It was a simpler time but not a better time. We weren't allowed downtown. We weren't allowed to vacation on the shores of Staten Island like the wealthy. We provided blue collar service , then we trudge back to the outskirts of the city. Day in and day out, we worked for pennies.
"Yes, sir." "Thank you, ma'am." "May I help you sir?" "Can I get that for you ma'am?"
Indignant attitudes as though it were a crime to be noticed, a felony to not be invisible. Maybe one day, they will look me in the eye and say "Thank you."
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Drabble- a story told in exactly 100 words.
The things so many people don't think about. Nostalgia is only for the majority, eh? Great job, though. It is good to be reminded.
ReplyDeleteNostalgia is only for the majority, eh?
ReplyDeleteHahaha. No, I was trying to put this in the time frame of the 1930's. During that time, only the wealthy vacationed on Staten Island (Rockefellers, Vanderbuilts, Carnegies, Astors). Now, Staten Island is mostly composed of middle class workers (including myself).
And today many treat retail people like that. Don't acknowledge them at all while they yap on their cell phones.
ReplyDeleteSorry, that always bugs me. So rude.
@Alex- This is so true! I try my best to be courteous to all sales people (cashiers, associates, stock/ inventory staff, etc.). Although it's been almost 18 years since my last sales job, I still remember what it's like to be treated with disdain and disrespect. I wholeheartedly concur with your statement. :D
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this. I always wonder why people say things "used to be better". Form whom? Certainly not for people who were discriminated against. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDelete@Existentialist-
ReplyDeleteYes! Your sentiment is exactly what I was going for in this drabble! Social and economic mobility were unnattainable at certain points in history, particularly during The Great Depression. Thanks.
Powerful prose!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anthony!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of good manners to everyone and from everyone. Having had many lowly jobs it really opens your eyes to the effect some simple courtesy can have. Had a cleaning job in a solicitor's office for a while- everyone there was suspiciously nice to me- turns out they had gone without a cleaner in their previous premises so the appreciation was genuine!
ReplyDelete@Lily- Yes, good manners and appreciation go a long way. I'm happy you had a good experience. I worked retail/ sales in a department store, some time ago, and I dealt with really mean and ornery individuals.
ReplyDeleteWelcome! :D