At ALDI’s the other day I was second in line watching a Hispanic woman struggle with her check card. The cashier was patiently assisting; speaking to her in her native tongue. It seemed like it was taking forever and a line did begin to form. (If you do not know ALDI it is a no-nonsense, no frills German grocery chain with great deals on meats and staples.) The man in front of me turned around and loudly said “Jesus these spics need to go back to their own country.” She finished up and from her smile and chatter she was happy as a lark.
Now it got me thinking why did you aim the comment at me? Would he have said the same thing to the family behind me speaking in Russian dialect? But what it really got me thinking is why do we automatically mistrust and say hurtful things to people just because they are different? Just because they are trying to live and provide? Maybe instead of looking at these people and seeing how different they are, we need to look into their eyes. “The eyes are the window to the soul.”
We may just discover we aren’t so different after all !
BTW: He paid for his purchases with an EBT (Food Stamp)card and argued with the cashiers about having to pay for not only the tax but the six pack.
CONSIDER AND APPLY !
And you didn’t say something to the guy about using such a derogatory term?! Sometimes the worst response is no response.
I’ve seen this myself. The checkout woman at BJ’s was looking forlorn shortly after the election. I wished her a happy day after she checked my receipt. She said “Not as long as Obama is president.” Excuse theFeench but what the fuck is the matter with these people?