Friday, October 05, 2007

A Slap to the Face.

I know, I haven't written or posted anything for awhile. Truth be told, I've just been going through the motions, living day by day, contemplating what do next. And really, nothing has been happening, nothing astounding that will cause me to think. Nothing in everday life has been capturing my eye to take notice. Lately its just been me with every passing moment. But now, change is coming. Just as I knew it would.

And so I heard today, from the AGM (Assistant General Manager), about an incident that happened on sunday. (actually, a fellow co-worker told me about it, and I asked the AGM, who at first tried to ignore the subject by telling me it was a long story, but hours later told me). It turns out that three cooks at my restaurant were, very visibly and audiably, poking fun and cracking insults towards a native man, who wore an eye patch, in the restaurant. He sat there, tried to pretend he didn't hear what was going on, but out of frustrations flipped the cooks the bird. Apparently in an attempt to not be outdone, the three cooks banded together, stood at a very visible position and struck a pose as if too "call on" the native man. A few more words were exchanged on their part, and the native man continued to sit and eat his meal, with his family that were there also.

After the native family finished their meal, they paid and left. But moments later, he returned and spoke his mind about his disgusting encounter with the manager on duty. Turns out the manager on duty was the AGM. In an attempt to salvage the situation, the AGM paid for the meal, and with a family of 9 it was huge bill.

The native man left. And would never return again to the establishment I work in.

My situation: I'm native. The three other cooks still work there, and after I spoke with the AGM, no disciplinary action had taken place.

He had mentioned that it wasn't racially intended, that the three cooks were just being "assholes". All I can think is "does the native man" know that? The idea that the cooks were just "fooling around", does that justify the fact that no action had taken place? Does the idea of it just being a joke, justify the humiliation and embarassment this native man had to encounter with his family by his side?

I'm putting in my notice tomorrow and speaking directly with the owner. I might even write a letter to the franchise in which this restaurant operates under.

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