Checkout rage
So there I am in the 10-items-or-fewer queue at the local Co-Op, which normally moves pretty fast, but was strangely slow on this occasion. Easily explained: in front of all us nice, conformist, basket wielders was Mutha Bacon with a monumental trolley of shopping. Fatha was there too, which probably explains why the cashier has decided to serve them.

Eventually all their food went through (eighty three quids' worth) and the cashier asked for payment. Only to be completely ignored, as Mutha went on slowly packing stuff into carrier bags, one or two items to a bag. Having a big mouth, I said what everyone was thinking: "Oh for crying out loud, you've already held us up long enough. Just pay." Snarling, incomprehending grunt in return. I point at the "10 items..." sign. "Can't you read?"

Krakatoa.

Screaming from Mutha. Physical threats from Fatha. Manager appears. Ignored. Long rant. And eventually they stalked out, leaving all their stuff. They cruised the car park in their white van for about ten minutes, then drove out the wrong way, ignoring the no exit signs. Meanwhile I was being apologised to by the manager and thanked by all the other customers.

I kept an eye open for the van on my next two visits, never saw it or them again. We get a lot of travellers on their way from Britain to Ireland or vice versa here, so they are probably terrorising staff in Cork or Canterbury now.

In retrospect I realised what the problem was, and it is quite simple.

They really couldn't read.

They couldn't read a sign saying "10 items or fewer" - hence the trolley load.

They couldn't read a till display after they had been distracted and forgotten the amount - hence the abandoned shopping.

They couldn't read a "No exit" sign in the car park.

Still, I have no sympathy.
(ubergeekian, Tue 9 Sep 2008, 10:00, 2 replies)

It's a thought, isn't it?
We're frequently told about the alarming levels of adult illiteracy in society - with this in mind, presumably a proportion of the 'can't you fucking read?' moments that occur daily must actually be 'no I can't'....
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 9 Sep 2008, 10:05, closed)

,,
what no sign of biffa then?
(welgar, Wed 10 Sep 2008, 9:26, closed)