Are you a travel agent?

Yes, sir.

I want to know what your opinion is. Should I go to London or Paris?

Can you tell me more about what you want to see or do, what time of year you're going?

I have this opportunity to go, which is better?

(Ah, he's not buying from me.) They're both great cities, plenty of art, history, famous architecture. What is it you want me to tell you?

I want to know which you would go to.

That would depend on a number of things. I like both cities.

It's just I've got this choice to go to one or the other so I want to know which is better. Have you been to London and Paris?

I've been many times.

So which should I go to?

Tell me, do you speak French?

No. They're all snooty anyway.

I see. Then perhaps London is a better choice for you.

All those Frenchies are stuck up.

In my experience, sir, the French are friendly and pleasant. (Not this old chestnut again. You probably think everyone in Manhattan is mugged on a daily basis, too.)

Lots of my friends who are world travelers say they're rotten to Americans.

If you go over there with that attitude I imagine you'll find it reflected back. I have always found the French to be very nice.

They probably spit in your soup and you didn't know it (laughing).

I believe you've made up your mind already, sir. I don't think I can help you further.

No sense of humor, I see.

I think we've completed our conversation.

Narrow minded as well (laughing nastily), aren't you?

*click*

The worst part about dealing with willfully ignorant people is nothing you say to them ever increases their intelligence. They want to laugh over their prejudices and if you don't take part they say you have no sense of humor. I used to hear this in Nashville when I refused to let anyone tell me nigger jokes. I loathe self-congratulatory fools who revel in their ignorant assumptions and mock others. Sadly, I have to take their phone calls once in awhile.

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