OPINION: The distinction of being ‘trashy’

Zach Mitcham

OPINION: The distinction of being ‘trashy’

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Saturday, September 18. 2010

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We were passing at 60 mph, but I could see that the white truck was a nice double cab. I could also see the object fly right in front of me and splatter on the road. It was a McDonald’s cup with coffee.

The fellow didn’t want it anymore so he just chunked it out the window. I guess in the scheme of things, this guy’s mishandling of his morning breakfast beverage is a small matter. But that act seemed symbolic of an ugliness in this world. My hands strangled the steering wheel for a moment.

And I spent the rest of the drive thinking about the distinction of the word “trashy” and what it means. Many people use that word for folks who seem to lack basic decency. That word can be applied in truly hurtful ways that really aren’t fair. I don’t really care for such simple summaries of others. I think the great ease some have in calling other people “trash” is in itself “trashy.”

But there’s no denying that the world is full of trashy acts and trashy attitudes.

And when it comes to people who throw their trash out the window, how can they argue with someone who uses the word “trashy?” They cannot come back with anything, because the evidence of their action sits roadside.

I cannot imagine throwing my coffee cup out the window, or just tossing that fast food bag in the roadside weeds. I was taught early on that this was wrong. An apple, a boiled peanut shell — these things were OK. You toss an apple in the weeds and some creature will likely appreciate it. These things are naturally of the earth. Still, even biodegradable refuse requires some thought, too. I wouldn’t toss an apple out the window in town. A discarded apple in some trees off a country road is one thing; it’s quite another in the Ingles parking lot. To me, one is OK, one is littering, depending on where you are.

But I think the best rule in general is to just hold onto what you have until you get home.

If your house is trashy, that’s your business. If the inside of your car looks like a pig pen, then OK. Unless I live with you, or pay for your car, who am I to question you?

But some people don’t draw a distinction between private and public space. People recognize that throwing their debris out the window is a crime that can land them a hefty fine. But the odds of getting caught are pretty slim. And generally no one will see or know. Given the anonymity they enjoy, people feel free to do as they please. If a crowd watched, they wouldn’t toss the Burger King bag. They certainly wouldn’t do it in front of a cop. But if getting caught is the only thing keeping you from doing wrong, then you are lacking something inside.

There is a kinship between the guy who throws that cup out the window and the man who abandons unwanted animals on the side of the road. The same spirit of carelessness is there, just to a different degree. The same spirit is there in the company that spouts out pollution with no effort to look out for surrounding residents.

We look at anti-littering campaigns as bland public service announcements. But there is a deeper, darkness of spirit linked to littering. It is a brother of greater troubles in this world.

I don’t think anyone is “trash.”

But many people show a trashy attitude. And that McDonald’s coffee cup bouncing in front of my car is just one small sneeze linked to a big sickness in this world.

Zach Mitcham is editor of The Madison County Journal.

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#1 Carpenter on 09/18/10 at 10:30 AM [Reply]

Bieing and out of work carpenter , I recently called to apply for a job in the Mdison Co News Paper Want Ads.
The Ad was titled Carpenters and Nail drivers wanted ,out of state work the number was 706-654-8746 . I didnt get the mans name .
I had noticed the ad in the paper for some time.
I had tried to reach this number before and got no anwser . Being in dier straights and needing work badly to help keep my familiy
fed and in our home, I thought I would try again. I actually had someone anwser the phone this time and I engaged in conversation
to determine what the job was ,if they still needed help. I ask where the job was . I was told it was in Texas .
I begain to ask about compinsation . Pay , housing ,travel or perdeum. The man told me 10 to 15 dollars and hour depending on experience.
The he told me he really only needed nail drives with no skill who didnt have to think about anything but driving nails and framing the houses.
So far so good right.

I figured it would be 10 bucks an hour being that he didn't need carpenters but nail drivers. After asking about housing or where I would stay
the man told me he had 2 houses rented and if I stayed in one I would have to pay him 70 bucks a week . There was no mention of per diem which is a long standing standard in the trade, that you get a per diem when doing out of town work. I was told I would have to be responsible for my own transportation . 12 Hours to the Texas line and fuel being what it is the 10 dollars and hour was quickly dwindling to allot less ,even before taxes.

I was still interested . I ask the man how many Mexicans he had working for him. Which didn't make any difference to me as long as they were legal. He replied he had none. He informed me he had taken his crew from here down there to work .He said they were all whites. I told him well that was good I was proud of him for taking the high road and not hiring illegal's. He then said he wasn't so sure about that. He began to tell me that Mexicans were not stealing our jobs . He said all they wanted to do was work and be paid on Friday. He said that whites were lazy drunks and he had to bail them out of jail . I rebutted and said where is that coming from that all whites weren't that way because I wasn't and I knew of allot more who weren't that way . All they wanted like myself was to work and get paid on Friday also. He disagreed . I told him that wasn't the reason people were hiring them . The reason people were breaking the law hiring them, was because they could get them to work allot cheaper so some greedy morally bankrupt boss that was to lazy to do the work himself could exploit them for cheap labor. He then told me he paid his Mexicans better than his white help .

Now I was left a little stunned that a white man could so judge a whole race of people, his own race, with this kind of blanket statement that all white people were
lazy alcoholic trouble makers. I did tell him that wasn't very honest to make such a unwarranted and untrue statement about a whole race of people.
He replied that he paid his Mexicans better because of it.
Well now we come to my point . Should I think of that man as being a bigoted racist against his own kind ? Should I think of him as a dishonest
morally bankrupt person for lying about even having any Mexicans working for him ! Then telling me he did and not only did he ,but he was paying them more because of his bias towards whites.

#1.1 working man on 09/19/10 at 11:24 AM [Reply]

You said you only talked to him on the phone.

So: How do you know he is "white?"

And why should that matter?

Read your letter again, and perhaps you will learn why you don't have a job, and why no one wants to hire you.

#1.1.1 Carpenter on 09/20/10 at 11:23 AM [Reply]

The same way I know you are a moron !! Ever hear of a southern draw or accent ! Your are the problem not the solution.
I sure hope when it happens to you and it will that people have more compassion for you than you do for others .

#1.1.2 Carpenter on 09/20/10 at 11:34 AM [Reply]

Even if I am wrong about the mans color or race you seem to miss the bigger point. But one thing I am quite certain about is your attitude towards whites just by your own staements here !

#1.1.3 Carpenter on 09/20/10 at 11:34 AM [Reply]

Even if I am wrong about the mans color or race you seem to miss the bigger point. But one thing I am quite certain about is your attitude towards whites just by your own staements here !

#1.1.3.1 Tea Party Patriot on 09/20/10 at 08:51 PM [Reply]

You are a loser. Unemployed - not willing to work. You can't even spell or make a coherent point in your rambling, complaining, whining online comment. With your public display an utter lack of intelligence and lack of common sense or spelling ability, I wouldn't hire you to drive a nail in a bird house, much less do any carpentry.

What's wrong with America? We need to cut you and the rest of the lazy whiners off the dole. And if you notice the elections, the tea party express is coming, and losers like you are in the crosshairs. Tea Party Rule #1: You gotta WORK or you gotta GO! No time or place for whiners or gripers like you.

#1.1.3.1.1 Carpenter on 09/22/10 at 06:54 AM [Reply]

I know where you Tea Baggers Belong! And its really Hot down there. You are so full of yourself its sickening . I wouldn't vote for any party that you were a part of. You are a piece of trash and what's really trashy about America.
I guess you are perfect and never make any mistakes right !!! Just like anonymous. I doubt that you are even part of the party.
Because they sure wouldn't condone your words or actions . People like you have low self esteem you have to always look for
faults in others to hide your own and lift yourself out of the trash heap.

#1.1.3.1.2 Carpenter on 10/18/10 at 09:26 PM [Reply]

Update . I have a job now and I will forgive those who have been so hateful I hope you ask forgiveness for yourselves for what you said about me. I think the Big Guy will forgive you if you just ask. I am now working with some of the guys that worked for the man I was talking about and they all confirmed what I was saying. So you see phony Tea Party Patriot you were wrong about me as well as many other things. Thanks to Good Christian Americans like Mr Fulford I am now employed. No thanks to rest of you haters

#1.1.4 businessmantoo on 09/23/10 at 04:46 AM [Reply]

A-Men I wouldn't hire this person. He seems to be looking to cause trouble.

#2 BanksIsTrashy on 09/19/10 at 07:31 AM [Reply]

As a fairly new resident of rural Banks County, I was surprised to learn that throwing trash on the side of the road (and off the bridge into the creek) is one of the "country ways" they speak of that new arrivals are forbidden to criticize. There's so much trash at the intersection where I live, that I use it as a landmark for visitors driving to my house. The street sign stays torn down (another "country way") so I tell everyone to drive down the main road and turn at the trashiest intersection. So far no one has missed it.

#2.1 American By Birth Country By The Grace Of God !!! on 09/20/10 at 12:42 PM [Reply]

Imagine that? I guess that's why all the cities are so clean and pristine. I know I have never seen one piece of trash in the city. Might I ask what pearly streets you came from?
Just wondering. Ever think about going back there where its so clean and trash free? If you really think that's the country way why did you move here? You are Entitled to your opinion but you know what they say about opinions. Just in case you don't it goes something like this. Everybody has an opinion like A holes an some really stink . So that's no more of a provincial way than a cosmopolitan way its just the sorry way of the single person who throws the trash out ! We are all different regardless of where we come from so maybe we should try to remember that and get back to the truth about it.
There is good and bad in everything . I am from the country and I don't nor have I ever thrown my trash out on the street or in the creek as you say. So its not just the country way . I forgive you for your misconceptions . I just hope the rest of your country neighbors will too .

#3 John Fulford on 09/20/10 at 11:55 AM [Reply]

and several of my friends have called that number a few times also . I left my home number as my friends said they did .
Never even got a call back . For a person needing help so bad and running and ad for so long you would think they would
call you back . Guess I wasn't the right race either . I guess I have to agree with carpenter on this one working boy !! LOL
You do seem to be kind of cold hearted there working boy . Maybe you should remember something ( Until you have walked
in my shoes ) .

#3.1 Anonymous on 09/20/10 at 05:35 PM [Reply]

no one has walked a mile in the immigrants' shoes, but they're very eager to judge them...

#3.1.1 Patriot on 09/22/10 at 12:01 PM [Reply]

What a ridiculous statement Anonymous ! Guess none of our ancestors who came here legally ,had shoes Huh?
Poor guy just wanted to vent his frustrations .
I would think the descent thing to do would be
to offer him a hand up or maybe some encouraging words. Rather you all just
kick him when he is down . That takes real character doesn't it. Hey Carpenter I would hire you brother don't give up it will get better. Most of all don't listen to these judgmental people. They don't have a clue. If I can Help you
in anyway leave me a post I will do what I can.
Love ya Man. Send me a E-Mail at MiToiTu@yahoo.com. If you don't want these people to hammer you again.
And Tea Party Patriot Phony you have allot of nerve. I am a true Tea Party Supporter and we don't want people like you so don't try and hide your hate behind our banner . Thanks

#3.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/23/10 at 04:39 PM [Reply]

Oh are you a Native American? Those are the people that are actually here "legally".
Also, genius, if you were born in America then you haven't walked in an immigrants shoes and you're really in no position to judge.

#3.1.1.1.1 Sardonic Veracity on 09/24/10 at 09:05 AM [Reply]

Historically, it is also legal to take territories by force.

#3.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/24/10 at 10:45 PM [Reply]

And so very ethical and honorable.

#3.1.1.1.1.1.1 John Fulford on 09/25/10 at 07:52 AM [Reply]

I don't believe I have judged anyone !! But its quite clear you are proficient
at judging everyone with you hubris ideology. I also don't hide behind some
Anonymous SN and constantly insult people because I am not a coward.
If you hate America and Americans so much, why are you here ?
Where did you come from? I would also like to add you don't
know me nor do you know what I've been thru ,but you are real quick to judge me aren't you !
Perhaps you might learn to take some of your own advice.
No I don't pretend to know everything as some people do ,but one thing I do know
is that a person wrapped up in themselves, makes and awfully small package.If you want to judge by History, don't just judge by some communist progressive ideology of lies and half truths.

If I might, I would like to offer you some Friendly advice. Seek some professional help for your anger issues.

If there is anyway I might help please feel free to contact me.

#3.1.1.1.2 Whacked Out on 09/26/10 at 09:52 AM [Reply]

If I'm not mistaken even all of the Indians were supposedly immigrants here also. Check the history.
The Paleoindians came here long ago from Europe and Asia suposedly, they weren't originally here. So try and get the facts straight it that's possible . I may have it wrong to but one thing for sure, the truth is out there and perhaps one day we will all know what that is. You shouldn't take my word and look it up yourself.
Here is another quaint little fact ,everybody has to be somewhere. Whether you believe in Cretation Theory or Darwin's Theory
neither show that people originated on the North American Continent .So everybody here ,must be here Illegally.
I guess if you wanted to you could use the Big Bang Theory and say that our planet at one time didn't exist. So maybe were are all
Illegal Aliens ,or just simply Aliens. Where does it end ? We cant all be right.Here is one definite fact we are all one human race.
Maybe just maybe if we can all have honest civil discourse and continue to search for the truth we will one day discover what that is.
That's if we don't all kill each other first.
Yes I am pretty whacked out but at least I will admit it. Will anybody else join me ? We will see.

#4 kathy on 09/20/10 at 10:12 PM [Reply]

Oh goodness Zach! How did this turn into a RACIAL thing???

Trashy is trashy, and it has no connection, WHATSOEVER, with the color of your skin, the country of your origin, or the number in your bank account.

If you throw trash on the highway, you ARE lazy, disrespectful, thoughtless, careless, and.....TRASHY!

There is no defense. Deal with it.

#5 John on 09/22/10 at 07:02 AM [Reply]

Hey Kathy it was about the distinction of being trashy!! Need I say more.
Seems to have brought out some trash didn't it ? LMAO !! Now we know who they are.

#6 1911A1 on 09/29/10 at 01:29 PM [Reply]

On a recent trip to Biloxi we took note of scorched areas of the median in various places along I-85 in GA and AL. Let's not forget the most dangerous "trashy" habit of all, practiced by those who believe the world is their ashtray!

#6.1 Smoker on 10/08/10 at 10:25 PM [Reply]

Just another judgemental non smoker .
Whish you would have stayed there in Biloxi.!!
What did you go there for drinking like a drunk and to gamble.Probably drove drunk to didnt you .Hows it feel to be judged?

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OPINION: The distinction of being ‘trashy’

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