Can we talk about how folks at parties always ask if we sing like Mary Poppins?

I was at a neighborhood barbecue last weekend, and someone found out I'm a chimney sweep. Immediately, they started humming 'Chim Chim Cher-ee' and asked if I had a brush taller than me. It's honestly frustrating how the movie stereotype overshadows the real safety work we do. In my experience, this happens more often than you'd think, and it makes it hard to be taken seriously.

4 comments

4 Comments

susan_perez1mo ago

That movie ruined serious conversations about soot.

hugo_scott1mo ago

After that film, @susan_perez, I can't bring up soot without laughs.

-1

barbara841mo ago

I just lean into the joke a bit then pivot to talking about actual risks like creosote... It takes the wind out of their sails. Now I mostly get asked about safety gear instead.

the_noah1mo ago

Honestly I used to roll my eyes at the creosote pivot thing, but now I see how it actually works to get people focused.