Gay=Uptight?

[WoodenSunshine]

Just got off a very...interesting phone call from the contractor of one of my customers.

We were discussing some differences in price and I needed some particular information that the customer was, apparently, uncomfortable in allowing. While the contractor was explaining this to me, he has this gem of a statement...

"I don't mean to be discriminatory, but the guy is gay, so that's probably why he's so uptight about his repairs."

I go (I'm on the phone, so I can make whatever face I want, thank you very much)

After the guy finishes his piece, I almost restrained myself....almost. I, kind of rudely, responded with,

"I really don't see what his sexual orientation has to do with the <repairs>, but okay. I will contact <customer> and explain XYZ and we'll go from there."

He tried to explain himself, but he dug a pretty little hole for himself.

After the contractor hung up, I actually swore...out loud. And I had to explain to the people surrounding me why

(I called the <customer> and explained XYZ, not mentioning his asshole contractor's comment and everything is set).

I think this is worse than the time that a contractor called one of customers "really stupid".

[telecom_goddess]

Nice to know in his little world gay = uptight. Whatever. Wonder what he would say about bi people.

[dalesys]

... Wonder what he would say about bi people.

Stevie says "Outasight!".

[WoodenSunshine]

Nice to know in his little world gay = uptight. Whatever. Wonder what he would say about bi people.

Oh baby?

What I really wanted to tell him was "Maybe that's why I'm giving you such a hard time." (Implying that I am also gay just to watch him splutter more)

[telecom_goddess]

Oh baby?

What I really wanted to tell him was "Maybe that's why I'm giving you such a hard time." (Implying that I am also gay just to watch him splutter more)

lol that would be awesome.

[Merriweather]

Maybe he's just buying into the old stereotype that all gay men have immaculately decorated homes that they've done up themselves, and would therefore be more picky on repairs, etc?

Total BS, of course, but a lot of people do believe the stereotypes, especially if their only exposure to anyone remotely different from themselves in on TV & movies.

[Jester]

I had to do everything I could to restrain myself when one of my bar customers, talking right in front of me to his friend about another bar said, "They tried to Jew us there."

I am of Jewish descent, and was NOT amused by this crap, and came really close to saying something.

Second time I have restrained myself in such instances, both for the betterment of The Bar. I love the place, but man, sometimes it is really tough to bite my tongue!

[Moosenogger]

My grandmother actually used the phrase "Jewed them down" when referring to haggling during a discussion. When people say junk that's so obviously prejudiced, I tend to be so gobsmacked that I don't know how to react properly.

I think you handled the contractor well. You let him know that his comments weren't appreciated, but didn't say anything that could get you fired.

[cashierbex]

I mostly know drag queens, and the only thing that is uptight is their balls tucked away.

[WoodenSunshine]

One benefit of the department that I work in is that our calls aren't monitored. We have a decent amount of leeway when we're talking to people. Meaning, we really don't have to take crap from people. You start yelling, I will tell you that you need to calm down before we continue the conversation. You start talking over me, I'll interrupt you and tell you that I'm trying to help you, but you need to stop interrupting me.

I just can't believe the gall some of these contractor's have to talk about customers. I know that TECHNICALLY, we're the ones paying you. Only so far as the money comes out of our pockets. But, I really think that they should respect the people that have to sign the check

EDIT: Of course, they probably say nasty things about me too, now that I think about it...

[NateTheChops]

Throw in any number of comments and racial slurs about Asians and I've heard it.

A man of chinese decent cut in line at Rank aid. Yes, the guy after him was right to be upset, but he added, "I fought in Viet Nam and I don't like being pushed around by (Sorry, if I won't say the N-word I sure as hell won't say the word this guy used)."

When I worked at MartK in the electronics department, we were out of Wii's. Another customer said, "I guess the (Same word) didn't get around to making more."

I don't need to be of a particular race and/or nationality to be upset by needless jabs at said demographic.

[Jester]

I agree, Nate. I am not black. My one niece is, on her father's side. So when I hear people casually throwing around the N word, it makes me seethe.

Ditto almost all racial slurs.

I say "almost" because *I* can make jokes about [insert derogatory word for Jews here] because I AM one, and I will take some cracks from MY FRIENDS about it, as they are my friends, but strangers? No. Also, I will crack on MY FRIENDS' racial heritage TO THEM, but again, they are my friends. Not strangers.

Big fucking difference.

[cashierbex]

Some friends I avoid using derogatory terms with. We joke around in different ways (ie- "How do you not like Cher/Elton John? And you call yourself gay". I get that from my butch friend). Others, we can go all day calling each other names. No uptight-ness going on.

[WoodenSunshine]

Slightly OT as it wasn't dealing with an SC...

But, one time, I was hanging out with my bf and his ex-gf and she says something to the effect of "yadda yadda yaddda, that guy's a Jew" using it as derogatory statement. Then, she turns to me and says, "Don't worry, you're the good kind."

I didn't have to be as nice to her...

[Syriilord]

If I could, I'd probably want to take a clue-by-four to that contractor. Some of my best friends are gay and are the nicest, most laid back people I've ever met.

Apparently I'd be perfect for at least one of them if it wasn't for my pesky heterosexuality. (That's right, everyone wants me )

While my friends take these kinds of slur in stride, it royally pisses me off every time that people can still make such broad, sweeping generalizations about a group of people, many of which aren't true for any member of the group.