Re: When Encounter Racism! (OT)

On Aug 11, 7:44 am, "Doug" <gordononl...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Pee Noi

Sorry to hear about your episode in the department store.

I think I agree with others that using your feet and shopping elsewhere is
probably the best policy - but then again - making the management know that
you have gone, any why- is even better!!

However, I wonder if it wasn't just one stupid staff member - maybe who had
a bad day - or was told off earlier for breaching credit policies or
something. Everyone makes mistakes - it is human nature. But you were
there - you had the sense that this was more than just company policy.

But there are racists everywhere in the world. 17 years ago when my wife
came to live with me in Australia - I would get the racist remarks - rather
than my wife - I would hear people talk about her in terms of a 'mail order
bride' - but that was generally only from the uneducated, and that was a
long time ago. We generally don't mix with people with those views now, and
they are few and far between.

I find though that I am more subject to racism in Thailand than what my wife
has ever been in Australia! She tells me what is said to her about her
being married with a 'farung'. Even her extended family has referred to me
in rather insulting racist terms. Once they get to know me - their language
changes from a racist overtone to one that is based on their opinion of me
as a person. Has Liam experienced this too??

Again I appreciate your feelings, as I have been through it too, albeit from
a slightly different perspective.

Doug

Khun Doug:

I will be the first to admit and also, posted many posts in this forum
regarding racism and discrimination in Thailand. As I stated in my OP
that, I shrug off for the most parts. In this incident, I didn't jump
into the "racism" conclusion until I found out that my husband was
treated differently than I was the very next day at the same store.

I have no problem with an honest mistake, remember, I am working in
the business field (financial institution) and have been for many
years. So, I do know a thing or two about business transactions. If
the clerk had a bad day then she should have take time off or take a
break, instead of using me as her emotional garbage dumpster!

Noi


<justicefora...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

news:1186807346.768663.67990@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



On Aug 11, 10:48 am, Noi <taw...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
As much as I appreciate U.S., but every now and then I still
encountered racism and discrimination. For the most parts, I usually
shrug off unless, it's very egregious, then I will fight the ugly
racism. Details of the incident is in the letter (see below) I wrote
to the CEO of this department store.

July 30, 2007
XXXXXXX, CEO
XXX, Inc.
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX, XX XXXX

Dear Mr. XXXX:
My husband and I shop frequently at the new XXX store in XXXX, MN. We
have a XXX's charge card. The quality at the store has been good and
the service quite friendly. However yesterday (July 29, 2007)
something happened which I believe merits your attention.

I was shopping for several items of clothing. When paying I decided to
use a check rather than a charge card. The clerk (initials XX) asked
for my driver's license. She proceeded to write my license number on
the check: I stopped her and said that she didn't need the number as
she could verify the address and signature by the license. She said
that to do that was "corporate policy". At that point I took back the
check and said that I would pay with my Visa card. The clerk then said
"I need two forms of ID". I showed her my Employee Secure Photo ID
along with my Driver's License. That still wasn't enough for her--she
then asked for my zip code, stating that she couldn't process the
purchase without it. I told her that I also have XXX charge card and
all information about me should be readily available in your computer
system. She still insisted that she will not process the sales unless
I gave her the zip code. At that point I felt insulted enough and
leave the store.

By the way, I am Asian.

This evening my husband bought some items at XXX, paying with a Visa
card. The clerk who waited on him said that it is customary to ask for
a Driver's License when someone uses a charge card, to check the
signature. However it is NOT apparently policy to ask for two forms of
ID, nor is it policy to require a Zip Code along with the two forms of
ID when a customer pays with a card before allowing the transaction to
go through.

In addition, I asked several of my colleagues at work today (all
Caucasians) that shop at XXX regularly, none of them ever have to go
through what I experienced.

Aside from could be construed as racism directed against me, your
store violated the Merchant Agreement with Visa card and also violated
Privacy Rights Law of payment by credit card which clearly states
that; "The law requires that a seller who accepts a credit card rely
solely on the credit card and the card issuer's system of identifying
the cardholder. In the eyes of the law, the card itself provides all
the information that is needed to process the transaction."

While I am trying hard not to think that your store was discriminating
against me because of my race, however, it's important to note that I
have experienced racism in this form before. To treat your customer in
this manner is abhorrent no matter what the reason: to do so to a
minority when Caucasians routinely are NOT asked to provide such
extensive identification is unconscionable. I would appreciate a
written apology and evidence of effort on your part to stop
discriminating against minorities so that others would not be subject
to such humiliating treatment like I experienced at your store.

If I am not hearing from you by Friday, August 17, 2007 I will mail
this letter to the Better Business Bureau and major media outlets in
my state.

Sincerely

XXX XXXXX
XXXX XXXX XXX
XXXX, XX XXXXX

CC: Manager, XXX/XXXX

Say Hey Noi:

Tell 'em to get stuffed and take your business elsewhere. It's a big
ocean out there. If you know what I mean. BTW - if you want to
experience racism take a trip to Japan. For example they have signs on
the bars, "JAPANESE ONLY" That's why when I'm in Japan I carry my own
bottle. Hmmmm! Come to think of it I carry my own bottle just about
everywhere.

5555 Yee-Haw !!- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


.

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