Okay, I may be paranoid here... (racial question)

[ChrisnSteph]

I think the person just made an assumption, but not necessarily a rude one. If she had stopped you in the hall and said, "I'm really enjoying my stay! Be sure to tell all your employees how great they are!" would you still be offended? No, you'd probably laugh it off and feel flattered.

If anything, the prejudice is going the other way...yours towards the housekeeping staff. JMO.

I also don't see what's so derogatory about being a housekeeper. If I were a housekeeper for a living, I'd be offended by your attitude about it. Seriously, if you choose not to let it roll off your back, what is your other option? Dwell on it and let it eat away at you? Are you going to track her down and give her a piece of your mind? Just let it go. Chalk it up to someone who just wasn't thinking. People of all races and backgrounds make premature assumptions about others all the time. I remember when my dh and I were shopping for a new house and went looking at model homes. At one place we visited, the sales person gave us one glance and didn't even get up from her desk to hand us a brochure. A well-dressed couple walked in behind us, and immediently she was assisting them. I was ticked at first, but we went ahead and looked at the houses. I figured it was because we look young and were in sweatpants and t-shirts. As we were leaving, a different sales person walked in, and asked if we liked anything. I told her that their homes were nice, but in the future they should treat all potential buyers equally, because we had $100K to put down and were prepared to buy that day. I went on to say that I got the impression that they didn't really want our business, so I was going to look elsewhere. The sales lady just stood there and stared at us as we walked out! Anyhow, it's just a little story to let you know that we all experience wrong assumptions from people at times.

 

[In a hurry]

I also don't see what's so derogatory about being a housekeeper. If I were a housekeeper for a living, I'd be offended by your attitude about it. Seriously, if you choose not to let it roll off your back, what is your other option? Dwell on it and let it eat away at you? Are you going to track her down and give her a piece of your mind? Just let it go. Chalk it up to someone who just wasn't thinking. People of all races and backgrounds make premature assumptions about others all the time. I remember when my dh and I were shopping for a new house and went looking at model homes. At one place we visited, the sales person gave us one glance and didn't even get up from her desk to hand us a brochure. A well-dressed couple walked in behind us, and immediently she was assisting them. I was ticked at first, but we went ahead and looked at the houses. I figured it was because we look young and were in sweatpants and t-shirts. As we were leaving, a different sales person walked in, and asked if we liked anything. I told her that their homes were nice, but in the future they should treat all potential buyers equally, because we had $100K to put down and were prepared to buy that day. I went on to say that I got the impression that they didn't really want our business, so I was going to look elsewhere. The sales lady just stood there and stared at us as we walked out! Anyhow, it's just a little story to let you know that we all experience wrong assumptions from people at times.

When you aspire for your children to grow up and work in housekeeping at a hotel, then you can comment of my bias against it being assumed that I am a memeber of that industry. Otherwise, I must assume a bias on your part regarding the housekeeping industry.

 

[MrsPete]

If this was the ONLY thing that happened, I'd assume she was just a ditz who made a mistake.

Just for the record, I made the mistake of wearing a red shirt to Target not long ago. I was asked a store-type question not once but TWICE! I was pushing a cart filled with merchandise, and I was stopping to look at things along the aisles.

People are just stupid sometimes.

 

[always quiet]

I have been asked if I have worked every where from the grocery store to the Disney Store! I have taken no offense to any of it and normally will help the person asking in anyway that I can (after I tell them I don't work there, they are normally embarassed! ). I think it's more because it happens when I acknowledge their presence...either by a hello, a smile, or even just a glance. I think, sadly in fact, that in today's world, everyone is so wrapped up in their own little world that normally, people can honestly spend a entire day without ever even making eye contact with another person. It's all about themselves. Think about it, how often do you see people walking through the mall or the store, having a conversation on their cell phones...they aren't paying attention to anyone around them. In most cases, you are only acknowledged by someone who works where you happen to be...whether you are in a store, the mall, a doctor's office........or even a fancy resort. If you acknowldged this woman, by even only a glance or a smile, she assumed you worked there because of THIS...not because of the color of your skin.

 

[In a hurry]

In most cases, you are only acknowledged by someone who works where you happen to be...whether you are in a store, the mall, a doctor's office........or even a fancy resort. If you acknowldged this woman, by even only a glance or a smile, she assumed you worked there because of THIS...not because of the color of your skin.

That is sweet that others find you so approachable.

Maybe people really are just that stupid. I just cannot imagine assuming that every vacationer I meet in the hall that makes eye contact with me is going to bring me pillows.

 

[minkydog]

I just cannot imagine assuming that every vacationer I meet in the hall that makes eye contact with me is going to bring me pillows.

But wouldn't that be so nice

 

[always quiet]

That is sweet that others find you so approachable.

Maybe people really are just that stupid. I just cannot imagine assuming that every vacationer I meet in the hall that makes eye contact with me is going to bring me pillows.

Think of how I felt when the lady in Walmart I smiled at thought I worked in the pharmacy dept and asked me which home pregnancy test was best....oh yeah, and how about the elderly man who wanted my opinion of hemmoroid medicine!!!

 

[In a hurry]

But wouldn't that be so nice

Entirely!

 

[KirstenB]

I'm not black, but Robin, I can see how this could be offensive. I haven't read all the posts, so I may be repeating someone. Here's the rub. I've worked retail, and been mistaken for a retail employee. No harm no foul. I enjoyed working retail. ON the other hand, I have no desire to be a housekeeper. It looks like very hard work. I have never been mistaken for a housekeeper.

Unfortunately, I can believe the woman asked Robin because Robin's black. Then again, maybe that wasn't her perception. Robin, I'm sorry you have to even ponder this. What a shame to encounter this on vacation.

 

[In a hurry]

Think of how I felt when the lady in Walmart I smiled at thought I worked in the pharmacy dept and asked me which home pregnancy test was best....oh yeah, and how about the elderly man who wanted my opinion of hemmoroid medicine!!!

I would have given them both advice!

 

[auntpolly]

Maybe people really are just that stupid. I just cannot imagine assuming that every vacationer I meet in the hall that makes eye contact with me is going to bring me pillows.

I think everyone that meets me in the hall at a hotel assumes I am going to spill something on them -- I'm usually juggling packages, a drink of something, fishing around my purse for my room key, and trying to remember which hall my room is on. No, no one has ever confused me with housekeeping!

 

[always quiet]

I would have given them both advice!

I did!! I had mentioned to the lady that I didn't work in the store, but I didn't have the heart to say anything to the elderly man. He was embarassed enough ASKING me and I didn't have the heart to say anything to him! He would of been really flustered!!

 

[dis ms.]

Think of how I felt when the lady in Walmart I smiled at thought I worked in the pharmacy dept and asked me which home pregnancy test was best....oh yeah, and how about the elderly man who wanted my opinion of hemmoroid medicine!!!

Maybe you should stop wearing that white lab coat when you're shopping at Walmart.

 

[inaminute]

When you aspire for your children to grow up and work in housekeeping at a hotel, then you can comment of my bias against it being assumed that I am a memeber of that industry.

If my children accomplish half of what my mother accomplished as a housekeeper, then I would certainly aspire for them to do the same.

She started as a housekeeper, then supervisor, then manager, and before long was running the department for an entire hotel chain. She won awards for her work. My mother did very well as a lowly housekeeper.

I'd be very proud for my children to follow in her footsteps.

 

[In a hurry]

If my children accomplish half of what my mother accomplished as a housekeeper, then I would certainly aspire for them to do the same.

She started as a housekeeper, then supervisor, then manager, and before long was running the department for an entire hotel chain. She won awards for her work. My mother did very well as a lowly housekeeper.

I'd be very proud for my children to follow in her footsteps.

Awesome for your family. Not the usual story, as I am sure your mom could attest to. Would she want her grandkids following in her footsteps, or want something more for them?

 

[epcotfan]

Over the years I've been asked plenty of times if I work in the various retail stores I shop at. I guess I look like I know what I am doing or something.
Don't sweat it.

 

[inaminute]

Were she alive, she'd want her grandchildren to be happy.

She was proud of her work. I think she'd be very proud were they to do what she did. I'm sure she would have employed and trained them both had they shown any interest.

Unfortunately, neither of my boys is cut out for that kind of work. They'd fail miserably.

I guess I'm just not a "job snob." I could care less what people do for a living--as long as it's legal and they aren't hurting anyone.

 

[In a hurry]

Oh well, I guess I've been called worse than a "job snob" before! I"ve cleaned offices, and I wouldn't do it again, nor wish it upon my children. Most jobs in that area have a very high turnover rate, and extremely low job satisfaction, it amazes me that you would wish for that for our sons. To each his own, I guess.

 

[ticktock]

Didn't read the whole thread, but I get this alot. It has happened at WDW too. At POR and AKL I was asked for towels . I was wearing SHORTS and a Disney tee both times. The maids look much better than I do on vacation . By the way I am not black or hispanic. I am very fair skinned and blue eyed. Oh and one of the people who asked me for help was black. Does that count as reverse descimination?

 

[inaminute]

it amazes me that you would wish for that for our sons. To each his own, I guess.

If it were their passion and they were happy doing it, why would I wish for something different?