Thursday, April 3, 2003

I was having lunch in the Mexican restaurant near my job. As I ate, I heard a man order his meal. I noticed that in every request he made, he used the phrase “por favor”. I thought, “This man sounds so polite, saying ‘please’ after every request he makes.” I was impressed.

I noticed that I, too, find room for the word “please” in everyday life. When I’m lining up children, I holler a name followed by “please be quiet!” I holler another name to say “can you please place your hands behind your back?!” The word “please” makes a difference. If it weren’t for it, the students would think I’m just being plain mean when I ask them to do, or not do, something.

And if you think that nobody is listening, except for a nut in a Mexican restaurant eating a “Torta de Milanesa” and drinking a Pepsi, let me tell you that you’re wrong. A teacher came to me today and said, “Mr. Quiterio, although you holler at the kids, I appreciate that you use the word ‘please.’ Thank you.”

Before Laprima goes to my guestbook and writes, “Oh please, Dusky, you never say ‘please’ when you’re asking us (family members) to do something for you!” She would be right. The only time I show good manners is when I say “gracias Señora” to my mother after I’m finished eating. I’m not accustomed to saying “good morning” to anyone at home, or “good afternoon.”

My mother often tells me, “Epa, nomas llegas como burro!” She calls me a dunce and reproaches me for not saying “good afternoon” when I arrive home from work. I just give my “mmm” of indifference, although I’m actually glad she’s home. It’s just not me to say, “Good afternoon, mother.” I’m sure a good son would say that and follow it with a kiss. But hey, I never claimed to be a good anything…

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