Awful things people say to waitresses and waiters

Continuing on my train of thought from yesterday.

I was writing about finances then, but right now I’m writing about dignity. There are some people out there who just seem to enjoy feeling superior to others. Some do it over religion. Some do it over lack of religion. Some do it over jobs, class, personal appearance, the latest clothes, sexual orientation, gender, whatever.  But the bottom line is, bullying doesn’t go away in high school, nor does the impact it has on personal dignity and self-worth.

Things I’ve seen:

  • A customer (white, male, mid thirties) and his friend say to a waitress (black, female, 19 or so) “How many crack-ho babies are you supporting?” This went on for some time.  I wasn’t aware of what was being said until she broke down crying in the back room. Banned them from the restaurant, permanently. On his way out the door, he said, “Man, chill out, we were just having a little fun!”
  • “I’m surprised you’ve got all your teeth! Doesn’t fit the image.”
  • A 60-year-old retiree hitting on an 18-year-old single mother (waitress), dangling the promise of rides, help with her car maintenance, and possibly more.

I’ll say up front, these are the exceptions. Not everyone behaves this way. Not even the majority. But enough to just flip me out every time I see it happen.

Look, if you go out to a restaurant, whether it’s a five-star dining experience or a greasy spoon diner, remember that your server is a human being and they deserve the same respect you’d give anyone else.  Treat them with that respect.

Is that too much to ask?

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