Opinion

Always right, you say? Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa? Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you You wouldn’t think with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with many people would ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured need a reminder in their in this segment.local newspaper to treat customer service workers with dignity and humanity. CUTIES OF THE WEEK

In our page 3 story last week, staff and volunteers at Hospice Wairarapa’s Masterton store shared their experiences of abusive behaviour from customers – particularly those who insist on shopping maskless.

Customer service workers nationwide have borne the brunt of covidrelated frustrations – which have, at times, escalated to racial slurs, physical intimidation, and rape Spencer the Jack Russell-springer spaniel cross enjoys a lazy threats. day in bed. Kirsten Earnshaw sent in this adorable photo,

These escapades are taken by her son Fraser. PHOTO/SUPPLIED often framed as a symptom of the pandemic: life alongside coronavirus has been tough, emotions have run high, people have snapped.

Covid didn’t create this, however. Unreasonable demands, full-blown tantrums, using retail staff as de facto therapists … long before “the spicy cough” made an appearance, service workers have been targets of hostility and harassment.

Some theorise this Cheryl Jaggard, from Carterton, says her cat Jasmine has no qualms jumping up onto Mum’s laptop - and eating her ice. She is clearly very proud of her exploits. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

maltreatment goes back to the 1900s, when British department store owner Gordon Selfridge coined the now infamous phrase “the customer is always right” – to motivate employees to bring their A game.

A century later, this is still drummed into us: customers, assured of their supremacy, keep pushing boundaries and spouting grievances, and workers have no right of reply.

Others cite the effects of capitalism. Businesses fear losing patronage and resulting profits – so will tolerate, even reward entitled behaviour.

Less comfortable to acknowledge: a significant portion of society simply views service workers as lesser. Less intelligent, less educated, less capable – and less deserving of respect.

To paraphrase a 2019 Forbes article, people

Young(ish), scrappy & hungry Erin Kavanagh-Hall often assume lower-wage workers are “unskilled” – which reinforces the view they lack ability, ambition, and desire to “better” themselves. We see low wages and assume both the work and workers are “low-value”. There’s no easy solution. But businesses stepping up to protect their workers would be a good start. Industry data shows staff who feel supported by employers will likely stick around – demanding customers notwithstanding. Customer relationships are important – so too is a safe workplace. In the meantime, a reminder from your local newspaper: if your supermarket is out of Budget pasta, maybe scream into a pillow, or watch some funny cat videos. Anything’s better than taking your rage out on people just trying to do their job.

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

It would be great if more people…

Richard Alan Dahlberg Smiled and said “hi”. We’re not masked all the time.

Karen Roberts Would be appreciative of others’ input.

Elaine Leggott WC Worried about their own backyard rather than other people’s backyards.

Keiasha Aplin-Howse Weren’t in a hurry to get everywhere – which would equal less accidents. Too many rushing through pedestrian crossings lately.

Richard A Wallis Didn’t need to put their 2 cents worth about everything on social media.

Sally Tye Were thoughtful of each other in public spaces.

Cheryl Cavanagh Got to know their neighbours better.

Jeniah Janet Te Whitu-Peterson Would stop throwing litter out of car windows, especially in rural areas.

Karen Lenz Were kind to one another. You can’t always see depression and you don’t know what people are going through.

Bex Johnson Listened.

Miriam Coulter Loved.

Vicki Dennes Got off their phones when going across pedestrian crossings. Too many don’t look and just step straight out.

Jocelyn Konig Realised that when you smile at someone and you are wearing a mask, they can’t see it.

Kathryn Boyles Remembered how important kindness is all the time.

Mike Filmnerd Took action towards [achieving] the UN’s list of Sustainable Development Goals: eg climate, equality, homelessness, hunger, poverty, mental health, and unemployment.

It would be great if people didn’t throw their rubbish out of car windows. PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CONTACT US

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity.

f Opinion

SHOE CLINIC - YOUR WINTER SPORTS HUB New Stock Arriving Daily

Rugby & Football

Adults Boots from $99.90

Kids Boots from

$59.90

Assorted Accessories

Hockey

Adults Sticks from

$99.90

WE ALSO RE-GRIP HOCKEY STICKS

Junior Starter Pack (Stick, ball, $49.90 mouthguard, shinpads) mouthguard, shinpads)

Assorted Accessories

Netball

$20 off all Asics Netball Shoes

Assorted Netball balls

McDavid Ankle Brace

$74.90

Racquet Sports

Badminton Racquets from

$29.90

Squash Racquets from Squash Racquets from

$89.90

WE ALSO RE-STRING RACQUETS

Assorted Indoor Footwear from

$149.90

OPEN 7 DAYS 207 Queen Street, Masterton | Phone (06) 377 2518