Two years ago, I visited the Bellflower store. As soon as I entered, I noticed that two white store managers were racially profiling me. They were following me around the store. They maintained a 5 foot distance as I went shopping for products, but they were noting down every thing that I did. On my way out, a white woman employee in glasses accosted me out of the store.
At first, I was confused, but then I became upset and spoke to one of the other managers who was apologetic. I then called the corporate office who were equally contrite. One of the company directors called me and also apologized. The director stated that I had fit the profile of a black man who had previously robbed the store. For the record, I am a South Asian male of average build. I dress well. I do not resemble a homeless man who is looking for sustenance. However, on that day, I had fit the racial profile of a black man. So the management chose to racially profile me. Sadly.
Yesterday (05/25/2019 @ 11.30 AM), I visited the store to purchase some items. I needed fresh figs. So I spotted Bryan who was working in the fruits and vegetable section and asked him to show me the fresh figs' section. He pointed to the dry fig section. When I told him that I was looking for fresh, not dry, figs, he rudely told to go and ask the management for more information; he angrily said he would not help me. Why the need for an angry, rude, intolerant, and condescending tone? Why the belligerence and racist behaviour? I had merely asked for figs.
I am tired of being treated like dirt by the workers and employees at the store. The store has a pattern of racist behaviour towards racial minorities. When I enter a store, I just want to purchase my items and leave. I do not want to get agitated. Moreover, there are better ways to treat humans, and this particular Trader Joe's has not learnt the art of fundamental customer service. Bryan and the store management could look to and learn from the superb customer service offered by Costcos; Southwests; Nordstroms; and the Chick Fil As. In the age of Trump, neither intolerance, nor racism, nor condescension, nor rudeness, towards customers should be part of the daily life of People of Colour. Evenso, all those intolerant and inhumane Trumpian elements are alive and present within the four walls of Trader Joe's, Bellflower, California. read more