I am pleased to report that this year’s [Halloween] tot army had more thank-yous per grabby hand than ever before. If gratitude was not forthcoming, the parent uttered the classic phrase “what do you say,” which produced the desired “thank you.” Insincere? Of course. Fine with me. Insincerity is the oil that lubricates polite society. Unless you prefer that the cashier shouts “just take your burger and DIE, I’ve had a NINE-HOUR SHIFT and my KID IS SICK” instead of nodding politely. I’m a big fan of insincerity. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
James Lileks, Star Tribune, 2004-11-01.
