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

CaptainBlake 0

The magnitude of asshattery is astounding. Asshat.

Queen_Naiomi 2

Yeah...I work in a drive thru and I sometimes joke around with elderly when they take quite a while to pull up, but only like, "Where were you?" or "I was beginning to miss you there hun!" I would never ask what was wrong with a person. Idiot.

xlostwithoutu 0

Im not disrespectful because I have a sense of humor.

Wow, real awesome of you pal. I have worked as a cashier for a couple years and I know employers would frown on your comment. Also when you notice people struggling with a task help them.Next time around jump at the chance to help a customer and keep your jokes to yourself. Oh by the way you don't have to be old to have Parkinson's.

some_girl9 8

YDI, ********. If you see somebody struggling with something, you HELP them. Not simply because it's your ******* JOB, but it's a little thing called common courtesy. There's a difference between being funny and just being straight up disrespectful. Jackass.

nayr3 0

I just made an account to say that you are an asshole.

emmster15 0

You're despicable. I would be very surprised if he doesn't call your boss and report you. Actually, I think it is wrong not to report this kind of thing and hope that he does. Wouldn't surprise me if he also contacted some disability rights group or attorney specializing in disability law to see what he can do about getting some compensation for your appalling and inhumane treatment of him.