Oh man that sounds terrible! Street performers should really get context. With a 6-year old there who could easily misunderstand what's happening, it was a dick move to do. I'm sure that act would work well with the mature crowd, but throwing a child into the mix is no bueno. Also, he's one to complain. He's lucky you gave anything in the first place. I don't know why people feel entitled especially when paying is optional. Sure, buskers are owed their due, but their performing in a public space without any rent and no mandatory payment to see. Of course there are people who won't pay.
Thanks for telling your tale, Paul!
I did explain it to my daughter, that he was basically putting on an act in addition to the dancing; acting so upset at my nickel in hopes of embarrassing me in front of my child and everybody so that I'd whip out the paper bills, make me feel like I should redeem myself by pulling out a $5 or $20 tip to show my sudden audience that I wasn't a cheapskate. Such tactics might work on tourists, but I wouldn't bite, and also I really had already willfully given my last nickel to the performers-- his ploy simply would not work on me.
I'm glad she was able to understand it. I would think scenes like those would stick to a formative mind.
I'm going to ask her if she remembers it!
Did you ask her? Does she remember?
I asked today, but she didn't remember the guy- she was six, so we figured she was still watching the dancers while the tip collector was trying to embarrass me.
Haha well that's good then. Let's hope it didn't leave subconscious scars.