Iām in line at a popular discount retail store, with two people ahead of me. The women at the head of the line is clearly new to English, and while she has a thick accent and struggles, she does her best to speak to the cashier in English, even though he rolls his eyes and makes her repeat everything several times. Finally, she is able to leave. As soon as sheās out of earshot:
Cashier: āUgh, they shouldnāt be allowed in our stores until they learn our language.ā
(The man ahead of me says several things in another language.)
Cashier: āOh, man, not another one. This is America. Learn the language.ā
Customer: āOh, Iām sorry. I just assumed youād learned Cherokee, since youāre so big on people learning the local language. My mistake.ā
The cashier turned bright red and didnāt say another word throughout the transaction.













