Two-bit is a slang term . When it’s used in reference to someone or something , it sends a clear message which defines inferior , non-worthy , cheap , low quality. Not a term to make anyone’s day, for sure.
As a public high school administrator, I can attest to the highs and lows of dealing with , not just students , but the parents of students. Too often the acorn didn’t fall far from the tree ! And that speaks to the positive and negative.
A female student broke a rule and the school discipline policy called for a 5-day suspension. I don’t recollect the offense ( it’s been some 30+ years ) but I followed the policy without hesitation. She took it very calmly, and I assumed ( and we all know about ” assuming ” ) that that was that .
But , oh no , enter the father……………….
All parents have the right to inquire , question, and even disagree , but we always hope that adults will behave like adults, get their answers, and move on.
But not this man………..
He demanded a conference with me, the principal, the office manager ( who actually was the one who noted the infraction to begin with ) and a counselor. We accommodated.
His issue was SOFTBALL ! Not missing her classes , not concern that she had broken a school rule , not seeking advice on how to learn from this , but ……… only that she would not be playing in TWO softball games !!!!!!
The group that was gathered turned to me so that I might attempt to explain the importance of following rules and exactly why the punishment was fair and just . As assistant principal, I did this often.
I didn’t do a very good job.
He became angrier and angrier, ultimately jumping out of his chair, pointing his finger at me, and screaming,
” YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A TWO -BIT W**** ” !!!!!!!!
I felt like I had been slapped, moving as far away as I could. The principal restrained him. The counselor rushed out to call the sheriff. A struggle ensued………..and he , at last, was arrested !
But there are two important takeaways from this very disturbing confrontation :
—–The first is that it was a gender-biased slap in the face. No man would be called a w**** , and that hurt.
—–And the second is this : thank a teacher . You never know what her/his day has included.
But on to the actual meaning of this true tale which leaves hate and violence behind , but rather says what love is all about.
I got home late afternoon, upset and crying still. And my family and friends know that I rarely cry , so this incident cut to the quick.
Byron gave me a hug , allowed me to vent , sharing all the particulars and the embarrassment and the hurt and the anger , going on and on with every little detail. And he listened——and listened !
When I slowed down , my Byron , this man of few words , simply said,
” The reason you’re upset is because he called you ‘ TWO- BIT ‘ ” !!!!!
Putting it all in perspective and sharing the first laugh of a long , bad day.
And THAT , my Friends , is what love is all about……………..
Byron! Love his comment! But I’ve been in similar situations and it is shocking for someone to attack you verbally and physically. The stories we could tell!!
People !!!!! Just don’t understand pure meanness. Loving you from Lavonia.
Hilarious! I love that. It sounds like Byron to me. Thank you for sharing that.
EXACTLY !!!!
LOL! That was exactly what I was thinking after the shock of what that father said passed. (Any man can be a father. Not every man can be a parent.)
Well said ………….Nothing quite like a little humor coupled with common sense to put things in perspective. And you are right on about parenting. And for what it’s worth, I dealt with many absolutely wonderful parents through the years.
As a retired teacher having taught 31 years in middle and high school, I can certainly relate. Every teacher should write a book…♥️
Every teacher COULD write a book, that’s for sure ! Thanks for input.
I always loved Byron humor and especially the way he did that day!
Two things I remember about Attendance job was always try to be nice, treat all students the same and keep radio handy in case parent came across desk. Mostly all were patient, courteous, but you did have a few unreasonable ones
That is one story I have not heard. Thanks for sharing
He certainly made my bad day better !! I loved his putting it all in perspective. And you were wise to stay prepared. We never knew exactly what to expect, did we ? But we were a team, and I loved you all…………..
The old joke about a similar situation ends with you hitting the man with a bag full of quarters.
If I had access, I probably would have !!!! Thank God for a husband who could put it all in perspective and make me laugh.
Bad day made better by a good man.
Absolutely ! Nothing he could have said would have put the whole incident in perspective the way that one sentence did. And he knew me so well……