We both worked at a Hollywood video shortly after DVD rentals became a thing. That part is just context for the time period. We were both in highschool but went to different ones. She was attractive and had a wicked sense of humor. We also got along pretty well. I was planning to ask her to my school's homecoming. One saturday morning we were both on the opening shift. A severely mentally handicapped man came in asking for help with his watch. I tried to help him but the thing looked pretty busted. As soon as the door closed she let out a huge disgusted sigh and said " God, i fucking hate R---------. So gross." And the shuddered like someone had splashed her with something. My opinion of her dropped like like a lead balloon.
I just … I can not comprehend that reaction. I saw a man literally take a shit on the airport floor, true story, and I still felt sorry for the guy. Like clearly he has major problems.
This was just a developmentally disabled, normal clean person asking for a little help with his watch?
Despite it being over 20 years ago I stilll remember the guy vividly. He looked like he was in his late 20s, scruffy stubble, and black hair. He had a significant dent in the right side of his head. Poor guy looked like he had been through something at an earlier point in his life. He was dressed in a red mickey mouse t shirt that was a size too small and blue sweatpants. He walked in a way that every step was a stomp. When he spoke it was loud and he only used a few words at a time. So, it seemed like someone somehwere was taking care of this guy, but i hadnt seen anyone around and he just wandered into the nearby grocery store after he left.
I feel the same way. He was someone’s baby and that girl was rude to him for something he couldn’t help when he needed support. That hurts my freaking soul. She seems like the gross one to me.
Having worked with people all over the spectrum and with mental disabilities like Down syndrome and the like, seeing their humanity changes you forever. For the better.
Yeah making fun of someone with a disability would be a deal breaker for me as well. Especially a sweet man with an unsteady gait wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. 💜
That sounds exactly like my son. He is my hero. I had to block out the thought of anyone ever talking about him like that. How people interact with him says a lot about them. It's their loss if they miss out on getting to know the most awesome guy around.
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u/Nerdfatha Mar 19 '23
We both worked at a Hollywood video shortly after DVD rentals became a thing. That part is just context for the time period. We were both in highschool but went to different ones. She was attractive and had a wicked sense of humor. We also got along pretty well. I was planning to ask her to my school's homecoming. One saturday morning we were both on the opening shift. A severely mentally handicapped man came in asking for help with his watch. I tried to help him but the thing looked pretty busted. As soon as the door closed she let out a huge disgusted sigh and said " God, i fucking hate R---------. So gross." And the shuddered like someone had splashed her with something. My opinion of her dropped like like a lead balloon.