Well said. The phrase "no problem" has become so commonplace, however, that I feel it's a generational thing (I say this as a 40 year old!) and don't see it as a brush-off. I was brought up to say "you're welcome" but over time "no problem" has made it's way into my vocabulary, and as a person who has spent time behind a counter, I assure you, it has just as much meaning and sincerity behind it.
Just as I wouldn't see those who spoke a native language in another country in which I was the tourist as disrespect to my English speaking tongue, I wouldn't take offense around younger people using such a mild version of slang expressing gratitude. Now, their customer service in all other regards, on the other hand, is on them, but maybe in a busy shop, the only thing there is for customer service are the pleasantries. I cannot judge.
Southerners calling me "bud" however, will never sit well with me, and I'm from the south!
There was a time when persons on both sides of the political pendulum laughed. Sometimes they were moved to tears. These were always things that could be shared, "across the aisle." These story things are human things that humans still like, even after millenia.
Our forefathers could get up and walk out of the cave if the wall drawings didn't connect or the poor firelight distracted audience attention from the intrigue of the hunt. Sometimes playwrights need to starve. It's called learning. Word gets around despite critics trying to inflate preachy drivel masquerading as theater.
We're still human. We can turn to media that engages,. We have a choice. Next time, get your sorry 80 year old butt up and out. Better yet, exercise some up-front discernment. Consider the critique or the track record of who made it and avoid their recommendation entirely. Sometimes critics need to starve. It's called learning.
With what we don't feed the above, maybe we can feed the homeless.
This reminds me of the time years ago when I went to see the movie "Barcelona". It was so awful I got up and walked out. I wanted to yell, "STAY, YOU FOOLS!" but having been raised in Iowa, I was taught to be nice -- and held my tongue.
Well said but please do not let the Republicans off the hook. While Democrats are not a monolithic group, I do understand that characterizing them as a stereotype is easier than thinking robustly. Yes indeed a sense of humor is a marvelous thing and Democrats often earn ridicule by not having one. Also Republicans may have the ability to laugh but who wants to share in their "humorous" disdain for the poor, hopeless and downtrodden. One can correctly and sincerely view the Republicans as ne'er-do-wells, lunatics, chicken hawks, polluters, gun-nuts, fools and bigots. Selah
I use the phrase, no problem all the time. However, it’s in a different context. I run a small business and when someone contacts me regarding an issue they’re having, I generally say no problem. I’m merely trying to gain their confidence that we can handle the situation. The term I find really annoying is reach out. It’s overused to the point of ad nauseam.
It's always good to read your essays, but they can be especially strong when something has really pissed you off-- despite your regular pledges to not write 'political' stuff. It's refreshing and reassuring that you're not resigned to averting your eyes, or over-controlled by some conviction that you're here only to make us laugh. To spark a rueful or wry laugh out of anybody is one of your many talents.
No problem. You are being paid to provide a service - why would it be a problem to provide it? Does that mean all the services rendered are problematic? It’s worse than a brush off. It’s idiotic.
Hi Garrison. I'm a playwright, director, producer from the off off broadway realm. Also an avant garde genre playwright. Your comments are interesting in opposing the raves that the media are giving this play. ' Entertainment' comes from the French as you probably know, to hold together. Yes, we as playwrights need to hold the audience's attention, absolutely and I personally choose to embrace the audience rather than spit in their faces as the theater of cruelty in earlier times preached. I'm not in New York so won't be seeing this play anytime soon, but it certainly has gotten a conversation going. Thanks for continuing the conversation into more critical zones.
I felt every word of your essay. I feel as if the state of our government parallels that of Penn Station. I’m close to your age and I torment myself enough about the issues I see not being addressed, to go through a night of “entertainment” about it.
Well said. The phrase "no problem" has become so commonplace, however, that I feel it's a generational thing (I say this as a 40 year old!) and don't see it as a brush-off. I was brought up to say "you're welcome" but over time "no problem" has made it's way into my vocabulary, and as a person who has spent time behind a counter, I assure you, it has just as much meaning and sincerity behind it.
Just as I wouldn't see those who spoke a native language in another country in which I was the tourist as disrespect to my English speaking tongue, I wouldn't take offense around younger people using such a mild version of slang expressing gratitude. Now, their customer service in all other regards, on the other hand, is on them, but maybe in a busy shop, the only thing there is for customer service are the pleasantries. I cannot judge.
Southerners calling me "bud" however, will never sit well with me, and I'm from the south!
There was a time when persons on both sides of the political pendulum laughed. Sometimes they were moved to tears. These were always things that could be shared, "across the aisle." These story things are human things that humans still like, even after millenia.
Our forefathers could get up and walk out of the cave if the wall drawings didn't connect or the poor firelight distracted audience attention from the intrigue of the hunt. Sometimes playwrights need to starve. It's called learning. Word gets around despite critics trying to inflate preachy drivel masquerading as theater.
We're still human. We can turn to media that engages,. We have a choice. Next time, get your sorry 80 year old butt up and out. Better yet, exercise some up-front discernment. Consider the critique or the track record of who made it and avoid their recommendation entirely. Sometimes critics need to starve. It's called learning.
With what we don't feed the above, maybe we can feed the homeless.
This reminds me of the time years ago when I went to see the movie "Barcelona". It was so awful I got up and walked out. I wanted to yell, "STAY, YOU FOOLS!" but having been raised in Iowa, I was taught to be nice -- and held my tongue.
Excellent. Chuckles and indignation!
Well said but please do not let the Republicans off the hook. While Democrats are not a monolithic group, I do understand that characterizing them as a stereotype is easier than thinking robustly. Yes indeed a sense of humor is a marvelous thing and Democrats often earn ridicule by not having one. Also Republicans may have the ability to laugh but who wants to share in their "humorous" disdain for the poor, hopeless and downtrodden. One can correctly and sincerely view the Republicans as ne'er-do-wells, lunatics, chicken hawks, polluters, gun-nuts, fools and bigots. Selah
I use the phrase, no problem all the time. However, it’s in a different context. I run a small business and when someone contacts me regarding an issue they’re having, I generally say no problem. I’m merely trying to gain their confidence that we can handle the situation. The term I find really annoying is reach out. It’s overused to the point of ad nauseam.
what is the name of said play should I find myself in New York and in need of avoiding it like an Omicron variant?
It's always good to read your essays, but they can be especially strong when something has really pissed you off-- despite your regular pledges to not write 'political' stuff. It's refreshing and reassuring that you're not resigned to averting your eyes, or over-controlled by some conviction that you're here only to make us laugh. To spark a rueful or wry laugh out of anybody is one of your many talents.
No problem. You are being paid to provide a service - why would it be a problem to provide it? Does that mean all the services rendered are problematic? It’s worse than a brush off. It’s idiotic.
Yes. I agree with you. This does not happen often. Enjoy your day.
Excellent column. Thank you.
My teeth will never be the same
Enjoyed the column and the New Yorker piece. I know you pine for the good 'ol days, so perhaps the column's date was not a typo?
Hi Garrison. I'm a playwright, director, producer from the off off broadway realm. Also an avant garde genre playwright. Your comments are interesting in opposing the raves that the media are giving this play. ' Entertainment' comes from the French as you probably know, to hold together. Yes, we as playwrights need to hold the audience's attention, absolutely and I personally choose to embrace the audience rather than spit in their faces as the theater of cruelty in earlier times preached. I'm not in New York so won't be seeing this play anytime soon, but it certainly has gotten a conversation going. Thanks for continuing the conversation into more critical zones.
I felt every word of your essay. I feel as if the state of our government parallels that of Penn Station. I’m close to your age and I torment myself enough about the issues I see not being addressed, to go through a night of “entertainment” about it.
Is this gaiety at eighty or just cheerfulness?