Get out of your box and strike up a conversation with a stranger. Most anyone I could think about approaching would work for this, the reason being first of all I do not easily just talk to people with whom I don’t know. Although I have been working on just that, I do try and talk to people occasionally whom I have never met before. For this I chose to speak to an older woman at “The Orange Peel,” She was what I perceived to be upper class, at least well off. She Drove a newer Acura and dressed well. I politely smiled in her direction, attempting to make myself appear as unthreatening as possible. I kindly asked the lady if I could ask her a question, she seemed a little shocked at first but said sure go ahead. I asked her if she enjoyed her Acura and explained that I owned an older one, and I liked having it. In conclusion, we spoke for no more than five min. our conversation was kind. I was of aware of the how the longer we talked was affecting her. As the Lady began to realize, I was not asking more from her than the conversation and was not a threat she began to appear more and more comfortable.
I was aware of our difference in social standing when I started speak with her, after a few minutes I became more comfortable as well. I was not as focused on our differences as before and more focused on just talking with a stranger in a smoothie shop.
Now the sad part. I had the opportunity to go to the courthouse for reasons not connected with me or the law. On my way in I walked through the metal detector. I polity removed my hat- I often do this when inside a building-I had put the hat on to cover the hair I didn't comb that morning. I looked over at the bailiff and humourously said, "the worst part about wearing a hat so you don't have to comb your hair is when you need to remove it." The bailiff responded very gruffly "that and when you come to court wearing shorts and have to leave." I told him it is a good thing I'm not here for court then but thank you for helping to reaffirm my faith in non-judgmental public servants and walked away.
I was aware of our difference in social standing when I started speak with her, after a few minutes I became more comfortable as well. I was not as focused on our differences as before and more focused on just talking with a stranger in a smoothie shop.
Now the sad part. I had the opportunity to go to the courthouse for reasons not connected with me or the law. On my way in I walked through the metal detector. I polity removed my hat- I often do this when inside a building-I had put the hat on to cover the hair I didn't comb that morning. I looked over at the bailiff and humourously said, "the worst part about wearing a hat so you don't have to comb your hair is when you need to remove it." The bailiff responded very gruffly "that and when you come to court wearing shorts and have to leave." I told him it is a good thing I'm not here for court then but thank you for helping to reaffirm my faith in non-judgmental public servants and walked away.
It is sad that the people put the most sensitive of service positions are often the ones least qualified to do them. I know I'm judging, but often older officer in these more public places have just that, Older idea on how to treat people.
