Working in a place full of people other than your own gives one the unique position of being a perfect fly on the wall. Often, I find myself standing in the middle of of the line, between two people, who are having a very spirited debate; comments and opinions being tossed across with the same alacrity as one tosses a bag of broccoli and peppers across the line. I am in the middle of it all, rather in the thick of all the dialogue, saying nothing but hearing everything.
Hearing what everyone is saying about anything, without you being an influencing factor is indeed a quality any observer would like to have on his or her side. Sometimes, I put my brain on automatic, cooking things off as they come on, keeping up with the primary function of my presence in the kitchen, while my ears scan the air like radars for a glimpse into the mindset of America.
To get a Glimpse into this world, Anyone who is not equipped with a Television set is at a disadvantage, for most, if not all of the conversation that takes place between the burners and the appetizers counter is centered around that great electronic god, that holiest of electron guns, the most sacred of lord of high-definition, Television. Topics of common interest include- The Sopranos, Family Guy, some comedian named Adam Parola, controversial Bugs Bunny Cartoons, ESPN, and other assorted samplings from the realm of television, too numerous and inane to list here.
Another, most exclusive group, one that is nontheless open to all, yet accessible only to the most fervent of devotees, is centered around the MMORPG, World of Warcraft. At any point, whenever the screens stop beeping and the burners are turned down, the group returns to discussing the best way to deal with something called the Horde, or the latest Blood Elf. The group has a relationship that understandably extends beyond the real world, as they engage with each other and carry out something called a 40-man raid.
One thing that unites all is a common and healthy dislike of the British. Common dialogue that is often repeated is reproduced below (with as much accuracy as my memory permits)
"whatever in the hell is a knightship anyway?(presumably, they mean Knighthood) Do ya have to fight some dude to get it?
Naah, they just give it to any rich guy..i cant believe the made elton john a knight...he must have shined a lotta swords to get it..hyukhyukhyuk!!"
"the treaty of Paris represents the greatest military victory in the world!
Yeah, we showd' em who's who! we don't drink tea an say cheerio!!"
A common competitive game and bonding ritual among the whole group is the ongoing competition to recognise the song being played out on the radio. often, this leads to displays of public power, as the one who gets the most hits exhibits his prowess to the females in the group. throwing small bits of food at the females is also accepted as a form of societal bonding, as is the continual verbal taunting by the quicker of the females.
But now, this account is starting to sound too much like the diary of an anthropologist, and before I say some things that many may deem outright demeaning, I must bring further research to a halt.
interesting primates they certainly are, nonetheless...
Hearing what everyone is saying about anything, without you being an influencing factor is indeed a quality any observer would like to have on his or her side. Sometimes, I put my brain on automatic, cooking things off as they come on, keeping up with the primary function of my presence in the kitchen, while my ears scan the air like radars for a glimpse into the mindset of America.
To get a Glimpse into this world, Anyone who is not equipped with a Television set is at a disadvantage, for most, if not all of the conversation that takes place between the burners and the appetizers counter is centered around that great electronic god, that holiest of electron guns, the most sacred of lord of high-definition, Television. Topics of common interest include- The Sopranos, Family Guy, some comedian named Adam Parola, controversial Bugs Bunny Cartoons, ESPN, and other assorted samplings from the realm of television, too numerous and inane to list here.
Another, most exclusive group, one that is nontheless open to all, yet accessible only to the most fervent of devotees, is centered around the MMORPG, World of Warcraft. At any point, whenever the screens stop beeping and the burners are turned down, the group returns to discussing the best way to deal with something called the Horde, or the latest Blood Elf. The group has a relationship that understandably extends beyond the real world, as they engage with each other and carry out something called a 40-man raid.
One thing that unites all is a common and healthy dislike of the British. Common dialogue that is often repeated is reproduced below (with as much accuracy as my memory permits)
"whatever in the hell is a knightship anyway?(presumably, they mean Knighthood) Do ya have to fight some dude to get it?
Naah, they just give it to any rich guy..i cant believe the made elton john a knight...he must have shined a lotta swords to get it..hyukhyukhyuk!!"
"the treaty of Paris represents the greatest military victory in the world!
Yeah, we showd' em who's who! we don't drink tea an say cheerio!!"
A common competitive game and bonding ritual among the whole group is the ongoing competition to recognise the song being played out on the radio. often, this leads to displays of public power, as the one who gets the most hits exhibits his prowess to the females in the group. throwing small bits of food at the females is also accepted as a form of societal bonding, as is the continual verbal taunting by the quicker of the females.
But now, this account is starting to sound too much like the diary of an anthropologist, and before I say some things that many may deem outright demeaning, I must bring further research to a halt.
interesting primates they certainly are, nonetheless...
