You've heard that white men can't jump. I have discovered another great cliché. Australians can't queue.
I'm spending more time in shops about now, and given the season, these same shops are crowded. I'd like a dollar for every time I've stood waiting for a shop assistant in the middle of what could only be described as a meander of customers where there really should have been a queue.
There is something about us (Australians) that makes queuing a challenge beyond comprehension. It may have to do with our rampant individualism, our "jack is as good as his master" outlook, or maybe we are simply collectively lazy and resistant of any form of disciplined behaviour.
Whatever the reason, we seem to be condemned to milling around, offering endless frustration to retailers across the country, and generally looking untidy.
Join with me. I'm carrying a rolled-up sign around with the words "please queue here" and unfurling it at the right moment to great effect.
Try it – if nothing else, it gets a laugh or three.
The picture shows a queue in Vietnam. They're good at it.
3 comments:
You orta try getting service at a bank in Italy! By comparison, we are an incredibly organised, patient and orderly country.
Out here in wog-town, I notice that the locals are sometimes quite adverse to queueing at the deli etc. The worst by far are the little old Italian ladies - all four foot-nothing of them. They are born with sharp elbows and pushy attitudes.
For a period of time after Expo '88 Brisbanites were superb Queuers. Expo had that Disney style of enforced courtesy but it did actually transfer outside the site.
I remember that - was in Brisbane at the time. It did change Brisbane, but much of its influence wore out pretty quickly.
There's an Expo heritage walk - http://www.foundationexpo88.org/abouttrail.html
Post a Comment