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Mom Mocks Dirty Man At Store In Front Of Her Daughter, So He Reveals His True Identity
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Mom Mocks Dirty Man At Store In Front Of Her Daughter, So He Reveals His True Identity

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Stopping at the grocery store on the way home from a long day at work is an everyday occurrence for many of us. For those who do physically demanding, outdoor work, that might mean rocking up to the supermarket looking a bit worn and shabby, and that’s understandable isn’t it?

One mom didn’t think so. Andy Ross of Vancouver, Washington, noticed a little girl staring at him at the store. The former special operations medic, who now works in the construction industry, was on his way home from a day at the site and had a bit of dirt on his face. He thought nothing of the little girl looking curiously at him, until her mother pointed in his direction and he overheard her say: “That is why you need to stay in school.”

Judgmental much? Needless to say, Andy wasn’t too impressed with the mom’s attitude, teaching her little girl to write somebody off based on nothing but outside appearances. He took the opportunity to introduce himself, and teach her a lesson she would do well to heed. “I spoke up because I didn’t feel it was right for a child to believe that because you’re dirty means you’re uneducated,” Andy told Bored Panda. “I know a lot of very dirty men and women and they are highly intelligent and educated.”

“It was just a spur of the moment kind of thing. The reaction is much more than I ever would have expected, I’ve heard many amazing stories of people who have been in similar scenarios. Very humbling to see how many people appreciate it and have shared it!”

Scroll down below to see how it unfolded for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments. Was Andy right to say what he said? Would you have done the same? Join the conversation!

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This man with a dirty face is Andy Ross from Vancouver, Washington

A mom he met in a store assumed he was uneducated based on his appearance, so he decided to teach her a lesson

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This is what he looks like with his face ‘clean’

People offered support for Andy’s response, and some related to him with their similar stories

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nothofagus001-sname avatar
Dian Ella Lillie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to get a million down-votes for this, but I can't resist as I've been in a similar situation.... I think that he's over-compensating a little bit too much. It's fine to quietly say something like "actually, I have a PhD" and - if you really want to mess with their heads - "also, I am a multimillionaire", but leave the detailed resume for a job application. All that this extended ramble does is risk stirring antagonism to people who achieve, and it embarrasses a parent in front of a child, which is a serious thing to do for petty self-agrandisment... (Acknowledgement - I come from Australia where one of our largest companies had the byline "The Quiet Achiever", so perhaps this is an Aussie thing...Apologies to all the people that I'll probably offend.)

crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No downvote from me. My feeling was also that this read more than a justification, and it had a bit too much pride in it. A single, clever punchline might have done a better job. Probably addressing the little girl like this: "Yes, listen to your mother! See, I found a company and after having a college degree I can work as whatever I like, even if I want to get as dirty as today. Isn't that fantastic?"

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mrsjessicawaugh avatar
FleurTangClan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like one of those fake confrontations/dramas you make up in your head to kill time whilst waiting in line. You're supposed to keep them yourself though!

jsgregorio avatar
joedubya avatar
Joe Dubya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh, there is bothing wrong with either of the two, but then again, who cares if he hunts and has guns? It’s Washington state, saying you have a gun is very redundant in that state.

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nothofagus001-sname avatar
Dian Ella Lillie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to get a million down-votes for this, but I can't resist as I've been in a similar situation.... I think that he's over-compensating a little bit too much. It's fine to quietly say something like "actually, I have a PhD" and - if you really want to mess with their heads - "also, I am a multimillionaire", but leave the detailed resume for a job application. All that this extended ramble does is risk stirring antagonism to people who achieve, and it embarrasses a parent in front of a child, which is a serious thing to do for petty self-agrandisment... (Acknowledgement - I come from Australia where one of our largest companies had the byline "The Quiet Achiever", so perhaps this is an Aussie thing...Apologies to all the people that I'll probably offend.)

crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No downvote from me. My feeling was also that this read more than a justification, and it had a bit too much pride in it. A single, clever punchline might have done a better job. Probably addressing the little girl like this: "Yes, listen to your mother! See, I found a company and after having a college degree I can work as whatever I like, even if I want to get as dirty as today. Isn't that fantastic?"

Load More Replies...
mrsjessicawaugh avatar
FleurTangClan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds like one of those fake confrontations/dramas you make up in your head to kill time whilst waiting in line. You're supposed to keep them yourself though!

jsgregorio avatar
joedubya avatar
Joe Dubya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh, there is bothing wrong with either of the two, but then again, who cares if he hunts and has guns? It’s Washington state, saying you have a gun is very redundant in that state.

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