering.

I was a cashier at a grocery store for a while. I learned not to make jokes like that after a very bad encounter with a customer that I thought was humorous. When it comes to cashier small-talk there is a very fine line between funny and offensive... be careful!

hbgoddard 0

I'm an atheist, but this makes me wish there was a hell just so you could go to it.