We're cashless, said the guy taking my order for a cafe latte at the Tiong Bahru Bakery when I attempted to pass him a ten dollar note. He didn't say this rudely, but there was no note of apology either. It was simply a brute fact. I took out a credit card to pay but couldn't help inquiring as to how I could have paid had I not been carrying a card. He assured me that they would take cash, but only the exact amount. Progress, quoth I, smiling. At which point he sort of half-laughed, recognising my somewhat ironic tone.
I could have gone on to point out that I was sure the shop would claim to be offering their customers excellent service, but, in fact, were focused only on their own convenience in not wanting to have to deal with the complexities of having change available for perfectly legal tender. But I didn't. Because the shop was pleasant enough and he was just doing his job and he already knew the truth of what I was saying and it wouldn't make the slightest difference in our Brave New World.
Cash is no longer king. In this Age of Appearances those really in charge remain happily faceless.
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