Saturday, August 1, 2015

The Oshkosh Observer

I love stereotypes.  They exist for a reason, offer great insights into different cultures, and are shunned by today's PC society.  After all, if you look into the eyes of one you might turn to stone?  Right?  Or is that, if you look into the eyes of one you might be forced to pay a fine for hurting someones feelings?  Whatever the case, like I said, I love them and I don't really see them as hurtful.
Throw away your desire to be PC, and you'll start to see the real world again.  Suddenly, obvious things jump out.  Common sense creeps back into your mind.  The code behind life scrolls by like a scene from "The Matrix."
Yes, that's right, stereotypes are the "if this then that" of the real world.  And maybe that's why nobody likes them.  Ultimately, they show we aren't nearly the masters of free will we believe we are.  Stand far enough away and most people are just like everyone else, doing everything the same way, in the same patterns, for the same reasons.
With that in mind, here are some of my long distance observations of Oshkosh.  But first, read this important note.  "Proof of _____" does not necessarily mean it is real proof.  It could mean, and often does, the statement is merely something the speaker believes will prove his or her skill.

#1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof of Skill:
     "I was a crop duster."
Honorary mention:
     "I flew fighters in the Air Force"


 #1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof I Am a Regular

     "_________(insert name you should obviously know) came up at the beginning of July to claim our area in Scholler."
Honorary Mention:
     "We're parked in our usual spot in the campground."

#1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof You Are in Management

     "Here we are in the Goodyear Zeppelin (shows photo)."
Honorary Mention:

     "Hey (waving from a golf cart or car as they go by)"

#1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof You Put Fame Above Self-Respect:
     "I got my picture with Amelia."
Honorary Mention:
     "A few years ago I went to listen to Chuck Yeager."

#1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof I Am a Member of the Ruling Class
     "No, we're parked in Warbirds."
Honorary Mention:
     "Sorry, I can't, I am going to the Waco dinner."


#1 Most Common Overheard Statement at Oshkosh.
Category - Proof You Are Part of the Next Generation of Aviation:
     "I stopped to say hello to Amy."
Honorary Mention:
     Actually a response to the prior - "G?"


 

 









1 comment:

Terry said...

Hey Rich ! Great Story ( as usual ) BUT , I'm confused ...I'm Def NOT Next Gen ..but I DO KNOW who Amy G is .....I guess I'm not Stereotypical .. not a new thing really ... Thanx for the Fun !
Terry Ridgeway
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