Re: Sam's Club Ribs (rant)

-L. wrote: 
Dimitri wrote:

You are correct - however as far as I could tell, there was no one else who
seemed to understand - For any Meat Cutter would instantly know the designation

http://www.uspork.org/buyersguide/belly3820.html

My problem is that he had no knowledge of the job.  That's like asking a baker
if this Danish was made with yeast.



I understand your frustration but I encounter the same incompetence
from native-born Americans who have spoken English all their lives.  I
think it's a general trend in the service industry.  But here's another
viewpoint: I once was hired as an assistant manager for a small retail
store in a mall.  I have multiple degrees, had quit my 15-year career
as a scientist and was looking for something fun to do for pocket
money.  I loved the products at this store and had managed people
before, so thought the job would be a piece of cake although I had
*zero* retail experience.  While my sales (people) skills were
exceptional, I found it very difficult to do my job properly because I
had absolutley *no* training.  People would ask me questions about
products and I had no idea how to answer them.  Luckliy I knew who to
ask, but sometimes I was alone and left to sink or swim.  I am sure I
frustrated more than one customer because I, myself, was frustrated.  I
eventually quit because I realized how loopy the manager was and that I
was *never* going to be trained properly - she was basically going to
leave me to figure out everything on my own and I had no resources to
do so.  I wanted to do an exceptional job, but I simply couldn't with
the info I had available.  I suspect I am not the only person who has
been in this situation.


Just why is it my "compassionate duty" to be his teacher. 


Because you are able to.  It really is that simple.


There are too many
people who choose NOT to learn the language of their host country.  If you doubt
what I am saying you can go to Alhambra and it you can't read Chinese characters
you're out of luck or East LA for Spanish, or Westminster for Vietnamese. Some
times there is NO desire at all.



If they live in predominantly ethnic neighborhoods, why should they
learn English if they choose not to?  English is not the National
Language of the US, nor should it be.  In fact, there are only a few
states with a legally recognized language - New Mexico (Spanish) and
Hawaii (Hawaiian). [There may be a couple of other states that were
formally Mexican territories that recognize Spanish - I forget which
ones].  While I think people's lives would be enriched and easier if
they learned English, I don't think anyone has any obligation to.  We
have friends who's parents have lived in the US for 15 years or more,
and none of them speak English.  They don't need to - they stay within
their Chinese community.  It's their life and their choice.


When I do to Tres Sierras (local Mexican Market) they look at my purchases and
automatically start speaking Spanish to me.  See there is discrimination on
their side as  well. There is no way a Gringo would buy that stuff.



I think that's probably an assumption that you speak the language not
that you wouldn't necessarlity "buy that stuff".



I think what what he meant was that they assume he must speak spanish if he knows enough about the cuisine to buy those items.

And BTW I am fluent in Spanish I just had no desire to accommodate the
gentleman.  It's his problem and not mine.



IMO, that's a very narrow minded viewpoint.  You had a huge opportunity
to help this guy learn something and you missed it.  If you had, the
next time someone came in and asked for the same cut, he probably would
have been better able to help them.  It could have been a win:win:win
situation.  As you left it, you left frustrated, and he left probably
feeling bad about his lack of English skills and job knowledge.  I find
that sad on both accounts.

It is not Dimitri's job to teach people English. Someone who cannot be bothered to learn enough of the language of the country they live in to do their job properly is of no value to their employer. If I moved to a country where they spoke a language other than English I wouldn't expect to find employment in amything but menial jobs until I learned enough of the language to get along.


--

saerah

http://anisaerah.blogspot.com/

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