A consumer’s soliloquy:To speak or not to speak That is the question. Whether to let a mistake perpetuate itself through ignorance to save a little time and trouble, or to raise an issue to the fore, purging our world of inefficiency and poor service.
July 26, 1995
When I ordered a club sandwich recently and was delivered a sub sandwich (sub, club they do sound alike I guess), these words weren’t exactly what ran through my mind, but I did feel dramatically insulted.
Food is a special thing. I find food I have not prepared myself to be especially special expectation is an important part of this. In a restaurant, you order your food from the waitress, then watch as mouth-watering entrees are bestowed upon those seated nearby. You squirm impatiently as the warm spicy aromas from the kitchen tease your stomach to a rumbling frenzy screaming GIVE ME MY FOOD!
So when what you get is not what you expect, there is more at stake than just a messed up order. Your very happiness has been trod upon, your hopes and dreams of the last half hour dashed.
Advertisement
How many things like this do we put up with, and what if we all fought for exactly what we wanted? Where does one draw the line, keep the peace, get along, be nice and when do you speak up and demand satisfaction?
I don’t blame the servers of this world please don’t think I bear grudges or feel I am being singled out. I am not a bitchy person by nature. If I were I would not bother to ask these questions. The very thought of confrontation troubles me.
But is being meek really going to get me anywhere in this world? Oh sure, there are humble people who have met with success folks like Jimmy Carter, Lyle Lovett, Paul Simon, Mother Theresa and Joe DiMaggio. Unfortunately, either being meek makes you funny looking, or these people are successful because everyone who served them said, Oh yeah, the funny looking guy I remember what he ordered.
Thus they had fewer disappointments, and never got discouraged enough to fail.
The sub has been placed before me, and my mouth waters as I take in the tart aroma of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. If I ask for what I really want, at best I’ll be left drooling on my empty plate for five more endless minutes (we all drool, don’t pretend you don’t I drool a lot, especially in public places where attractive, poised, successful assertive people are sure to see me).
I’m raving now. I know I’m blowing this all out of proportion. I won’t actually say anything just think and think and think.
Oh gosh, my sub is getting cold. I guess I better eat it.
Advertisement*
Aaron Butler is a senior in political science from British Columbia, Canada.
Advertisement