Misconceptions about Misconceptions

On the way back to the office after lunch today, there were two young women standing on the sidewalk. They were wearing bright green vests festooned with GREENPEACE in large friendly letters.

One of them approached me and my coworker and said, “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”

I had noticed the word on their vests, which negated any interest in what they might have to say for both me and my coworker.

I replied, “We’re not interested.”

We continued to talk past them and the young lady who had not spoken said rather sternly, “That’s a common misconception. Have a good day, gentlemen.” The “gentlemen” hung in the air for an extra second, ironic sarcasm wafting from it.

The “gentlemen” didn’t bother me. I’ve been called worse. But “misconception”?

I said I wasn’t interested. I don’t see how my lack of interest in hearing your message or supporting your organization is any sort of misconception. In fact, I’m definite about how I feel. All I said were those three words: “we’re not interested”. Nothing less. Nothing more.

So young lady, I believe it is you who has the misconception. I didn’t get into what I think of your organization since there may be genuine misconceptions for everyone involved and my lunch time is very limited. I had to get back to my job and your message mist certainly would not be worth being late for that.

I will say this, though: your attempt at a snappy answer failed completely and utterly. It was so bad, I didn’t even have to reply. I just let it sit there in the air, floating in its self-evident shame.

Next time, if I have a moment, I might at least demonstrate the finer points of a good smart-assed reply. But don’t count on it. I didn’t want to hear your message; you likely won’t want to hear mine.