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| Do you get it? |
Last night me and Mrs. Sunshine had the following exchange, in English as we mostly speak that with each other;
Mr. Salaryman: Why don't I go to bed with toddler Sunshine and sleep with her and you put the baby to sleep? Then we can maybe get some peace and quiet...
Mrs. Sunshine: Ok, that sounds good
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Just a few seconds after the exchange I realized how wrongly it could be interpreted by an outsider... We're a pretty normal family, really, I promise!.
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This also made me think of some of my fantastic commentators who post comments anonymously and always seem to take things literally and haven't figured out what this blog is all about (but still can't resist posting a comment). I think my long-time readers know what I'm talking about, those guys/gals who just don't get it however hard they try. I don't really mind them I just find it a bit puzzling, In any case, I'm happy none of them were around when me and Mrs. Sunshine had our exchange...
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10 comments:
The "don't get it" crowd has been providing amusement for me when I visit here for years now.
You gotta wonder how some folks make it through life so....so....sooooo unaware of anything besides their next thought.
I love your comic book panels, they're always hilarious. I'm curious though, how come you speak to your wife in English? I mean, of course you can speak to your wife in any language you please but why English as opposed to Japanese?
yes has come you dont speck japanase =o
I´m struggling to understand what part of your blogpost I should take literally?
You mean Salaryman isn't your actual surname? And your parents didn't christen you 'Mister'?
Way to shatter my illusions, Mr Whateveryournameis. Thanks a bunch.
Oi! I'm an anonymous commentator and I recognise the cry of any hard pressed fatigued parent. How hard is it to spot?
I'm an on/off reader. I read that four or five times and still don't see what was odd/abnormal about it. What's wrong with parent A putting a child to sleep while parent B puts the other child to sleep?
Maybe I'm having a slow day.
This reminds me of Bill Bryson warning not to make jokes around Americans, that they're "trusting, straightforward, and almost touchingly literal," they don't expect any sleight-of-hand in conversation. He describes going through U.S. immigration and customs and when asked "Any fruit or vegetables?" answers "Sure, why not. I'll have four pounds of potatoes and some mangoes if they're fresh" and regrets it. Of course it's not only Americans who are touchingly literal, by any means. The irony challenged can come from anywhere. And now I'm nervous someone is going to think I'm America-bashing (even though both Bryson and I are both American) and get all worked up ... it's always something.
i was reading it has that you are puting her to sleep so you and your wife can have alone time o.o
Chris - Indeed, there are quite a few gems posted here. Fantastic people!
Anon 1&2 - Well, Mrs. Sunshine grew up part of her life in the states and speak fluent English so that's why we use it, but with the kids more and more Japanese is sneaking in...
Martin - YOU should take all of them literally!
Kamo - No, no, no, of course I'm named "Salaryman", the mister is taken though!
Anon - Oi! I have no idea what you're trying to say but that's probably because I'm fatigued!
Sona - That's probably all for the best then ;) It really isn't particularly abnormal at all so that means you're not one of those people!
Theresa - I can't say I got that impression from americans in particular? Although I can see how making jokes with the immigration officers can be a bad idea...
Shadow - I wish...
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