Let’s make one thing perfectly clear: Banana Man likes people. And despite what you’re about to read, He finds people of all ilk and manner of interest worthy of associating and interacting with. Simply put, people are fascinating to Banana Man. But, that does not mean He likes everything about everyone He comes across. Oh, by no means, no.
Over the many years this column has been around, many of you have gotten a pretty good idea of what bugs Banana Man — of which there are many. Now, here, for your future reference should we ever cross paths are five things repulsive and/or irksome to the Mighty Yellow One.
Women who automatically expect men to open doors for them. This sense of gender entitlement bugs Me to no end. You want equal rights? Open your own friggin’ door! Or, at the very least, thank the kind gentleman for being chivalrous.
People who don’t say thank you. It’s very simple. If someone does something nice, hell, if they do anything for you, thank them! A waiter brings me a glass of water, I thank him. It’s not so much about courtesy, rather acknowledgement of their deed and, thus, existence. No one wants to be invisible or taken for granted. We, as social animals, crave attention and acknowledgement of our contribution to life.
Signing off letters and e-mails with “Best.” What in the hell does that mean? Are you too lazy to type “regards” after it? Close with a complete thought or statement, why don’t you? Even “Thanks” is better, as it is an accepted part of our current colloquial speech. How about “Cheers!” Or, even, a curt “Later” would do.
People who feel a sense of entitlement based on their race or ethnicity. This can be a rather touchy subject for some. The many people that have suffered discrimination and bias throughout their lives do deserve some consideration. But, seriously, at a certain point it just goes too far.
When Banana Man was a senior in high school, a well-respected Ivy League university sent a representative to speak to the senior class about the benefits of attending this college. As the only Asian in the senior class and one of two minorities (We had a token African American, as well. How’s that for diversity?), Banana Man, in all his youthful brashness, stood up and asked a question of this prim and proper representative from this well-heeled institution.
“What is your minority quota?” I queried.
Snickers and nervous laughter bounced off the auditorium walls of the upscale college-preparatory school Banana Man attended.
The representative replied with a straight face that there was no such thing. And there wasn’t, as evidenced by Banana Man being rejected by this college.
From that point on, I realized that being a minority got me nothing but being viewed differently by the majority. I learned early on to put up with minor perceived biased treatment and make the most of what I had. Granted, I had to work harder at things at times. But, in the end, successes proved more gratifying. I don’t expect any sort of special treatment because of my race or lot in life. And I haven’t had to. That’s something a lot of people still haven’t learned.
