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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJust had my own "Karen" encounter in grocery store because I was trying to help someone
I saw a woman and child outside a store and went to give them some $ then asked if I could get them anything from inside. The woman answered, "milk?" So, I asked them to come inside with me and get what they needed. I expected to spend $200 or so, because that's about what it costs to fill your cart. We are inside, she keeps asking if things are okay, milk, eggs, bread, butter, all basics.
About this time a woman comes up and asks if she can "show me something over here," and she takes me aside and warms me about scammers. Yeah, lady, I know, I can tell if someone is a scammer, and, I told her, "They are not scamming, I offered." Well, she can't quite take that, so she proceeds to take a photo of me and the woman (I don't 'recall giving her permission so hope she doesn't post it, LOL), but she is on a tear now and gosh darn it, going to do something about it! The horror. A woman buying groceries for another woman with a small child.
She took time to tell the store clerk all about it, and how awful, and you should chase these people away from your store. The poor woman I'm helping was so sad. Her English was pretty good but not great, so it broke my heart a little to go from such a joyful state to now sad, because someone just cannot stand the thought of helping another. I told the clerk that the lady was wrong and I had offered, so no scam going on here. So that's my story, and I won't stop helping when I can.
AZJonnie
(2,433 posts)BaronChocula
(3,850 posts)Scott Alan Swaggerty
(114 posts)yardwork
(68,635 posts)That other person is deplorable.
Prof. Toru Tanaka
(2,880 posts)I think a large majority of normal people with a heart would have praised Lettuces kindness and generosity.
And perhaps would have helped fill her cart by purchasing some necessities themselves.
Good on Lettuce Be for standing up to this mean, bitter and nosy person.
Scott Alan Swaggerty
(114 posts)CurtEastPoint
(19,773 posts)walkingman
(10,177 posts)I'm surprised you are surprised! Nastiness has flourished under the orange regime...flowing literally from the top!
walkingman
(10,177 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(173,250 posts)leftstreet
(38,549 posts)Bluestocking
(428 posts)The world would be a better place.
Response to Lettuce Be (Original post)
wcmagumba This message was self-deleted by its author.
Justice Brandeis
(399 posts)Guess not.
markodochartaigh
(4,701 posts)Until someone wants to use their own money for something which the conservative disapproves of.
mr715
(2,440 posts)And I suspect a lot of MAGA conservativism is rooted in deep daddy issues.
electric_blue68
(25,164 posts)Scott Alan Swaggerty
(114 posts)Maru Kitteh
(31,075 posts)Thats how I would handle that shit.
You did a good thing.
mr715
(2,440 posts)in times of trial. Your actions gave the woman and her family not just food, but hope and trust in the goodness among us.
The other lady? She's as asterisk. She's low and less. Thank you for your kindness, your sense of justice, and your story.
Wednesdays
(21,455 posts)...that the people you were helping weren't friends or next-door neighbors?
Or, if they were of similar race, they weren't actual relatives?
So many busybodies abound.
mucholderthandirt
(1,736 posts)There used to be people hanging out at one of our local Walmart stores, obviously asking for handouts (I mean, there's nothing there to just stay around for, sitting on the concrete in the sun). There's now private security riding around, so that doesn't happen anymore.
I think people should mind their own business, frankly. It's fine to maybe ask someone if they know what they're doing, if they look like they're being scammed, but then move on. This hatred that Trump and his ilk are encouraging is just not helping anyone.
CentralMass
(16,793 posts)C_U_L8R
(48,617 posts)Maybe shell get some Christmas Ghost visits instead.
Keepthesoulalive
(2,043 posts)She like her god trump take joy in hurting others. This is our new reality, lets work to push them back in the sewers where they were before Maga.
JMCKUSICK
(4,705 posts)Jerry2144
(3,114 posts)Like regular Christianity, except for the love part.
robbob
(3,735 posts)So I would have been very tempted to go all biblical on her sorry ass. Ask her what Jesus would do, start quoting my (somewhat limited) repertoire of scripture, feeding the poor, helping our neighbours, etc. etc.
The look on her face would have been priceless.
Scott Alan Swaggerty
(114 posts)Fil1957
(432 posts)Emile
(39,505 posts)UpInArms
(53,806 posts)And that would be to loudly proclaim to Karen (so everyone could hear):
What is YOUR problem?
Are you trying to rob me?
ETA:
Thank you so much for your kindness. You make the world a better place.
niyad
(128,865 posts)Iggo
(49,471 posts)soldierant
(9,181 posts)but I certainly would have tried to get her name.
sheshe2
(95,066 posts)You did good.
Glaisne
(610 posts)If you're desperate enough to commit a "scam" for groceries, then you're desperate for groceries! I'm buying you groceries! It's not like it's someone trying to steal my personal information to open credit cards in my name or some other real scam that come into your email inbox. Some people need to find better things to do.
malaise
(291,515 posts)You are too damn decent - I would have told her to MYOB and eff off with the sweetest smile. 😀
That is all.
Thank for your kindness
spudspud
(630 posts)And when she went to the clerk complaining you should have told the clerk that this lady was harassing you and other shoppers, didn't appear to be stable, you felt unsafe, and they should call the police on her. Watch how fast she shuffles out of the store.
LoisB
(12,106 posts)electric_blue68
(25,164 posts)niyad
(128,865 posts)an insult to decent people. It is difficult to know how to respond when faced with scum, unless one has a great deal of practice. Sadly, I do. I would have told her she had exactly two seconds to get out of my face before I got management and the police, to file charges for harassment and assault. And I would have taken HER photo. I do not suffer fools or assholes at all, and I have ZERO patience.
May that interfering twit receive everything she deserves.
marble falls
(69,767 posts)... in a pawn shop or the local black market?
chowder66
(11,628 posts)kerry-is-my-prez
(10,197 posts)niyad
(128,865 posts)AverageOldGuy
(3,201 posts)I would have told the woman who attacked you to Lady, go fuck yourself!
Sorry but Im done turning the other cheek.
malaise
(291,515 posts)and with a smile 😂
delisen
(7,183 posts)Fla Dem
(27,355 posts)nuxvomica
(13,806 posts)For such people as this "Karen", their paranoia is only exceeded by their monumental stupidity. And I detect possibly another derangement as well: a Trump supporter hell-bent on denying the effects of his cruel policies.
kimbutgar
(26,533 posts)This country needs more people like yu who have love and compassion. F that Karen and I wouldnt be shocked if you found out she is a xtian magaloon.
Many hugs and kisses to you! 🤗🥰
iemanja
(57,194 posts)Youre giving them business, and its very kind of you.
popsdenver
(1,154 posts)I truly believe that they will all get their shit back to them in Spades.............
I always try to help all I can, especially if they have children. Look at their shoes, it often tells the story.
Thank you for trying to help out where you can........
wolfie001
(6,626 posts)Way to go!
SuzyandPuffpuff
(360 posts)I will always help when I can . Thank Yu for being a true human being.
Aristus
(71,380 posts)People arent just cruel to others; they hate it when they see people being kind to one another. As if its the kindness and not the cruelty thats the problem.
Thank you for your kindness.
niyad
(128,865 posts)ignored part of themselves, that they are, in fact, total scum. They hate having the mirror showing them up.
Bayard
(27,993 posts)Its the way to go, and you are a shining example of it.
LetMyPeopleVote
(173,250 posts)BurnDoubt
(1,287 posts)I would still think you are a kind person if you had told a busybody to "MIND YOUR OWN ******* BUSINESS.
And, yes, you should have taken her photo and posted it for ALL TO SEE!
Maybe someone could help her to learn how to be a courteous neighbor.
Courtesy IS a sign of weakness in MAGAmerica.
Joinfortmill
(19,667 posts)Evolve Dammit
(21,354 posts)mcar
(45,533 posts)I told my kids, if they are scammers it's on them. You followed your instincts and did the right thing.
BlueKota
(4,960 posts)I am glad there are people like you to help balance the scale. That's a wonderful thing you did.
Wild blueberry
(8,021 posts)MIButterfly
(1,741 posts)You did a very compassionate thing for another human being. I wish there were more people like you. The world would be a much better place.
As for that Karen, she should STFU and mind her own business. What a despicable human being she is.
colorado_ufo
(6,188 posts)We all need some!
You did my heart good!
OAITW r.2.0
(31,114 posts)Your moment is over when Trump is escorted out of the WH.
spawnoflinthead
(12 posts)Seriously, fuck that idiot
OAITW r.2.0
(31,114 posts)"I'll pay for it." Didn't expect anything, but felt really good for doing this simple act of kindness.
B.See
(7,446 posts)that anyone who voted for Trump/MAGA, in spite of all he/they have done, said, and PROMISED,
and who supports, embraces that mindset, STILL, in spite of all that's followed,
MUST be of such a malevolently cruel and SICK-MINDED nature, that it almost defies COMPREHENSION.
Response to Lettuce Be (Original post)
Post removed
mdbl
(7,891 posts)Your karma will be clean - their's will be something they have to deal with. But do be careful. Even losing a couple of hundred dollars isn't going to break anyone but some scams are getting tens of thousands from people.
relayerbob
(7,330 posts)Wish you had gotten the woman removed from the store and banned.
Warpy
(114,275 posts)A scammer would have gone for meat. She sounds like someone who might have been afraid to go to work because of ICE raids.
In any case, Mrs. Buttinsky would have gotten a "Fuck off!" from me, which is what she richly deserved. If you'r the polite sort, maybe a repeat performance could garner a "Mind your own business." I'm sure her business could stand some minding.
You did good, kid, that lady will eat and quite possibly her kids will, too.
mjvpi
(1,822 posts)Figarosmom
(9,246 posts)She was the one running a scam taking our picture so she can post it for money on line. Also she should mind her own business.
orleans
(36,567 posts)thank you.
never let assholes deter you from doing what you know is the right, humane thing.
wendyb-NC
(4,547 posts)The world needs more compassion and generous hearts like you. We definitely need less nosy passers by who seek to degrade people who are poor, and disenfranchised by this broken system. Thank you for helping them.
calimary
(88,624 posts)Its hard to understand, sometimes, where that kind of cruelty comes from.
HeartsCanHope
(1,437 posts)Some people are so broken inside that they can't show kindness to anyone. In Karen's case she wanted to take that joy from you, too. I paid for groceries once when the person in front of me forgot their wallet. The lady behind me told me I shouldn't do that because some people do that to get out of paying. I said, "Well, I believe the Good Book tells us to do good whenever we can, and it is my honor to help my neighbor! The cashier replied, "Amen," and the lady behind me shut up. I continue to pay when someone doesn't have enough money, and I applaud your choice to do so, too. We're all in this together!
halobeam
(5,078 posts)especially for that woman and her child.
I do feel it's really important to remind people that to use a common name in a derogatory way, such as Karen is being used, is unkind.
What if that was your daughter, sister or mother's name? Like it's my daughter's name, and a number of people I know who have a family member who bear that name.
First hand knowledge, they are upset by it, as are their family members. It's really getting old. Can we please be more thoughtful of others?
Today you made someone feel cared for and you made someone upset. Both are fact.
There's an episode in Friends where they showed Monica mess up and iirc, I think her mom said, "You pulled a Monica". Even a sitcom showed the obvious hurt it caused, and how no one would want someone to use their name in that manner. It's just wrong to do to someone.
Think of how many women there are with the name Karen, that have been dealing with this for too long already.
There have been a good number of posts in this thread that followed along. I ask any of you, How about using your own name, or the name of someone you love dearly instead? And by chance anyone thinks it's no big deal, then definitely use your own name if it doesn't matter much.
Sorry, but I'm sad for some that I love, who shy away from saying their name, or listen to some folks who snicker about it, and now dislike their name. Idk what is with some people anymore.
OP, obviously with a heart of gold, but like everyone of us, imperfect. We can all try to be better.
stopdiggin
(14,792 posts)Of how your 'shopping experience' was essentially ruined by an unwarranted and totally unnecessary 'intervention' - practically amount to 'assault' - by a completely random customer. And how the discomfort you were made to feel is completely out of bounds - and something you feel the store should be doing something about. In short - 'problem behavior' (and customers) are flagged every day in retail. And this is an example of something that shouldn't be tolerated in your store.
Javaman
(64,969 posts)they hate us because we aren't broken inside.
MaryMagdaline
(7,937 posts)I am sick to my stomach that a woman would attack a poor mother and child like that and then try to bully you and the store to push them out on the street. This country is full of such hateful people.
lostnfound
(17,313 posts)In so many ways.
But the messaging is all about the poor scamming the hard working americans.
Bluetus
(2,010 posts)race
religion
income
education
sexual orientation
ethnicity
language
positions on political/civic issues.
The most fundamental divide in our country is empathy. I suspect this is some combination of genetics and upbringing. But I just don't see people being "somewhat empathetic" or "moderately self-absorbed". Inside 60 seconds, one can usually determine which end of the empathy spectrum a person is on.
Where things get really strange is within the "Christian" community. Obviously, Jesus' talked consistently about caring for others. That is the heart of the Sermon on the Mount. And many Christians do try to live up to that. But then we have all these mega (MAGA) churches independent of any denomination that attract people at the opposite end of the empathy spectrum.
This divide has always been there, but Trump has glorified it to the point that your kind acts are seen as somehow villainous.
Farmer-Rick
(12,329 posts)When I do something that some idiot takes offense to, I got to laugh inside and smile to myself. Then finish up what I was doing. It makes it so much more worthwhile doing.
When stupid people want you to stop doing what you are doing, then you know you are doing the right thing.
Also, so what if it was a scam. If you have to scam people in order to get food then maybe it is ok to get scammed. What are they going to do? Sell the food? So, what? Maybe then that sad scammer will have a little money and won't have to beg so much.
Johnny2X2X
(23,630 posts)They'd rather 100 people starve than 1 person who might not pass their test as deserving of charity eat for free.
They absorb these memes about panhandlers all being scammers. I remember a coworker talking about an area of town and how all the panhandlers there are scammers who probably drive nice cars. I responded, "That doesn't seem likely, and you know why that part of town has a lot of homeless people? Because it's right by the VA and the homeless vets in our town still can get some services from the VA." That shut him right up.
OMGWTF
(4,969 posts)This post reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw in the parking lot of Glacier National Park: Annoy a Republican and help someone.
cannabis_flower
(3,914 posts)Opened the camera on my phone, started a video and said Back off Karen, you are harassing me and this family. I have a right to help anyone I want. Do you really want to see your mean, ugly face on the internet?
Scott Alan Swaggerty
(114 posts)HeartsCanHope
(1,437 posts)Thank you again for your empathy and kindness.