tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post5275439306440757261..comments2024-03-29T05:01:11.550-04:00Comments on Eden Spodek I Bargainista: Should retailers be responsible for all comments made by their employees?Bargainistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01192938722206095554noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-53853666586350044222010-01-18T16:40:48.499-05:002010-01-18T16:40:48.499-05:00I was also unaware that it was a racial slur. I a...I was also unaware that it was a racial slur. I agree that it is completely unprofessional to use any kind of racial slur or for that matter slang when dealing with customers. I myself find it incredibly irritating when I am shopping and the sales associate calls me "honey" or "sweety"...I don't know you, so I'm neither your "honey" or your "sweety". To assume that this is a professional and endearing way to address a customer is ridiculous. It's derogatory and condescending.<br /><br />To answer Sharon's question, employers can reinforce their anti-harrassment policy which usually outlines the Ontario Human Rights Code and could possibly provide examples of what racial slurs could be. I would also hope that they provide their sales people with some kind of customer service training...but considering Bargainista's and my experiences, I don't think so.Fashion Femmenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-49789793619685247972010-01-04T00:43:05.851-05:002010-01-04T00:43:05.851-05:00I was unaware it was a racial slur, but I am grate...I was unaware it was a racial slur, but I am grateful you have brought this up. Now that I know, it has been banned from my vocabulary. I'll check with some 20somethings to see if they know. <br /> In my case it could be generational. Fortunately I haven't used it in years.<br /> How would an employer go about making their staff aware of words that are offensive?Sharon McNeilnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-8616852007015934402010-01-02T00:33:31.907-05:002010-01-02T00:33:31.907-05:00I think it is sad and scary that this woman did no...I think it is sad and scary that this woman did not know the term was a racial slur. I agree with Shop T.O. Live that comments made by an employee at work regarding a product make the retailer responsible. <br /><br />This type of incident is why (I think) we should speak up, and take the situation seriously. If we "relax" and ignore like Anonymous suggests we will end up with a generation of 20 year olds that are unaware of derogatory racial slurs.Mindful Merchanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09336289259041385118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-57771800656614586672010-01-01T13:43:07.888-05:002010-01-01T13:43:07.888-05:00ShopTOLive, Doreen and Anonymous,
Thanks for you...ShopTOLive, Doreen and Anonymous, <br /><br />Thanks for your comments and perspective. <br /><br />Anonymous, it's the fact that she's 20-something and knows that word at all that is disconcerting. <br /><br />Have you considered sharing your identity as a 2010 resolution? Your comments will have more credibility.;)<br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />EdenBargainistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01192938722206095554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-21686107766248484782010-01-01T13:00:03.186-05:002010-01-01T13:00:03.186-05:00relax, she probably doesnt even think of it as a &...relax, she probably doesnt even think of it as a 'racial slur'. I am sure it's a generational difference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-1729773042027831422009-12-29T16:45:33.539-05:002009-12-29T16:45:33.539-05:00In this instance, some may quibble on the origins ...In this instance, some may quibble on the origins of that particular word (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-gyp1.htm ), or suggest that it comes down to how the user herself defines the word. The fact is many understand it as a racial slur, and one of their customers was offended by its use.<br /><br />I'm with Melinda. It was unprofessional. Retailers provide and are responsible for the customer service experience -- via their products/inventory, their staff, etc. -- period. And, yes, your experience does reflect on the store and its brand.Doreen Iannuzzihttp://www.thenewmainstream.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34947909.post-57827228113326192782009-12-29T13:52:00.661-05:002009-12-29T13:52:00.661-05:00She probably didn't intend to make a racial co...She probably didn't intend to make a racial comment, but it was def unprofessional (and as you mentioned, completely ignorant). <br /><br />I think in most situations, the retailer should be responsible for the actions of the employees (esp comments made at work and about products/services) - how could it work any other way?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shoptolive.ca/" rel="nofollow">shopTOlive.ca</a>Shop T.O. Livehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03440654861899754091noreply@blogger.com