This week, in an affluent Dever suburb, 20-something Jane Doh visited a local lingerie boutique. She was first alarmed of the situation to develop; when the sales clerk asked her how she could be of assistance to Jane with a "rude and condescending tone". According to Jane, she "politely asked the saleswoman what sizes their tops came in."
Middle-class mother of three Angie claims, "One time I ran into a major department store to grab a pair of pantyhose. I was disheveled from running the kids around, so I guess I might have looked as if I wasn't very well to do. While picking out a pair of pantyhose the clerk approached me and asked, 'You know that pair is regular price? You probably were looking for the clearance section.' While taking the pantyhose from me and placing them back on the rack. I wanted so badly to ask her if she herself could afford them or just sock her in the nose, but I hadn't the courage. I'm so grateful for a strong woman like Jane to stand up for consumer rights."
Jane reports, "The stupid old lady began to laugh hysterically. Then she asked if I meant bras. When I said, 'Yes I'm looking for bras and lingerie tops,' she began to laugh harder and repeatedly said 'tops' as if it weren't even English. I stood in astonishment for some time before I asked her if she was making fun of me. 'Can you afford anything here?' was her curt reply. After a moment of contemplation I asked again if she intended to be rude. She just began to laugh wildly so I socked her one."
Many in the local community have begun to call Sharon a hero. Many women interviewed, claim that too have been harassed by retail staff when shopping. Comments one middle aged African American woman, "At times I have been followed closely, being asked every few minutes if I need help."
Middle-class mother of three Angie claims, "One time I ran into a major department store to grab a pair of pantyhose. I was disheveled from running the kids around, so I guess I might have looked as if I wasn't very well to do. While picking out a pair of pantyhose the clerk approached me and asked, 'You know that pair is regular price? You probably were looking for the clearance section.' While taking the pantyhose from me and placing them back on the rack. I wanted so badly to ask her if she herself could afford them or just sock her in the nose, but I hadn't the courage. I'm so grateful for a strong woman like Jane to stand up for consumer rights."A short interview with the stores manager shed some light on the clerks behavior. Manager Sally Pompoussa remarks, "Some people just look poor or like they might steal. We have to keep a close eye on them. Its not personal!"
In spite of the stores stand the sentiment of our above quoted women, is being echoed throughout the female shopping community. The clerk has declined to be interviewed and is currently pursuing charges of assault against Mrs. Doh.
Posts
