[After Cub Scouts]
Dad: How about a noodle place for supper?
Charles: McDonalds!
Dad: We always go to McDonalds.
Charles: No we don’t.
Dad: Every single day, we’re always at McDonalds.
Charles: No we aren’t.
Dad: You don’t even like McDonalds!
Charles: Yes I do!
Dad: You’ll never grow up to be a snobby gourmand if you like McDonalds.
Charles: Why would I want to grow up to be like you?
[Dad marks Charles down for some apropos yet excessive revenge]
[Examining the Happy Meal toy]
Dad: What is he saying?
Charles: “I’m Theodore”. The one in the blue shirt is Simon. He says “Ba da ba ba ba, I’m loving it” I think.
Dad: You aren’t sure?
Charles: No.
Dad: If you watched enough TV you would know?
Charles: Yes.
Dad: So your point is that this is Dad’s fault, and he should correct it by letting you watch more TV?
Charles: Play more computer games.
Dad: I do not see how that would improve your knowledge of pop culture such as this.
Charles: [condescendingly, with overtones of exasperation] It’s complex.