It is important to be respectful of the personal space of others.
Even more important, however, is having basic respect for other people, something a woman did not show TikToker Camo Camille, (@camocamille) during a recent trip to a shopping mall.
@camocamille captured themself being chastised by this woman, whom @camocamille would subsequently name "Gladys", in a TikTok video, which has since gone on to receive over 6 million views.
@camocamille Visit TikTok to discover videos!
@camocamille set the scene for how their encounter with "Gladys" began in the 40-second video's description.
" Karen thought she owned the mall bench."
The video began with @camocamille facing the camera towards themself, as "Gladys" could be heard scolding her for sitting down next to her without asking.
"Next time you sit on a bench, say 'excuse me ma'am, do you mind if I sit here?'."
When @camocamille pointed out they are in a public place, where they don't have to ask permission to sit on benches, "Gladys" accused them of being unaware of the global pandemic.
"Have you been living under a rock?"
"Do you know about the coronavirus?"
@camocamille then pointed out "Gladys" wasn't wearing a mask and accused her of not caring about Covid-19.
Gladys countered @camocamille should know she likes to keep their distance from other people, which once more @camocamille failed to find as a valid defense.
"How am I supposed to know that?"
"It’s a public bench, if you don’t want someone to sit next to you, then get up."
This led "Gladys" to call @camocamille "rude", but @camocamille quickly called out "Gladys" for also being rude and what was likely the real reason she didn't want them sitting next to her on the bench.
"You’re rude, I saw the disgusting look you gave me and my friend.”
It was here where @camocamille finally turned her camera on "Gladys", walking away pushing what seemed to be a child's stroller, and where they officially named her "Ms. Sweet Gladys."
Upon hearing her new moniker, "Gladys" turned back to face @camocamille with one final warning.
"Let me tell you something, 'Gladys' is royalty."
@camocamille exclaimed "She's so royal!" as "Gladys walked away."
Many of the video's six million viewers agreed there was a noticeable lack of logic in why "Gladys" called out @camocamille for sitting down next to her without asking.
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@camocamille/TikTok
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While others simply applauded @camocamille for how they handled the situation.
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However, there were a few who did take Gladys' side, agreeing with her even if she could have handled the situation better.
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But when a number of people accused @camocamille of not having respect for their elders, they posted a follow up video.
@camocamille Visit TikTok to discover videos!
@camocamille began the 41-second video by expressing how someone's age is irrelevant if they are being disrespectful.
"I don't care if you cruised the G*d d*mned Titanic, no one is exempt from my wrath."
@camocamille then went into great detail about how this was not an instance of respecting their elders, pointing out how they would always help an elderly person across the street or reach for something on a high shelf.
But in this instance, @camocamille pointed out how "Gladys" instigated the whole ordeal by disrespecting them in the first place.
"Sitting there with your tail tucked like a little Chihuahua when they're disrespecting you, that is not included in that phrase 'respect your elders'."
"I'm sorry, at that point when you're being disrespectful, respecting your elders is off the table."
@camocamille's TikTok followers were in complete agreement in order to earn someone's respect, you must be respectful back.
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Perhaps it's best not to hang out in malls or sit on public benches if your goal is to avoid people.
@JamesTate121/X
