# Dear cranky old Bastards: I am not a "kid" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 15, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056 "2011-11-15T22:27:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/21 "2011-11-16T09:48:03Z")
> [@Acid\_Lamp](#): > > meat jello That, sir, is hilarious. I’ve been treated like I’m way younger than my age for a long time. Now that I’m finally starting to look more my age it’s a huge relief to be taken seriously at last. ---
**Author:** ![BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/22 "2011-11-16T09:48:32Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Why would they think “Can I talk to someone older?” is so much better than “Is there someone whiter who could help me?” or “I’d really rather hear this from someone with a dick”? I dunno about you, but my dick has roughly 3 extra brains in it. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/23 "2011-11-16T12:24:58Z")
> [@digs](#): > > As a geezer, I applaud the OP. > > Many of us are guilty of ageism, which is right up there behind sexism and racism. > > Why would they think “Can I talk to someone older?” is so much better than “Is there someone whiter who could help me?” or “I’d really rather hear this from someone with a dick”? Having been in sales of one sort or another for a while I can understand the desire to be served by someone “more like me”. That can be a shallow, but comforting wish on the part of a totally uneducated consumer who is floundering for help but too proud, stubbourn or arrogant to simply admit it. It might be a little offensive but I can shrug that off with ease. What I cannot tolerate is a frantic appeal to authority after I just spent quite a while performing my job in a competent, professional, and friendly manner. They were happy with my services; they bought a lot of stuff on my suggestion.Then they have to go and look to an older face for confirmation as if we are all _STILL_ playing a secret game and I’m just pretending to manage the business. Becoming slightly incredulous that I, not my older employee, is actually in command. I get that the age difference between us is likely equal to the total years of my life, but that does not make me incompetent, nor a kid. I’m a professional with significant experience in my field, and have been placed in a position of authority because of those qualities. I have not been a “kid” for over a _decade_ at the least. ---
**Author:** ![6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/e19adc/32.png) [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/24 "2011-11-16T13:00:55Z")
Certainly you’re not a kid, **Acid Lamp**. More like a cranky old bastard. ---
**Author:** ![Capitaine\_Zombie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/25 "2011-11-16T13:51:15Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > To add to this one, please stop thinking that my boobies mean that I don’t know my job. When my minion walks up while we are talking about YOUR problem, don’t just start talking to him. Minion is just going to ask me what to do. > > What ticks me off even more is that when its obvious that I’m the one who did all the work, don’t shake my minion’s hand and tell him thank you for all the help. Next time you come in, you will get to deal with minion or SG. Lol, you’ve got a minion? What are you? A supervillain or the King’s gay brother? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/26 "2011-11-16T14:02:24Z")
**Acid Lamp** , your OP was adorable. It makes me want to pinch your cheeks. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/27 "2011-11-16T14:03:35Z")
When customers piss me off, I just charge them more. That way they either take their business elsewhere (win!) or at least I make enough profit to justify putting up with their crap (win!). ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/28 "2011-11-16T14:20:52Z")
Young people _think_ old people are fools. Old people _remember_ that young people are fools. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/29 "2011-11-16T14:32:55Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Young people _think_ old people are fools. Old people _remember_ that young people are fools. This would be wisdom if old people were known for their incredibly keen and clear memories of their own youths. ---
**Author:** ![otternell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecc23a/32.png) [@otternell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/otternell)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/30 "2011-11-16T15:03:42Z")
I like the phrase festering meat jello of your mind. That is priceless! Top marks for creativity! ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/31 "2011-11-16T16:34:44Z")
> [@Giles](#): > > Yes, but what does he really feel about us old geezers? “… us?” :dubious: Whaddya mean, “us?” ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/32 "2011-11-16T17:03:06Z")
If the OP lives in Florida there is a good chance that the old geezer tourists he is referring to are French Canadian in which case his complaints are entirely valid and may even err on the side of charity. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/33 "2011-11-16T17:57:28Z")
I only have one question for you. - Had they brought you cookies would you be more inclined to treat them nicely? ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/34 "2011-11-16T19:26:17Z")
I had a related problem when I started working as a substitute teacher. One elementary school secretary would not let me inside when I reported to work at lunch time. (I was only needed for the afternoon.) She believed that I was a student. (I was 22, and five feet tall. I was, however, wearing a suit, a Phi Beta Kappa key, and high heels.) Even when I showed her my driver’s license, she told me I’d have to wait. At last, I told her to check with the office. If she didn’t let me in, then she could explain to the principal why he was one teacher short. She checked, and I got in. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/35 "2011-11-16T22:25:49Z")
> [@Acid\_Lamp](#): > > They were happy with my services; they bought a lot of stuff on my suggestion. This is a \*good \*thing! So they didn’t show enough deference to your super-genius status. BFD. Business is business. You did your job and your customers were satisfied. They have to kiss your ass too? > [@Acid\_Lamp](#): > > I get that the age difference between us is likely equal to the total years of my life, but that does not make me incompetent, nor a kid. I’m a professional with significant experience in my field, and have been placed in a position of authority because of those qualities. I have not been a “kid” for over a _decade_ at the least. Meh. If you’re young enough to be _their_ kid, you’re a “kid” to them. I don’t find it such huge insult. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/36 "2011-11-16T22:28:48Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > This is a \*good \*thing! So they didn’t show enough deference to your super-genius status. BFD. Business is business. You did your job and your customers were satisfied. They have to kiss your ass too? > > Meh. If you’re young enough to be _their_ kid, you’re a “kid” to them. I don’t find it such huge insult. Obvious troll is obvious. Next time read for comprehension. I did not ask for deference, nor special recognition. As to your second point, I’d take it in stride if it were not for the implication that I was merely playing at doing something. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/37 "2011-11-16T22:36:46Z")
Heh. I’ve never been called a troll before. It’s kind of fun. All I’m saying is you seemed to get way too bent out of shape over something that doesn’t sound like such a big deal. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/38 "2011-11-16T23:13:18Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > To add to this one, please stop thinking that my boobies mean that I don’t know my job. On the contrary, not only do I not think that, I’m pretty sure your boobies are what actually do the job. That’s why I look at them while I’m talking: respect. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/39 "2011-11-16T23:49:50Z")
> [@Capitaine\_Zombie](#): > > Lol, you’ve got a minion? What are you? A supervillain or the King’s gay brother? Of course I have a minion! I have several. I hold the keys to the RatKing’s Lair, afterall. carefully doesn’t mention that they are borrowed minions, but I am planning for the RatKing’s demise. once I’m queen of the Lair, just watch out!!! > [@Bosstone](#): > > On the contrary, not only do I not think that, I’m pretty sure your boobies are what actually do the job. That’s why I look at them while I’m talking: respect. You honestly made me LOL. When Bill calls tonight, I’m going to quote you and he will say that I know smart people. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2011, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056/40 "2011-11-16T23:57:13Z")
I think the OP was really a sly attempt at bragging about looking younger than his age, nyah, nyah. 😛 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cranky-old-bastards-i-am-not-a-kid/603056.md?page=3)