A Coles supermarket customer has come under fire after criticizing a single mother who attempted to pay for his groceries at the checkout.
Sharing on Facebook, the NSW shopper said he was “embarrassed” by the mum’s gesture and said “I’m dead set over this pay it forward rubbish”.
His controversial “rant” attracted widespread backlash, with hundreds of social media users slamming the “ungrateful” man for his harsh words.
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In his post, the Central Coast shopper urged people who “pay it forward” to “just stop”.
“I’m dead set over this pay it forward rubbish,” he wrote.
“So I was at Coles Woy Woy this morning when a single mum with a pram went to pay for my coffee, milk, banana and frozen chips.
“Just stop, I was embarrassed and can afford my own groceries.
“If you want to help, go donate to a charity please stop embarrassing me at the checkout, rant over.”
Hundreds reacted angrily to the man’s post, sparking an intense debate.
“Wow, what a beautiful lady and a lovely gesture. what a shame it was wasted on yourself,” said one.
“She has definitely inspired myself to do something lovey and kind for someone today #keeppayingitforward.”
Another wrote: “I could afford my own fuel too, but one day a lovely old man paid for mine and his.
“And you know what? I was very grateful and paid it forward a few days later. I’m also a single mum and helped someone.”
A third wrote: “I think anyone that does anything nice these days gets a big smile and virtual hug from me – kindness is catching.
“The more you do the better the world gets. So she picked the wrong person that day but next time she might be that person that’s really is in need and very grateful.
One more added: “Sorry you felt embarrassed. How about feeling appreciated?
“Wonder how it was for that lady to get up the courage to offer you the kindness and you slapped her in the face.
“You should feel ashamed. If you felt embarrassed ask yourself why. That’s your problem, not one else’s.”
But some could understand his hesitation.
“You would be bit miffed wouldn’t you … If you were merrily doing your own thing and you realized people thought you were homeless or something,” a Facebook user said.
Backlash
The incident comes weeks after a woman slammed a social media influencer for sharing his “random act of kindness” towards her.
Influencer Harrison Pawluk went viral with a video that showed him giving a bunch of flowers to the woman as she sat in the street.
Maree – whose surname was withheld – told ABC Radio Melbourne she felt “dehumanized” over the stunt which had racked up 97 million views online.
“He interrupted my quiet time, filmed and uploaded a video without my consent, turning it into something it wasn’t, and I feel like he is making quite a lot of money through it,” she told the ABC.
“It’s the patronizing assumption that women, especially older women, will be thrilled by some random stranger giving them flowers.”
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