Please choose your words carefully

A customer shopping in my store is trying to describe a product he needs to one of my associates. He is not doing a very good job of it, but she is doing the best she can to understand and help him. As another associate walks by he suddenly blurts out, "You with the gut! Maybe you can help me. She doesn't know anything." The passing associate stops and tries his best to assist the man, eventually figuring out what he needs and directing him to it. The associate is courteous and focused on serving the customer, and returns to his original task when he is finished.

The above scene actually happened in my store today, and there is so much I want to say about it that I hardly know where to begin. I should start by saying that such an occurrence is not at all rare, in fact it is common. Most of you who read the above will recognize it, having witnessed it or experienced it yourselves. Some of you will share my outrage, my seething disgust for such behavior. A few of you may even agree with my response. Let's find out, shall we?

First and foremost, let's be clear: I am not Emily Post. I can't tell you what form of address is appropriate when speaking to a Cardinal at a dinner party. I'm lucky if I manage to scribble out a quick thank-you note now and then (Mother would be appalled!) and I am quite comfortable wearing white after Labor Day. Suffice it to say I don't think of myself as being all that knowledgeable about etiquette and 'good form.' But I do know a thing or two about good old-fashioned manners and let me tell you: It has as much to do with common sense and kindness as it does with breeding and how you are raised.

This man was rude, plain and simple. I think the thing about his behavior that appalled me the most was the cavalier way it rolled off of his tongue. His tone did not suggest that he intended to be mean or hurtful. In fact, if you asked him - and O I want to ask him - he'd probably be completely unaware that he was in any way unkind or thoughtless. He may have even considered his language humorous or jovial. Sticks and stones, sticks and stones. Bruises of the flesh heal quickly, sir, but the violence your words inflict on your fellows injures far more deeply. Such behavior is far too common and it pollutes the air so much that we are sick from it. I know I am.

It is not appropriate, polite, or kind to summarily conclude - and announce - that someone is ignorant because they cannot solve your dilemma - your inability to effectively communicate your needs notwithstanding. It is also not proper to address someone as "you with the gut." We're all walking around with faults and defects, real or imagined and none of us is immune - so go gently when you are in public lest someone point out your own bit of ugliness.

Many of us who have worked with the public might point out with approval the way the associate gave the customer good service, ignoring the rude behavior. We might quote the old adage "the customer is always right, and more importantly... they are the customer." A lot of us would accept that as a maxim for good business. Maybe so, but at what cost I say? Is it acceptable to allow ourselves and our associates to be treated that way? Where do we draw the line? I have routinely seen customers use foul language, racial and ethnic slurs, aggressive and abusive language. I have been interrupted while speaking to another customer. Is that okay, in the name of making a sale?

I say no. The problem with 'The customer is always right' is that sometimes it trains customers to be rude and abusive. There is no consequence. It says "I do not value myself, so why should you?" I think this is a mistake, and it's one I have learned not to make. I do not return rudeness with rudeness - that's a trap easily sprung. But I will not allow myself to be treated with anything less than the most basic respect. I'd like to think that, had I been present, I would have said something to the man, called him on his rudeness.

And maybe that's the key, after all. Shame, when it works, can be a powerful teacher. Point it out when someone is rude. Let them know that you won't allow yourself or others to be treated that way. Show some respect for yourself in the process. Maybe they'll think twice the next time - and maybe not. But just because some people will never learn doesn't mean we should surrender to an uncivil world. I'm not giving up. I hope you don't either.

[Note: My brain is still working on this, so don't be surprised if a re-write takes place. I'll let you know if it does. Also, I have drafts I'm working on for several earlier posts, which should show up in the next day or two...]