discrimination at a grocery store?

Question

I'm asian and I went to a grocery store to get some things. It was late and the stock boys were out. One came up to me and asked "How do you make rice like in the Chinese restaurants." I responded that I didn't know and tried to move on. He followed me and kept asking. There were several other stockboys watching him and laughing. This stock boy did act a little mentally challenged, but I felt the others could've stopped him.

A few months later I go into the same store and was at the checkout. The clerk there says, "Didn't you already come through here?" Puzzled I said no. She proceeded to say "Oh well, you all look alike." I was upset. I don't know if I have anything legal I can do. I feel like these employees should be trained already not to say these things.

I called the manager the next day and told him what happened. His response was that the person was a little slow. I responded with that may be but there were others who could've stopped him.

Answer 1

You should have immediately asked to have the manager come to the scene and in front of the boss, repeated back what they said. At the very least they would have been reprimanded.
However, I think I would vote with my $ and shop elsewhere. You could send a letter explaining that you are going to do so and why, but by this time how can they pinpoint the miscreants?

Answer 2

Wow. If it's a locally-owned store, like a small neighborhood convenience store, there's little that can be done except to talk to the owner, who likely doesn't care. But if it's a chain store, like a supermarket, then write--do not bother with the telephone or e-mail--to the main office of the chain. Tell them what you've said here, but add the address of the store and the time the incidents took place. I can guarantee you that the store chain will be horrified.

I'm not certain what they can do except to get on the phone and scream at their manager there, and have him apologize to you, but it'll probably never happen again there. It does sound rather weird to hear of this these days, but people are very much on the move and there are thus small towns and ethnically-challenged cities that haven't ever seen Asians or Hispanics.

Answer 3

I would definitely bring that issue up with the store manager, and if nothing is done about it, take higher, like to coporate or something like that. I'm African-American and I can definitely relate to what you're saying and what you have experienced. It's sad that people are still sooooo ignorant in this day and age. As for the person that asked you how to cook rice..... maybe it was an honest question.. just said the wrong way... but the other workers laughing about it... was wrong... but what the clerk said,, was completely out of line!!!

Answer 4

Unfortunely there are people out there who don't realise what they are saying is racist and or hurtful.
If it is really offensive to you, then you can complain to an organisation or even sue, but thet's probably a last resort.
You handled the situation a lot better then I would, and speaking to the manager was the best thing.

If you feel this way, can you shop somewhere else. This is what I do and it makes me happy to know that's one less cusomters money ingnorant, racist people will be getting.

In the mean time here's a saying which may make you smile:

"we are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stuipid" - Benjamin Franklin

Answer 5

I think you are being a little thin skinned.

The other stock boys were probably laughing at the "slow" stockboy and not you. Sure they could have stopped him but they are stockboys, not social geniouses.

As for the checkout clerk, to her/him you may have looked like another customer and it isn't a disparaging remark to say that you all look alike. To many Asians, all Americans look alike but may be a little more reserved than to mention it.

You are over reacting and seem to be looking for bad news between the lines.

Answer 6

I can't believe that they workers in that store would say something like that! You should go to the manager and ask him to get the employees to apologize, if he declines or makes an excuse make an example. Ask him how he would like it if you entered his establishment and told each of the employees, "you are all such failure, working in a grocery store. What do you make, like six dollars an hour."
Tell the manager that you want a simple apology, and that you don't see why this can't be done.

Answer 7

That's terrible!!!! I'd definitely contact the general manager of the store, or maybe even higher up if it's a chain. I hate people like that. Had it been me, I would've made a smartass comment. Like one time a couple friends & I were walking into a bar & grill & we walked passed a table of obviously drunk people. One guy turned to his table mate & said (rather loudly - but I think he was trying to whisper) "Look, lesbians!" I turned around to his table & exclaimed to my friends "Look, ugly people!" They immediately shut up.

Anyways, sorry for going off topic. I'd DEFINITELY make a complaint, & at the very least I wouldn't shop there again & I'd discourage as many friends & family members as possible not to shop there.

Answer 8

I would have cussed the checkout lady smooth out and the boy who asked about the chinese rice.

Answer 9

I would try to speak to the manager and if things keep happening this way, then I would go up to his/her boss. Don't forget to get names of the people that you're having these dealings with so you can let the proper authorities know about them.

Answer 10

go to a different store or file a complaint. I don't think asians look a like. It's like saying all americans look a like, which they don't.