One of my favorite pieces of literature is Mark Twain’s Traveling with a Reformer. I have taken some of the lessons therein to heart, perhaps a little more than I should.
Confession time: when I see someone leaving a shopping card in a grocery store parking lot instead of putting it away in the designated place, I tend to see red. The veins in my head pop out and my eyes narrow to gunslinger’s slits as I examine my potential target. Hate is in my heart and murder is in my hands. Fortunately, it passes.
I suspect that part of the slow decline of our civilization is too frequently demonstrated by little things like the inability of a person to put their damn shopping cart away. Are they lazy? Are they stupid? Are they merely ignorant?
It might be a minor quibble, but it’s mine, and I’m working to correct this bad behavior, one person at a time.
How? You can shame them, preferably in front of an audience. This can be played many ways, and all of them can be fun!
Around last Christmas, I saw an older man (maybe five years or so older than me, therefore a legitimate target) leave his cart in an empty parking space in a crowded lot. I looked at him and mildly said: “I thought you were old enough to know better.” He was very sheepish, as he put his cart away. But he’ll remember… we go to the same store, and will undoubtedly meet again.
Another time, a cold stare was sufficient. It depends on circumstances. If you can raise an eyebrow, ala Mr. Spock, that’s helpful too. If the perpetrator says “What?” you can launch into your spiel. Think of them as slow and unpleasant children. Above all, be calm. Belligerence doesn’t work well, unless you’re the size and build of Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson. In that case, proceed as you feel the situation merits.
But best of all is to try to serve as a good example, which doesn’t cost anything. I put my cart where it belongs, with a minimum of ostentation. I might even ask if I can take their cart, as well. It’s just a natural act, and the end result of good upbringing.
And remember, some people are just plain ignorant and don’t know any better.