new thread
So for the few of those people that do know me I work at a quickie mart like place, and today a young boy who was what I would say about five months into growing his hair out commented on my hair to his mom as they walked by.
He said "Mom I want to have hair like his". (at the time my hair was in a pony tail)
This was followed up by her saying "Well if you want his kind of job then by all means grow your hair out that long." (in a real negative sounding voice)
I couldn't resist so I decided to say what kind of job I have "Well I am a manager here, but that is because of all the great ideas and hard work I do here. I don't think I became a manager because of my hair." (followed by a chuckle from me)
She right away started to blush and said "You're the manager of the store?"
"Yes I am!" is what came out of my mouth not much was said after that. I probably should have kept my mouth shut, but I felt that the kid needed to know that there are jobs out there that reward you on ideas and hard work still and not just on appearance.
Well that's my day at work today just thought I would share it with you guys.
Take care and keep on growing guys and gals,
-J
That's pretty cool, good for you for sticking up for yourself!
Eric H.
Thanks for the comment, I am not a big fan of people that tear down others so I tend to open my mouth (got me in trouble a few times).
Oh and once again welcome to the board :-)
-J
Wow... I just had a moment of dejavu there! Sounds like you ran into MY mom.. lol Many years ago I was the little kid who "wanted my hair like his" and got told the same thing.. 20 years later good ole' mom LOVES my hair now! HAHA Would be nice if there were more people out there who would (or get the opportunity) speak up in defense of long hair! Great story thaks for sharing it ;-))
Tom
Thanks for the response. Hmmm I wonder if that kid will end up on this board in so many years talking about about having dejavu a lot like you did. Oh and no problem your welcome and thank you for taking time to read about my day at work.
Take care,
-J
Hahaha, she had the classic "foot-in-mouth" disease. I think someone should call the CDC; it seems to be spreading.
I'm glad you didn't keep your mouth shut. It baffles me how much importance people place on hair length regarding employment. Good for you for "one-upping" her.
Joshua
Yea the foot-in-mouth disease goes in and out a lot like the plague. I wonder if there is a cure or a shot a person can take to get rid of it ;-) I am glad also but there had been a few times opening my mouth caused issues for me at work. Thanks for taking time to read my post.
Take care,
-J
Holding up a 10.0 card for your responce !!
Great thinking
Dawn
LOL, thanks for the laugh, I just imagined a group of people holding up score cards at my job for my response to mother.
Thanks for post and take care,
-J
A good day's work well done!
Thanks, I always try to do a good days work :-)
Thanks for the post and take care,
-J
Nice comment you've made there!
Thanks for the post, it's always nice to share my days with people.
Take care,
-J
I for one am very happy that you didn't keep your mouth shut. As a mother of a teenaged boy myself, I am embarrassed by that mother's behaviour, closed mindedness and her rudeness to you. You gave both the son and the mother a wonderful message. Well done!
Thanks for the nice response, I have a hard time when people are rude to others so I tend to be that guy that speaks up. Sometimes I take it for granted that my mom was so open while other kids might not have the same kind of openess that other gets. So it sounds like your son is one of the hopefully many lucky ones to have open minded parents.
Take care,
-J
Very good way of handling the situation, and no u shouldnt have kept your mouth shut because you probably would have regretted it. You ended the whole thing very well, and because of that you will not be kicking yourself for not speaking up, therefore, like you said, turning a negative into a positive.
Thanks for the post, yea it's really conflicting for me at times when I am at work. I tend to be very open when I see people being mean or rude so I tend to voice my opion a little too much. I don't want to regret not saying what's on my mind but there has been times when I got in trouble for speaking my mind at work. Even though it still hasn't stopped me.
Anyways take care,
-J
WOW, i love reading stories like this! Not only did you put that bigoted woman in her place; but, amazingly, you did so in a completely tactful and diplomatic manner (which is more than I can say for her)!!
I'm so glad you spoke up, and said exactly what you did. She learned a valuable lesson, --- and her son now has even more reason to grow his hair out as long as he wishes!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
- Ken in San Francisco
Thanks for taking time to read and post back. Over the years I have learned to filter what I want to say to a tactful way so I don't get into or very little trouble at work. I can't stand rudeness in people so I speak my mind thus just getting better as I have to do it more and more.
Take care,
-J
Good on you. Three messages at once - encouraging the young guy to grow his hair, reminding his mother that it's not polite to talk about people as if they're not there and also that it's not a good idea to judge anyone based on their appearance alone. Who knows, you may even have made her rethink her attitude. Regardless, you've earned yourself some kudos by standing up for yourself and also being very polite to her.
Hey thanks, hopefully you get a chance to see - read this as I am guessing it is moving more towards the bottom of the board. I guess you could say my job was offering a 3 for 1 deal LOL. Anyways thanks for the kind words.
Take care,
-J