I love Goodwill.  There's just something about the rush that comes with finding a hidden gem hidden within a forest of used speedos and blue jeans suspiciously missing the crotch.

Another reason I love Goodwill is for the people watching.  Now I want to get something straight right from the beginning.  I'm not better than anyone who shops at Goodwill.  We are all there for the same reasons - searching for something we want at a good price. That being said, there is a very unique clientele that frequents thrift stores.  If you've ever been to one, an explanation isn't necessary.  

So I'm casually browsing the sweaters (which are in no particular arrangement whatsoever).  I hear a male's voice say,
   <him> "Excuse me sir?".  
   <me>   "Yes?"
   <him>  "Can you help me?"
   <me>   "Sure."  -suspiciously...-
   <him>  "How much is 50% of $4.99?"
   <me>   "Well, it's about half of $5 so basically $2.50..."
   <him>  "$2.50 huh... So that's a pretty good deal right?"
   <me>   -wondering what the 'good deal' is on... "Definitely!"
   <him>  "Thanks.  It's becoming Wintertime and I need to get prepared."
   <me>   "Definitely.  I think it's coming whether we like it or not!"

Now, my honest reaction at first was shock and sadness.  This gentleman was well dressed and well-spoken, seemed to be pretty put together and yet he couldn't calculate what 50% of $4.99 would be.  Then my thoughts turned to, "Big deal.  so he's not good at math or calculating percentages."  However..half of 5?  Really?  

I went about my way perusing the mixture of sweaters that would make Bill Cosby giddy as a school girl but I couldn't get the exchange I had just had with this man out of my head.  I was pleased with myself as far as my demeanor and how I handled it outwardly. Friendly, unabashed and certainly not judgmental by his lack of basic arithmetic skills.  

But here's the thing.  We as a society have failed him.  We have not adequately prepared him for life.  Right now you are rolling your eyes right?  You are thinking to yourself, "Who the hell is this guy?  How 'brilliant' he is, how insightful!"  I claim none of those things.  I just think it's sad how this really nice guy at Goodwill couldn't figure out what half of 5 is.  That's all.
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