Idiocy

Inequitably, we all go through a multitude of emotions during the various phases of our lives. The meltdowns, the eruptions, the vocabulary of swear words you never knew. Each one having their own pre-warning signals. The sweaty palms, the little voice you speak to in your head, the flushed face. Which all conclusively leads to one thing…you are about to explode. Please keep your distance if you do.

Last Saturday, some friends and I were due to meet over lunch at City Mall. It was one of those peak hours where the line extended onto the highway itself. The cars were moving at a pace my garden snail could well outrun. With the heat and the diminishing of patience in finding a parking spot, everyone’s patience was hanging on a thin piece of thread.

I was about to give up and return home lunchless when the incident happened. The driver of a white Proton Iswara who was double-parking got out of his car and started chasing and hurling punches at the two parking attendants who were previously seen advising him not to double park. A slur of repetitive words accompanied his punches. He exploded. It wasn’t helpful at all that one of the parking attendants had a face beckoning a foot up his arse either. This is the moment I calmed down and reminded myself never to be in his position. An idiot who lacks self-control and proper vocabulary.

Of course, one should never make assumptions. For all we know, he could have double-parked for a good reason. For instance, he needed to rush to the hospital to his wife who had just given birth after delivery an urgent document. Or. Idiot.

What was the last situation you were in when you last used the word ‘idiot’?