“American Jerk” Essay - Grade: A PDF

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“American Jerk” Essay...

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Gabrielle Jones English 101 October 6, 2017 “American Jerk” Essay (none revision) I agree with Todd Schwartz’s claim in his article “American Jerk” because technology has influenced people to become easily distracted and people can have an attitude until they get what they wanted. Throughout personal experiences, I have encountered people who were devoured into their cell phones instead of paying attention to their surroundings. At work, I have encountered people who would be rude and frustrated until he/she got what she wanted. When I used to walk everywhere, I noticed that a majority of people would be on their phone for a long time and would barely look up. “Pick your poison: reality television, slasher movies, video games, online porn, cell phones…” (Schwartz). While I was walking to Grosvenor Train Station along Rockville Pike, I was getting ready to cross the street. Then, a man was about to cross the street without paying attention. H was staring at his phone. I pulled him back to the sidewalk. I was able to see what he was staring at. He was playing Pokemon Go and that he was trying to catch a Pikachu befor it go away. On my way to work at Panera Bread, I have to make a left turn into the street parking spaces. The turn onto Willow Avenue has a crosswalk. Like common crosswalks, there is a red hand that represents people are unable to cross and a person that represents that people are allowed to cross. Some people ignore the sign and walk while on their phones. There were a few people who crossed, the sign had the red hand, while I was turning. When they finally crossed, I was almost hit by aa incoming metro bus and another vehicle because their light turned green. Thankfully, I was able to complete the turn safely. I have noticed that people can be in the worst mood because something didn’t happen

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in the way they wanted or got what they wanted. “...a large percentage of people are just clueless, distracted, and self-absorbed” (Schwartz). While I was working at Panera Bread, I was a cashier. On a Sunday afternoon, a lady ordered a Chipotle Avocado Melt with a side of chips. I asked her if she would like anything to drink. She told me that she would like a water cup. So, I told her where to find the cups. Then, she snapped at me and said, “What are you talking about? I just want to pay and get my food!” She grabbed the $20 and tried to put it into the machine that was made for credit cards. I was taken back by her outburst and I stood there for a minute. She said as she put the bill in my face, “Here. Take my money.” I took her money and gave her the change, the pager, and the receipt while being quiet in the process. I agree with Todd Schwartz’s claim in his article “American Jerk” because technology has influenced people to become easily distracted and people can have an attitude until they get what they wanted. I noticed that a majority of people would be on their phone for a long time and would barely look up. Some people ignore their surroundings and would rather be on their phones. I have noticed that people can be in the worst mood because something didn’t happen in the way they wanted or got what they wanted.

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Works Cited Todd Schwartz. American Jerk: Be Civil, or I’ll Beat You to a Pulp. Successful College Writing, edited by Kathleen T. Whorter, 2015, pg.49-50. Print.

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