Thursday, August 2, 2007

Say what??

This past weekend, my family and I drove down to Buffalo for a day of good ol' American shopping. Midday, we decided to take a break. I got in line at a popular joint in the food court. When I reached the front of the line, this is the conversation shared between me and the cashier.

Cashier: (Upon seeing me) "Oh you'll have to wait, she will help you, I don't understand you." (indicating to the cashier on her left).

Me: "Excuse me?" (giving her a look of disbeleif).

Cashier: "Oh you cool, I understand you, ya I can help you."

Me: "Excuuuuuuuuuse me?"

Cashier: "Oh I couldn't understand the other lady *giggles* (an elder Indian lady was in front of me in line) but you cool, your English is good."

Me: "You know what, that is extremely racist and you are stereotyping me, just because I wear a scarf doesn't mean I don't speak English and that certainly isn't the way you speak to customers."

Cashier: (glances everywhere but at me). *giggles* "Okay so what can I help you with."

Me: (Through clenched teeth I gave her my order, it was for someone else otherwise I would have promptly stormed off.)

I got my receipt and went off to my family's table and blew off my steam. When I went back to wait for our order, I saw the manager in the front. I told him what happened, and told him that whatever her views/problems were, that wasn't the way to speak to customers. He gave me a weak "okay I'll talk to her" which wasn't very convincing.

In short....WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?!?! (yes I'm still fuming)

6 comments:

Hussam Ayloush said...

I knew it. I always believed that it is difficult to understand our sisters. Now I am not alone, even a total stranger thinks that way too. You sisters need to work on your communications skills. :)

I just hope Arwa does not read this one.
LOL

zelle’s said...

hahahaah, i think you should write a letter to corporate, if there is a corporate office, as well as write a letter to the editor. I think that should help in taking this feeling of victimization and turning it into a feeling of empowerment.

Hussam Ayloush said...

Affad, are you talking about the cashier or me??

Umm Belaal said...

i think affad is talking about you hussam :)
i'm writing to the PE, OCR and LA times as we speak

zelle’s said...

hahahaha, no i was encouraging the sister to write a letter about her experience, as to your sister communications comment, i think that boat only has room for one- his name is Hussam Ayloush- and when the boat sinks the casualty will be Hussam and Hussam only. Its a boat i plan to stay clear of :)

miss america said...

you should definately write a letter to their corporation. you should have been replied back, you know ive dealt with people who look like u before and they never get my order right, they just seem ignorant.. n made her feel stupid