I was kicked out of a store (for standing up for myself)

I posted this last week but it was placed in the trash for language violation. I was told I could re-post it if edited, so here goes.

The other day I was in a Home Improvement store, arms full of stuff, and on my way to pay. I was only a few steps from the register ( the only one open with 7 people in line ), when a man in his mid-40's rushed in front of me and knocked an item from my arm. He did not apologize, hell he did not even acknowledge he did anything wrong. Things like this happen
to people all the time, and has happened to me before.

In the past I would usually make some sarcastic comment about their upbringing, intelligence, or whatever else I can think of to make them feel like the child they are. This time something else happened. I did not plan it, I did not even think of it. The words "You ****** ******" just rang out clear as a bell.

Of course everything just seemed to stop. For about 2 seconds nothing happened then we both started arguing. Needless to say I was the one kicked out of the store with this pinhead just smirking the whole time.

I have some questions about this. How come people act like this today? Do they do things like this because they feel entitled to it? Do they do this crap because they beleive no one will say anything? When we have people trampled to death by others who just try to save a few dollars on some piece of junk made in a foriegn country have we sunk too low to pull ourselves up?

Another question I have is when did it become wrong to call someone out for being an jerk. When did we start treating rude behavior as an acceptable social standard. Some of you might think that I got what I deserved and maybe I did, but I really believe I was in the right. Am I the only person who thinks it is time to start treating these people as the scumbags they are?

[edit on 19-12-2008 by capgrup]

In my book you kept your cool. I would of blown my lid twice has hard if they had tried to remove me.... yeah.. I get real nasty around the holidays.... I would of left peacefully I suppose but if some jerk cut in line in front of me knocking stuff outta my arms and started smirking as I would be escorted out... Oh yeah... Spit would of been involved.... followed by phone calls to the police most likely...

You kept your cool in my book.

titorite;

Thanks for the reply. I did not even plan on it happening. What I said was not loud enough to be heard by more than ten feet or so. I really got mad and loud when he tried to say it was an accident.

If I had been in that situation and the guy noticed he knocked something out of my hand, I probably would have done the same thing. It may be overreacting but at the same time people should get called out when they act like jerks. On the other hand, you probably did deserve to get kicked out. When I was doing loss prevention I would have kicked you out too.

...I'd realistically still be in jail at this time if that had happened to me.


People are too "me" orientated now. They don't care about anything/anyone but themselves. It's too bad, but you bring up a great point with this post... People's "me" attitude.

reply to post by capgrup


Yeah, titorite is right about one thing. It's the holidays. I steer clear from all stores all throughout December because I am not good at keeping my cool.

As for why you were kicked out, it was just to prevent further conflict. They have the responsibility to do so in order for the protection of the customers. You were just the first one because you were not in the middle of a transaction. They didn't send you out at the same time because that would equal "taking this outside".

Originally posted by capgrup
I really got mad and loud when he tried to say it was an accident.

That would be the reason you were kicked out.

Two wrongs don't make a right, there are always going to be ignorant people out there that are looking to start trouble. Rather than letting them get to you and sinking to their level, shrug it off and be the better person.

I don't really think anyone deserves to be publicly harassed just because they took a few seconds out of your day.

[edit on 19-12-2008 by Traffic]

I responded to your other thread but noticed that was closed down so I'll repost here.

It was your choice of words that caused you to be removed. Saying "Mother F-er" isn't appropriate in any situation or setting and it made you look just as bad as the thoughtless person that bumped into you.

Practice the phrase "I am always perplexed when dealing with an anal abyss" or some variation of that so that in the future you can say something that most won't immediately understand and you can finish your shopping while others sit around scratching their heads.

There was a great line in Mary Poppins that I used to always say when people irked me in stores but I haven't seen the movie in a few years and cannot remember the phrase at the moment. When it comes to me I'll post it.

Jemison

Yoda411;

I had never considered what you said. It make sense. Thanks for the info.

And your lucky i wasnt security...i would have tasered you twice...and tied you to the roof of the parking lot patrol car....punishment for you...be back later to untie you once youve calmed down....

Jemison;

Your phrase had me scratching my head for a second. I'll have to try to remember that. I cannot remember if I replied to your post the last time, but wanted to say it was not planned and thank you.

you were treated fairly.
there's no point in kicking off about somebodies being rude and starting it off with the phrase "motherf----r". he was rude to one person, you were rude to everyone in earshot.

reply to post by Jemison


I don't want to go off topic, BUT, when was it okay to start censoring one word over another? I may or ma not agree with the OP's actions and I saw his first thread also but your response makes me respond...

Who decides which WORDS are ok and which WORDS are not ok? Can I get on that committee? There are occasions that require what would might call BLUE LANGUAGE in life and when you start allowing the censorship of YOUR MOUTH in real life, well you might as well give up everything, in my humble opinion...

As stated along with RIGHTS of SPEECH, any speech comes Responsibility and the knowing of where certain speech is accepted, but I would not double guess the OP's opinion of the reaction he should have given nor will I judge his words to harsh. That doesn't mean I agree with his actions it only means I agree with his Right to come to that decision and have those reactions.

And on a side note, I bet that line butter thinks twice before doing it to anyone else!!!

reply to post by capgrup


I sincerely feel your frustration with this on a number of levels. I'd probably say that you let yourself down on reacting with the language issue but society is so insular these days, and essentially (as you probably know) people are frightened of standing out to point a wrong doing or rude and inconsiderate act, sheeple govern sheeple. What does annoy me is that surrounding fellow customers would have probably gone against you immediately, for one reason alone; using bad language.

But...let me be straight, although the language was colourful, why should everyone else who have a decent sense of manners, a level of decorum, appreciation and courtesy for those around us have to tolerate rude people. This chap clearly had no consideration for you, and that alone is pitiful. It's a pet hate of mine.

It's the old cliche, of thinking oneself to be more important by doing something like that guy did, apoligising and making himself ''appear'' rightful by suddenly apologising? It's ludicrous.

Yes, arguably, you could have been the better man and turned the cheek, but these days, why is it suddenly acceptable to act rude and say nothing to those being rude. PC behaviour gone mad and the sheeple sucking it all in.

Moose Head;

One taser shot maybe if I was violent, but two?


Traffic;

It was not the point that I would have to wait in line for a few more seconds that got to me. It was the fact that he knocked an item out of my hand and then acted like nothing happened at all that got to me. I know my response was not the best and not really typical of me, but it was'nt about time.

Originally posted by capgrup
Moose Head;

One taser shot maybe if I was violent, but two?


Traffic;

It was not the point that I would have to wait in line for a few more seconds that got to me. It was the fact that he knocked an item out of my hand and then acted like nothing happened at all that got to me. I know my response was not the best and not really typical of me, but it was'nt about time.

You are right one would be enough but whats power without abuse...no fun thats what it is..................

Do as much good and be as considerate as you can be....you know not all people think alike...and your not losing anything if you say nothing at all because its not a fight worth winning....for example no matter how many laws you pass man will always commit murder....so you know human nature ...some people will say excuse me or you go ahead first...and others will bump into you and ignore you...and want to always be first...bt if you react you are the one that has lost control....now of course...this dosent mean that if someone is trying to kill you ...that you dont defend yourself...but thats a fight worth winning...understand human nature and it will put you at ease....dont bend the spoon ...bend yourself...

Something is festering in society and its not good, yesterday I was driving my young daughter to the beach around the corner from my place and this nerdling was driving his car erratically and very slowly in front at about 20KM/h in a 50KM/H zone. I got up behind him at a safe distance and the next thing I know he starts waving his hands and he pulled over to the side of the road without indicating. I braked sharply and pulled around him, only to see him flip the bird right at my 7 year old daughter.

I had to fight my natural instinct ( which was to tear him out of the car and proceed to dismember him by hand ) and remember my daughter was in the car with me so I just ignored the moron.

What is wrong with our society today ??? no one is prepared to be courteous to strangers, and strangers are your enemy.

In your own words:

Originally posted by capgrup

How come people act like this today?

Act like how? Act disrespectful towards others or cuss up a storm?

I feel for you but two wrongs don't make a right.
He had no right to cut you off like that but you forfeited everything when you started cussing.

There's a way of getting the point across without reverting to cussing.

Oh stuff like that has always got me fired up, holidays or not. When I was in high school I took a lot of that. Now, Ill say something real quick and not care if I start a scene. What's even better is that I am hoping that jerk flinches or even dares to touch me with even a finger.