Show a little respect to the people who serve you

I’ve had some pretty crummy jobs. At the same time, I’ve had a few jobs that I really love…. I’ve had some pretty crummy jobs. At the same time, I’ve had a few jobs that I really love. I’ve even had one that I love and can’t stand at the same time (it’s possible, trust me).

But after working a few jobs in the service industry, I have come to the realization that, after the picture show has finished or they leave their dinner table or bar stool, consumers do not appreciate the hard work that’s been done. For some reason, people think that these jobs and the people working them are there just for the convenience of those throwing down some money.

These jobs help people live from day to day and pay their bills. And what’s more, some of us love doing these jobs.

What we do not appreciate is the lack of respect and the downright rudeness that is put forth by you, the customer.

I worked a year at the largest movie theater in the area. For two months, I did nothing but work as an usher. I was one of those poor souls who had to clean the theater after the slobs left their mark. A month later, I became a supervisor, which gave me more responsibility and, yes, more interaction with customers — the ones who are always right.

Next time you are sitting in the theater and you think that the picture is out of focus, watch closely after someone notifies management. You will see the picture go completely out of focus, then back to where it was. And you think it’s fixed, when in actuality there was nothing wrong to begin with. That’s just a little trick of the trade to satisfy those who are always right.

People who see movies don’t think when they leave that bag of popcorn, that bag they spent $5 on, laying on the floor — not in the bag, but all over the floor — as they walk out of the theater empty-handed. Someone cleans it up; why should you throw it away, right?

How I would hate to see the homes that these people live in. The sad part is that they’re all probably spotless.

Now I work in a bar. On top of that, I spend a lot of time in bars when I’m not working. There is no place in the world where customers disrespect the employees more than in a restaurant/bar.

People think that they should get their drinks NOW. Hold on buddy, there’s a bar full of people just like you. And why did the bartender come to me before going to you? Because I don’t snap my fingers or yell, “Hey, bartender” or “Blondie, can I get served here?”

I respect the work that they are doing, and in turn, I tip them well. That’s something some people forget about. The people behind the bar are working hard for your tips; the wages aren’t that good, trust me.

Which brings me to the point of my ramblings about the disrespect for employees in the service industry. I have realized that people would be more likely to give respect to these hard working individuals if they spent just one day doing what these people do.

Work one opening weekend of “Finding Nemo.” Sling drinks or try to take orders in a busy bar on a Saturday night, when the crowd seems overwhelming.

Do this for just one night, one shift, and you will gain a little respect for the work that you so gleefully disrespect.

If you want to give it a shot, try guest bartending somewhere. If you are in a student activity at Pitt you can get that chance by signing up for a guest bartending spot at Qdoba. Last semester, they held the guest-bartending competition for student groups, and, not because I needed to see what it was like, but because I think it’s fun, I bartended one night. One night behind that bar and you will see what it’s like to have a crowd in front of you holding out money and calling out drink orders.

And the next time you are sitting at the bar with an empty glass, you’ll think twice before waving your hand or yelling something other than the bartenders’ name. When you finally do that, you will get respect back.

If you are interested in having your student group guest bartend at Qdoba, contact Casey at caseyslotter@yahoo.com or (215) 740-8484. Do it. Then respect your favorite bartenders. Brian Palmer is the A’E editor. E-mail him at bkp8@pitt.edu.