The phrase " I can help the next in line" is commonly used amongst those in the service industry when a new line is opened to relief an overwhelmed checker, ticket taker, etc. What this does is allows customers to have a speedier, more pleasant, experience. What this also does is it distinguishes the educated from the non-educated.
Not everyone has had the benefit of higher education and for some, the first grade was a long time ago. So, I offer this review on vocabulary and common courtesy.
Courtesy (n) 1. Polite behavior. 2. A polite gesture.
If you are in line at the movies, a convenient store, a grocery store, etc. and you hear someone shout "I can help the next in line," the first thing you should do is check to see if there is only one person in front of you .
One (n) 1. Being a single entity, unit, object or living being.
If this is the case, then guess what genius? You are the next in line.
Next (adj) 1. Nearest in space or position;adjacent. 2. Immediately following, as in time, order, or sequence.
I am baffled that this concept is so hard for some people to grasp. I'm standing there in line struggling with a handful of items because I errounesly forgot a basket. I hear "I can help the next in line." I remember the first grade, notice that there is only one person in front of me so at this point I recognize that I am the next in line. I turn around to see 3 people behind me run to the checker. I'm sorry...did I miss something? Unless all 3 of those people have diarrehea or heavy flow there is no reason that they should cut in front of me.
Now, if there is one thing that holding a voters registration card has taught me it is this: my vote doesn't matter and I shouldn't complain without having a solution. Ok, it's taught me two things. Anyway, this is what I am proposing. A challenge if you will. Apparently standing in line for 20 minutes behind an 80 year old woman with coupons, food stamps and a price check on beets doesn't earn you the right to be "next in line." One has to earn that right.
Since the concept of "Next in Line" is basically comprehended by first graders, we should resort to first grade tactics to make it more fun and appealing. I suggest that instead of yelling "I can help the next in line" those in the service industry should yell "Red Rover, Red Rover let the next in line come over." At this point, those in line should all link arms, making a game of it. If the next in line has the physical strength and agililty to make it through the linked arms to the recently opened checker without breaking their eggs or crushing their bread, then he/she have earned the right to be the next one assisted.
We can either do this or just practice common courtesy. See above.
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