I’ve been working at Wal-Mart for about two months and already I’ve been whistled or snapped at by many older men. I thought it’d be at least a year before experiencing the infamous feeling of being lower than you are by a simple noise. You can know every corner of the store just as well as you know the back of your hand, but once someone whistles or snaps at you, you become the stupid one. They’re the ones asking for my help, yet I feel so small.
You whistle at dogs and you snap to discipline naughty children. Last time I checked I am not a dog, and I highly doubt I would’ve been hired to work here if I needed disciplining. And if I did, it’s not your job to do so.
The first time I was snapped at was the worst. I was working freight as groups of people passed me, some of them stopping by to ask me questions like “Where are the swimming goggles?” and “Are there bathrooms back here?”
I answered them happily because we all know that’s what good Wal-Mart associates do. But one time I was snapped at, I answered him just the same. I shouldn’t have, though. The fact that he asked for my attention in such a rude way flew right above my head. I didn’t even notice how bad the conversation between me and him was until it ended.
Here’s what happened: I was cutting up an empty box when I heard repeated snapping accompanied by a “Hey, you”. At first, I didn’t even know he was talking to me let alone notice the blatant disrespect, but as the question was being asked and as I was listening, I realized how uncomfortable I felt.
This man was older, probably in his late 50’s and he was standing uncomfortably close to me, to the point where I could feel his breath on my face. I inched back a little bit to create some distance, especially so I could look at him face-to-face instead of him literally looking down on me. Despite my effort of trying to put myself at a reasonable distance so I could communicate with this man in an easier manner, he takes a step closer, putting us back at square one.
The question was if we sold miniature hangers, as in hangers for dolls. I told them that the smallest hangers you would get from Wal-Mart would be hangers for tanktops or baby clothes in the infant section. The wife, who seemed fairly frustrated shook her head and told me that she needed doll hangers because she sews clothes for her granddaughter’s American Girl doll. I tried making conversation, like a good Wal-Mart associate and said that that was very nice of her and how creative it was to sew toy clothes. She shrugged away the compliment.
The husband suggested to try and find miniature hangers online, but the wife said no. Apparently, there had to be a certain length and material to the hanger. The entire conversation made me feel awkward and antsy, not wanting to be around these people anymore and their negative energy. Yes, I know I'm a bit of a hippie. Technically, its Josie’s fault for making me love crystals and knowing my chakra.
To be helpful (and also to avoid standing there awkwardly) I suggested creating their own hangers, like a typical DIY video. I told them they could easily get some wire and twist it in a shape of a hanger, and that using a glue gun to remove pointy edges was an option. Heck, making them would probably be cheaper. The lady did not like that idea at all, though. I mean, what else was she supposed to do? The only option left was to buy multiple doll clothes already hanging on a hanger, and use those.
Not only did the snapping and the “hey, you” make me unsettled, but the whole conversation did, too. But, the snapping and the way the husband asked definitely started off wrong.
After that encounter, I told myself to never acknowledge that type of greeting ever again. Of course, it happened once or twice again but that’s only because I’m trying to keep my job. But, here’s the thing, I’ll respond to “I have a question”, “Where is the [product(s)]?”, and even “Do you work here?” (Yes, I’ve been asked that question even though it was quite obvious, hence the dark blue vest and walkie talkie at my hip).
I get it, you want to keep your job, you want to be a nice person, you want to be helpful and do what you were hired to do. But that doesn’t mean you have to bend to someone’s will when being put into a humiliating situation, like being snapped or whistled at. Being disrespected was not part of your job description, so why acknowledge that behavior? Especially when that behavior is coming from an adult male.
I’m not a dog, so don’t whistle at me. And if I’m old enough to work here, then I’m old enough to deserve some respect, so don’t snap at me, figuratively and literally. Sincerely, your local retail associate.
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