Written and Edited - June 7th, 2017 - 10:07 am to 10:28 am
Edited - June 15th, 2017 - 5:46 pm to 6:00 pm
Help Wanted - Shopping for Justice
At one point, the store manager, Ernie, pointed to a couple who came into the store. I don't remember, but they might have come in before. A more specific age didn't come to mind or I don't remember. But I think they looked to be in their 30's or so. But later I reflected that I think what got my boss's attention, was the fact that they were people of color.
Ernie pointed to them and said to keep my eyes on them. I think that he accused them of stealing or potentially stealing before. I don't remember the details of the conversation.
But the best I remember is my response at the time. I saw that as an oppressive act with some clarity. But I didn't have enough clear thinking and the ability with words and actions to have a more wholistic approach.
I thought, I don't want to because I don't agree with that action. But what I'll do is to pretend to do it. I won't actually follow them but I'll pretend to so it looks like I'm doing it if Ernie looks over. But if I pretend to follow them but don't do it for real, than I'm not hurting them. And, if I say no, then Ernie might get someone else and they'll do it for real.
I don't remember how long I saw the dynamics differently, maybe decades. But, after a lot of reflection, it occurred to me that while I really felt like I was pretending, the customers were probably receiving my following them as a reality.
I see a lot of factors involved with human experiences. I'm sorry. We need to make it right and address all human experiences wholistically. That means listening to everyone concerned and responding to meet people's needs as we define living life the way we want to that doesn't hurt ourselves or anyone else.