Tuesday
I was in Wal-Mart with my 1 year old son and my 9 year old daughter. As we
passed the bikes my son start to fuss because he wanted to ride the bike
through the store. I picked him up and proceed to go in the other direction he
screamed for about 2 minutes then was quiet. When we reached the household
items there was a Asian couple asking a Caucasian worker for help locating a
specific item. The Asian couple proceeded to leave the Caucasian worker mumbled
“we need to hire they people to help them”. This is an example of
microinvalidation and microinsult. I understand the frustration on both parties’
behalf the worker unable to fully understand the customer’s request. And the
customer inability to receive the help requested. The worker left the customer
powerless with his comments also exhibiting his frustration communicating with
the customer. This type of microaggression occurs every day. Although the Asian
couple did not hear the worker comments I did. I felt the worker was very
unprofessional to make such a rude comment. The worker did not consider the
everyday struggle the Asian couple encounters trying to adapt to the American
culture and speak English. I actually reported the worker for his comment as if
I was the Asian couple I would appreciate someone defending my diversity and understanding
the challenge language barriers produce.
I agree this was unprofessional on the employee's behalf. I can understand if the worker was frustrated because of the difficulty communicating, but I am sure the couple was just as frustrated. Communicating with others is very important, and I feel like if we cannot properly communicate with someone that may need our help, then we should find someone that can. The sad thing is, this happens everyday.
ReplyDeleteHey Deondrea,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!!! I used to work in retail when I was younger. When a customer would come in and I couldn't understand them due to a different language, I would first try to help them as much as I could. Then I would find someone rather it be a coworker or another customer to help translate the language so that both of us could understand.
Alisha
Hi Deondrea,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I applaud you for speaking out for the Asian couple by reporting the employee’s behavior to management. I believe if we all take a stand against these types of behavior, that it will help eliminate such biases remarks.