If they're working at a fast-food place, and you say the "right" words, i.e., what's on the script running in their head, then they're "OK". But if you deviate from the script, you can actually see, from the expression on their face, that their mind is short-circuiting. If it were a cartoon, there'd be little sparks shooting out their ears, with smoke.
To be fair, however, I've also met teenagers who are the exact opposite. Thinking, rationale, cognitive,... human.
Loeffler has really hit the nail on the head with his article. Very few teenagers I've "run into" while out and about are able to carry on the most basic social interaction. It's like "Invastion of the Body Snatchers" for real.If they're working at a fast-food place, and you say the "right" words, i.e., what's on the script running in their head, then they're "OK". But if you deviate from the script, you can actually see, from the expression on their face, that their mind is short-circuiting. If it were a cartoon, there'd be little sparks shooting out their ears, with smoke.
To be fair, however, I've also met teenagers who are the exact opposite. Thinking, rationale, cognitive,... human.
I know what you're talking about. I've had plenty of encounters with "the script". Your post reminded me of a comedian's stand-up bit I saw recently where he described his pleasure in "messing up" McJob employees, in particular, automatons who work at McDonald's. When asked what he wants, he looks up at the menu and says; "Yeah, I'd like some pan-fried catfish, cajun rice and hush puppies."
"Umm, gee sir, let me go get the manager..."