Around the corner Quote by George Saunders
“A hip-looking teen watches an elderly woman hobble across the street on a walker. "Grammy's here!" he shouts. He puts some MacAttack Mac&Cheese in the microwave and dons headphones and takes out a video game so he won't be bored during the forty seconds it takes his lunch to cook. A truck comes around the corner and hits Grammy, sending her flying over the roof into the backyard, where luckily she lands on a trampoline. Unluckily, she bounces back over the roof, into the front yard, landing on a rosebush.”
About This Quote
A teen dismisses his elderly grandmother’s vulnerability while being absorbed in his own entertainment, leading to a tragic accident.
In simple terms: Teen ignores grandma, accident happens.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to elders and surroundings.
Themes
responsibility
empathy
danger
technology
generational gap
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
narrative
cautionary
When to use this quote
- family care
- public safety
- intergenerational relationships
Key Concepts
distraction
carelessness
urban life
Questions to Reflect On
- How might we design spaces that protect vulnerable pedestrians?
- What habits can reduce distraction while caring for others?
A Different Perspective
The teen’s focus on personal entertainment blinds him to real-world hazards.
