Have you ever wanted a super power—you know like Superman, The Hulk or Captain Marvel? One of the powers many people would like is ex-ray vision, or the power to read minds, then we would know for sure if O.J. did it and if Bill Cosby is really guilty. The person with the powers could see what is happening on the other side of the wall, see into people’s houses and see under peoples clothes. Be careful, those super powers can get you in trouble.
Most super heroes fight against evil and are very strong. For instance, when captain Marvel utters the phrase “shazam,” young Billy Batson becomes one of the universe’s most versatile super heroes. His list of powers include the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. Known as “Earth’s mightiest mortal” Captain Marvel is a force to be reckoned with.
The super power I would like is the ability to speak and understand any language whenever necessary. I need a super hero name; something like Captain Speech and maybe a phrase like “word up.” I think a theme song will work for me as well. I might as well use “Word Up” by Cameo. Every time I get my nails done this crosses my mind. Don’t you just hate when someone is sitting right in front of you and speaking another language? I know the other ladies in the nail salon feel the same way. I have even been in the salon when some yelled to the nail tech to “speak English.” After all, I believe it is rude to speak another language if you can speak the language of the majority in the room. You feel very left out of the conversation.
Recently I had some work done in my house. The men that came to do the job did not speak English fluently, one not even at all. Prior to the workmen arriving at the house another gentleman came out to measure my counter tops. He could not speak English either. The only thing he could say was “ok” and “right.” My salesperson was a Caucasian gentleman and I thought he might do the measurements, but that was not the case. After I made the agreement to do business with the company I asked if the people who were going to install the countertops could speak English. He said one of them will be able to. Well he was right one could speak some English, enough to ask for water and where the bathroom is and what did I do for a living. We were able to communicate and hold a limited conversation. I guess the important issue was that he understood what he was supposed to do. But having two adult men in your home and they are speaking Chinese the entire time was, for me, a little bit unsettling. The job turned out well thanks to a lot of hand gestures and them knowing exactly what they were to do.
Word up!
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
