Thank you for commenting on the sticking up for the grocery clerk story. I’ve always wondered how others would react to this particular circumstance. This has happened several times in my store but I never really thought of it much because of how my co-worker who’s disabled handled it. He was still genuinely polite and still smiling to the person berating him and I think it was more out of innocence.
To the people who are not disabled or challenge we would have taken comments such as “stupid,” “dumb,” “retarded,” as insults and maybe want to go outside for some action but to those who are disabled, its more as a scolding and they would put their head down. It’s sad to see such act in public display and it’s a lot worst when no one sticks up for them. Sometimes I wonder when no one sticks up for the disabled clerk, does the clerk think its alright for the individuals to treat them a certain way if things don’t go right?
There has been one time where a man called the store and challenged my co-worker Patrick who has Asperger Syndrome to a fight because Patrick didn’t help him. I asked Patrick to mop the wet floors and when he’s handed a task, that’s the only thing he’ll do before he goes on to something else. He was just misunderstood but this guy took offense to that and wanted to duke it up outside. I remember my closing manager at the time, told the man to come at midnight when we closed. We waited outside for 15 minutes and I remember him saying, “Paul, don’t let anyone push us over or f$%# with anyone of us.”
Stories such as Paul’s co-worker Brian really hits home because no matter what disability a person has, it does not keep one from working. Working is a medium that helps those who are disabled interact with the public and I’ve never seen anyone more happier to be at work. Thank you Paul for sharing!
I agree with Jade when she says the word, “retard” is worst that the “F” word. It’s very derogatory and word that is meant for inflicting pain. I’m sorry to hear about your uncle but I’m sure he was a great person who was very influential. People should take a step back and look because we can learn a lot about patience from those who are disabled.
Wicked Shawn’s story about Neil who had forgotten to pay for his snack is a touching story. That actually made me cringe because of how he was let go. I mean the man has been there for 18 years! Give him some benefit of doubt, it was truly an honest mistake. Then I felt an aura of warmth hitting me as I kept reading when customers were showing their support of Neil in getting his job back. Great, great story.
As much as Mepsipax is a jerk, this man has a heart. Kidding aside, he’s really a nice person but it’s good to hear that a person like Mepsipax would stick up for even “normal” clerks.
Thank you for all your hard work Patrick, Brian, Peter, Neil and all the other clerks who are disabled, you are not different, you’re a person just like everyone else.
