A Completely Politically Incorrect Post

[andyfox]

I've been the victim of the "look" and known it was prejudice. I once hired a salesperson who came back the first day and told me a buyer for one of the major retailers in the world saw her come into the room and give her "a funny look. First thing he then said was, "Uh-oh, I hope I'm not going to be Jewed down now." I had somebody once call me to place an order knowing that I was not the salesperson for his territory. When I asked why he called me instead of his guy, he said "I'd rather speak to an Andy Fox instead of a David Goldstein, you know what I mean?" (Indeed, I did.) I see it from time to time when people in my office work with our head designer, who is black. C'mon, Peter. I hate to sound like the guy on the Supreme Court who said he couldn't define pornography but he knew it when he saw it, but I know it when I see it. Certainly black people, instantly recognizable as blacks, see it a lot more often than I do. Are they occasionally wrong? Undoubtedly so.

[SheetWise]

And how many of these "bigots" did you end up selling? What you're describing are tells, which may or may not be camouflage -- the test is the action. If I imply that an opponent would be an idiot to call me, what do I say when he calls me and wins?

I will do anything to win -- including making you uncomfortable -- is that wrong?

[Peter666]

Ok Andy, you have given a couple examples of people prejudiced against Jews. Now, what if there are some Jewish people who recognize you from temple or know from some source that you are Jewish and come specifically to your store to do business with you, rather than another store run by some other racial or political group. Are you equally disturbed?

[andyfox]

"what if there are some Jewish people who recognize you from temple or know from some source that you are Jewish and come specifically to your store to do business with you, rather than another store run by some other racial or political group. Are you equally disturbed?"

Yes, I am. But no doubt I'm in the minority on that. My experience has been that most people who see themselves as a member of an ethnic, religious, or racial group, are clannish. But I still don't quite understand your argument with David's statement.

[andyfox]

I don't sell anybody I know is a bigot. In the case of the buyer from the large retailer, I reported his comment someone in upper management and he left the company within 60 days. In the case of the customer who preferred somebody who he imagined was not Jewish, I was disgusted and hung up on the guy.

Yes, I'm describing attitudes. Attitudes usually lead to action. If I don't like Jews, I'm probably going to treat them less well than non-Jews.

[Peter666]

I don't have an argument with David's statement. When I refer to hypocrisy, I am referring to this: "Black people take these things as signs of racism." A black person who will automatically assume a white persons demeanour is a sign of racism, is racist too.

[SheetWise]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't sell anybody I know is a bigot.

[/ QUOTE ]
Those are some mighty blinders, or empty cupboards.

[andyfox]

"A black person who will automatically assume a white persons demeanour is a sign of racism, is racist too."

The examples David gave are signs of racism.

[andyfox]

Neither. How do you know about my business or how I run it?

[SheetWise]

[ QUOTE ]
andyfox: I don't sell anybody I know is a bigot.

[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
SheetWise: Those are some mighty blinders, or empty cupboards.

[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
andyfox: Neither. How do you know about my business or how I run it?

[/ QUOTE ]

I know nothing about your business, or how you run it. But if you hold the position that you do not sell to bigots, and your cupboards are not bare -- I'll hold to my position that you're wearing some mighty blinders.