152 replies to this topic

[NoBull]

JUST SAY NO TO ID WHEN ASKED

Thank you GEORGE! Yep, a valid signed card = NO ID!! I don't usually make an issue of this if my ID is requested, however, the last few times that this has happened to me, a manager was nearby and I did make a point of speaking directly with the manager.

In each instance I informed the manager that regardless of their internal CC acceptance policy, it is a direct VIOLATION of their merchant bankard agreement to request ID for a valid signed CC and that they could be reported.

Every single manager was shocked and surprised, however most were corporate lemmings just following internal policies without question. So we simply need to keep educating the world one lemming at a time!

AgentNos, I bet Dairy Queen has a corporate CC policy to always request ID and the cashier simply new the older "regulars" and did not request ID. But as NoBull mentioned, you should have raised the issue at the time. You can always write to Dairy Queen corporate and ask for a written response regarding their CC acceptance policies.

white elephant in the living room no one talks about. America is a very racist country, your ethnicity and color of skin determines what kind of treatment you will get in any given situation. It's the way it is.

...and THAT is why somebody should speak up ON THE SPOT.

[GEORGE]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by GEORGE, 01 May 2006 - 02:39 AM.

[ammorgan]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

I practically can't even use my checks. We don't write checks very often so we haven't bothered ordering more since we got married that have my first name on them but the bank did say that I am allowed to use them.

Yet the last time I remember writing a check the cashier almost wouldn't let me use the check because it didn't have my first name on it. It did have my husbands first and last name and his last name is the same as mine and its a very unpopular last name. I was just thinking in my head, how many people do you see come through your line with my last name?

[NoBull]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Too funny, George!!!

Notice how everybody in line nowadays just groans when somebody pulls out a checkbook and starts writing? Well...it's because they never seem to pull it out until AFTER all the items are rung up!!!

[GEORGE]

Snide remarks are not.

pfffffffffffff

Yo George, I have a question.

You work at walmart right? If asking for ID on a signed card is a violation, then why do the wallys down here ask? Everyone I know who shops at the wallys in our area gets asked.

For a debit card, no. But definitely for a CC.

I've gotten asked by Wally on my Paypal Visa card (can use as debit OR credit) Have actually run into a problem when I told them I didn't have my ID and they refused to let me use the card. So had to have hubby use HIS Paypal card (linked to the exact same account which they didn't know) since he had his ID on him. But that was before I knew about the signed card and the no ID required thing.

You know George...I worked as a cashier for a grocery store once and never remember being told on the computer training I took that I was supposed to ask for ID. Now when they used a check I was supposed to write down DL, and like birthdate I think.

WE GET DRIVERS LICENSE FOR EVERY CHECK OVER $100

or

WHEN THE COMPUTER PROMPTS FOR IT (RANDOM--LIKE 2 or 3 TIMES A YEAR)

[ammorgan]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Too funny, George!!!

Notice how everybody in line nowadays just groans when somebody pulls out a checkbook and starts writing? Well...it's because they never seem to pull it out until AFTER all the items are rung up!!!

I had to groan the first time I went to my new Dr's office and started filling out the check and asked who to make it out to and they said oh we just automatically do that, you don't even have to sign the check just sign a slip afterwards.

[cknykid]

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since

does not sound like a check thing.

[Rogue]

Well it's getting late, hell it's Monday morning already! I had a merchant bankcard agreement here somewhere but can't find it at the moment. But this is a link from Visa International on card acceptance. Note that under "Quick steps to Visa Card acceptance" there is no mention of ID, however further down this page are procedures for an UNSIGNED Visa Card. Good night and good luck!

http://www.usa.visa....ml|Card-Present

[ammorgan]

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since

does not sound like a check thing.

If you had a problem with it you should have said something then.

It could be they are daily customers and that is why the person didn't ask.

[GEORGE]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Too funny, George!!!

Notice how everybody in line nowadays just groans when somebody pulls out a checkbook and starts writing? Well...it's because they never seem to pull it out until AFTER all the items are rung up!!!

Watch every price of every item...THEN GET THE PURSE OUT...look for the checkbook...look for the pen in another pocket...THERE IS A PEN ON THE CHECK WRITING COUNTER ON THAT STRING (IF YOU CAN'T FIND ONE)...WRITE THE DATE...WHAT IS THE DATE...THIS IS TARGET RIGHT...OH WAL*MART...FINALLY ALMOST FINISHED...GOTTA WRITE THAT PRICE DOWN...DO YOU HAVE A CALCULATOR SO I CAN SUBTRACT THE 10 CHECKS I WROTE TODAY...OH MY DRIVERS LICENSE...I GOT IT HERE...JUST BE A MINUTE or TWO...PHONE NUMBER...OK...THE BANK TOLD ME TO LEAVE IT OFF SO I WON'T GET PHONE ADVERTISING...OH THEY DON'T GET PHONE NUMBERS OFF CHECKS??? THEY USE COMPUTER AUTO DIALERS??? I DO WASTE A LOT OF TIME GIVING EVERYBODY MY PHONE NUMBER...

TAKEN FROM TRUE FACTS FROM A LIFE IN RETAIL

(worth repeating)

DRIVERS LICENSE??? OH THAT IS IN THE CAR I WILL BE BACK IN ABOUT 2 or 3 MIN

(or 7 min)

[ammorgan]

BACK IN THE OLDEN' DAYS

(EARLY 1980's)

I SPECIAL ORDERED A HIGH CHAIR (RESTAURANT KIND...METAL TRAY FOLDS UP...PADDED CUSHION) FROM Bergstroms Childrens Stores

5 FREEWAY NORTH OF KATELLA

(for my SOUTHERN CA NEIGHBORS)

At the time they required for a check

imprinted checks only
home phone
work phone
work name
drivers license
credit card that matched name on check (DIDN'T WRITE IT ON THE CHECK THOUGH)

I USED MY CREDIT CARD AND THE LADY IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAS STILL DOING THAT CHECKBOOK THING LIKE BALANCING FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS THOSE 57 CHECKS...ASKED THE CASHIER WHY I WAS NOT ASKED FOR ALL THE STUFF SHE WAS ASKED FOR

DUHHHH

I USED A SIGNED CREDIT CARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Too funny, George!!!

Notice how everybody in line nowadays just groans when somebody pulls out a checkbook and starts writing? Well...it's because they never seem to pull it out until AFTER all the items are rung up!!!

Watch every price of every item...THEN GET THE PURSE OUT...look for the checkbook...look for the pen in another pocket...THERE IS A PEN ON THE CHECK WRITING COUNTER ON THAT STRING (IF YOU CAN'T FIND ONE)...WRITE THE DATE...WHAT IS THE DATE...THIS IS TARGET RIGHT...OH WAL*MART...FINALLY ALMOST FINISHED...GOTTA WRITE THAT PRICE DOWN...DO YOU HAVE A CALCULATOR SO I CAN SUBTRACT THE 10 CHECKS I WROTE TODAY...OH MY DRIVERS LICENSE...I GOT IT HERE...JUST BE A MINUTE or TWO...PHONE NUMBER...OK...THE BANK TOLD ME TO LEAVE IT OFF SO I WON'T GET PHONE ADVERTISING...OH THEY DON'T GET PHONE NUMBERS OFF CHECKS??? THEY USE COMPUTER AUTO DIALERS??? I DO WASTE A LOT OF TIME GIVING EVERYBODY MY PHONE NUMBER...

TAKEN FROM TRUE FACTS FROM A LIFE IN RETAIL

(worth repeating)

DRIVERS LICENSE??? OH THAT IS IN THE CAR I WILL BE BACK IN ABOUT 2 or 3 MIN

(or 7 min)

I don't even know who that person is and I want to smack them.

[Nostromo]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

[NoBull]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

[Nostromo]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

Actually, I will CONTINUE to carry on, since I am well within my rights to do so. If you don't like it, the front door is that way.

[GEORGE]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

NO BASIS IN FACT FOR THE COMPLAINT---THAT IS WRONG!!!

I have been reprimanded for customer complaints

(no names...no dates...no times...no circumstances)

NONE WRITTEN

THE ASSISTANT IS NOW GONE...I'M STILL THERE!!!

Edited by GEORGE, 01 May 2006 - 03:23 AM.

[NoBull]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

Actually, I will CONTINUE to carry on, since I am well within my rights to do so. If you don't like it, the front door is that way.

Trust me...I'm staying right here.

It's certainly a shame you can't handle somebody disagreeing with your course of action.

Obviously, racism goes both ways.

[ammorgan]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

NO BASIS IN FACT FOR THE COMPLAINT---THAT IS WRONG!!!

I have been reprimanded for customer complaints

NONE WRITTEN

THE ASSISTANT IS NOW GONE...I'M STILL THERE!!!

If I went to a fast food place in a predominantly black or hispanic part of town I wouldn't think they're checking my ID because I'm white.

And if the people behind me didn't get carded I'd have asked them WHY I got carded and they didn't.

[NoBull]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

NO BASIS IN FACT FOR THE COMPLAINT---THAT IS WRONG!!!

I have been reprimanded for customer complaints

NONE WRITTEN

THE ASSISTANT IS NOW GONE...I'M STILL THERE!!!

If I went to a fast food place in a predominantly black or hispanic part of town I wouldn't think they're checking my ID because I'm white.

And if the people behind me didn't get carded I'd have asked them WHY I got carded and they didn't.

I have never been to shy to ask why I have been treated in a disparate manner in a business situation, whether it is due to the way I am dressed, or whether it is due to some internal prejudice an individual may have against me for WHATEVER reason.

Several years ago, in Saks, at the Galleria, I was berated and humiliated in front of a group of customers by a representative in the Credit Office because another rep allowed me to use the telephone for a personal call. I can only surmise the reason I was singled out. In any case, you can be sure that I complained immediately and loudly, and received satisfaction.

Another time, in a restaurant, again in Texas, whether due to my age, or my clothes (gym clothes), I was completely ignored in a restaurant, while customers to the right and left of me, seated after me, were served complete meals before I could even give an order. I stood up, as the manager passed, and said, loudly, "EXCUSE ME. AM I INVISIBLE????" When the manager responded, I stated, "OH GOOD...YOU CAN SEE ME," and I lodged my complaint.

Several weeks ago, I felt I was treated unfairly at Costco, when they refused to take back a defective hard drive WITH a receipt, simply because I had forgotten the CD at home, but somebody next to me returned a similar item, with no receipt, no box, and was given a full refund. I questioned the clerk, and my question/concern was answered to my satisfaction. Sure, I didn't like it, but it was fair, and I accepted it.

If I feel I have been treated unfairly, for WHATEVER reason, I will speak up, immediately and firmly. If there is a logical answer to my concerns, I am certainly adult enough and reasonable enough to accept it, as well...and have done so.

Edited by NoBull, 01 May 2006 - 03:36 AM.

[Nostromo]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

Actually, I will CONTINUE to carry on, since I am well within my rights to do so. If you don't like it, the front door is that way.

Trust me...I'm staying right here.

It's certainly a shame you can't handle somebody disagreeing with your course of action.

Obviously, racism goes both ways.

Actually, I welcome disagreements and healthy debates. You are more than welcome to post here til you're blue in the face.

It was your snide tone[u] and comment that I should save my diatribe for elsewhere that turned me off. Who are you to tell me I shouldn't post here about this topic because you don't like it?

And I don't quite get that "racism goes both ways" comment. I'm POSITIVE that in my prior posts, I never made any racist remarks to you or anyone else on this forum, so what gives?

[ammorgan]

I think what that person was trying to get at is that people of other races can be discriminated against too (ie: white people could be discriminated against by a black person)

[NoBull]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

Actually, I will CONTINUE to carry on, since I am well within my rights to do so. If you don't like it, the front door is that way.

Trust me...I'm staying right here.

It's certainly a shame you can't handle somebody disagreeing with your course of action.

Obviously, racism goes both ways.

Actually, I welcome disagreements and healthy debates. You are more than welcome to post here til you're blue in the face.

It was your snide tone[u] and comment that I should save my diatribe for elsewhere that turned me off. Who are you to tell me I shouldn't post here about this topic because you don't like it?

And I don't quite get that "racism goes both ways" comment. I'm POSITIVE that in my prior posts, I never made any racist remarks to you or anyone else on this forum, so what gives?

I never once said you could not or should not post here, nor would I ever do such a thing. I simply said that I disagreed with the fact that you did not speak up, and that I felt that simply complaining on this message board would not correct any possible problem at that Dairy Queen, if any.

[Nostromo]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

NO BASIS IN FACT FOR THE COMPLAINT---THAT IS WRONG!!!

I have been reprimanded for customer complaints

NONE WRITTEN

THE ASSISTANT IS NOW GONE...I'M STILL THERE!!!

If I went to a fast food place in a predominantly black or hispanic part of town I wouldn't think they're checking my ID because I'm white.

And if the people behind me didn't get carded I'd have asked them WHY I got carded and they didn't.

That's a great point you've made. Will definitely ask next time.

[GEORGE]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

NO BASIS IN FACT FOR THE COMPLAINT---THAT IS WRONG!!!

I have been reprimanded for customer complaints

(no names...no dates...no times...no circumstances)

NONE WRITTEN

THE ASSISTANT IS NOW GONE...I'M STILL THERE!!!

I have ELIMINATED a few people in my store

Including LP (twice)

Various cart pushers

People who worked in departments

VARIOUS ASSISTANT MANAGERS

You don't want to be on my bad side

Edited by GEORGE, 01 May 2006 - 03:42 AM.

[moriah]

Watch every price of every item...THEN GET THE PURSE OUT...look for the checkbook...look for the pen in another pocket...THERE IS A PEN ON THE CHECK WRITING COUNTER ON THAT STRING (IF YOU CAN'T FIND ONE)...WRITE THE DATE...WHAT IS THE DATE...THIS IS TARGET RIGHT...OH WAL*MART...FINALLY ALMOST FINISHED...GOTTA WRITE THAT PRICE DOWN...DO YOU HAVE A CALCULATOR SO I CAN SUBTRACT THE 10 CHECKS I WROTE TODAY...OH MY DRIVERS LICENSE...I GOT IT HERE...JUST BE A MINUTE or TWO...PHONE NUMBER...OK...THE BANK TOLD ME TO LEAVE IT OFF SO I WON'T GET PHONE ADVERTISING...OH THEY DON'T GET PHONE NUMBERS OFF CHECKS??? THEY USE COMPUTER AUTO DIALERS??? I DO WASTE A LOT OF TIME GIVING EVERYBODY MY PHONE NUMBER...

TAKEN FROM TRUE FACTS FROM A LIFE IN RETAIL

(worth repeating)

DRIVERS LICENSE??? OH THAT IS IN THE CAR I WILL BE BACK IN ABOUT 2 or 3 MIN

(or 7 min)

Owch.

One decent thing about Wally World is that all you have to do is sign the check and hand it over -- they will print all the other stuff for you, then give you a chance to verify. (I always use their self-checkouts with my debit card so I don't deal with that... but my sister apparently likes it.)

[Nostromo]

Well, I don't know what to think. Part of me wonders if this was something totally innocuous for which there is a simple explanation. Part of me wonders if it was something more.

On Friday April 28th, I was on my last day of a 7 day trip to Oregon. That afternoon, I stopped into a Dairy Queen in a small town on the coast. Between myself, parents, and people travelling with us, there was always someone who'd wanted some ice cream by the end of the day, and this was my 6th daily stop into DQ's in the area. Each time, I was the one to go in and order while everyone else waited in the car. Each time, I used the same CC to pay.

So I walked in and ordered a blizzard. Grand total: $1.99. The place was completely empy of patrons, except for two older men who came in behind me. When I pulled out my CC, the woman looked it over, then asked to see my ID.

For a split second, I was a little surprised, since I'd never been ID'd at any other DQ's in the area. However, I always appreciate it when someone does ask to see ID and gladly obliged.

A few minutes went by while they made my order, and during that time, the two older men placed their order. They were probably in their late 60's early 70's. Their total came to $18.54, at which time one of the men pulled out a CC. It was a grey card that said "US Bank Platinum".

The cashier took the card and ran it -- without asking to see ID. And that is what's bothered me ever since.

Ever since then, I kept telling myself that she probably knew them. This was a small town afterall. However, every time I think back to their conversation, I don't remember any sort of familiarity between the patrons and cashier.

On the other side of the coin, I'm wondering if a black man with a credit card could have sent off a red flag to the cashier in question.

So now I'm torn. Was going to chalk the whole thing up to perhaps a simple misunderstanding on my part. But now I think I might write a polite letter to the store manager. Explain to them what happened and tell them if it was a simple misunderstanding, they have my apologies. However, if it was perhaps something more, it would be a good idea for the store to enforce whatever CC ID policies they may have, to all patrons.

Anyway thanks for letting me vent.

Why didn't you say something THEN?

Sorry, but I don't have any respect for people who go against their instincts, and THEN complain about it. That certainly is not the way I operate.

I would have complained then and there, and demanded to speak to a manager.

The answer is simple: it really didn't begin to bother me until after we left the store. I have been in situations where I do not have to show ID, even though others may have to (my bank, where the tellers know me by name is a perfect example). Initially, I thought the same dynamic could have been present in this situation.

After I gave it more thought, and really jogged my memory as to the level of intimacy during the conversation between the patron/cashier, then I really began to question things.

FYI: your post was for the most part, helpful. However, whether or not you have respect for me is something I hardly care about, nor is that little tidbit relevant.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Snide remarks are not.

Quite frankly, your whining about this situation AFTER the fact did not invite constructive criticism. Rather, as your post indicated, you simply wanted to vent, and as such, you must expect to have your actions called into question, as well.

A truly proactive individual would have handled the situation on the spot, or, in the alternative, would have ALREADY complained to Dairy Queen corporate, and/or to Visa International, rather than simply "venting" on an Internet message board.

If I feel that my rights have been violated, or that I am being treated in a disparate manner, I handle it. Certainly, this board encourages the sharing of information and experiences, but it appears you have done nothing constructive to address the situation.

The victim mentality just does not play well with me.

"Victim mentality". Whining?

Let me give you a little insight. Getting a possible incident of racial discrimination off one's chest is NOT "whining" as you call it, nor is it playing the "victim mentality".

Sorry to break the news to ya, but racism is alive and well in this country. Complaining it about it, even on a public message board is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

FURTHERMORE...

Everyone "handles it" on their own schedule. Just because you may have assumed the cashier in question treated you in a disparate manner (and would have said something right there), doesn't mean that someone who chose not to is not "handling" the situation.

I have chosen to re-live the events over and over in my mind, to better gain clarity into what really happened. WHY? The answer is simple:

Even implying that someone may have slighted you on racial grounds can have enormous consequences for the person accused of the indiscretion.
Depending on the mood of the store manager, the cashier in question could be fired.

I have worked for years in customer service, and have witnessed first hand employees fired for a letter of complaint -- even if there was no real grounds for the complaint.

THAT SAID...

Racial discrimination comes in all different levels of subtletly nowadays. Rarely do people come outright and put a "No Colored People Allowed" sign on the front door of their establishments (yes, this used to be quite prevelent in case you didn't know).

Nowadays, it's much more subtle. That subtlety could cause me to "see" an act of racism, when the reality of the situation could be a perfectly legitimate explaination.

To give you an example: it's late at night and I'm walking to the corner store for a pack of smokes. A white woman walking toward me on my side of the street, chooses to cross the street. Immediately, my instincts would tell me it's because I'm black. Upon further review of the situation, however, I think to myself...it may be because I'm a man, regardless of the color of my skin. And as we all know, women have to be very vigilant in today's world.

Is that a case of racism? Or a woman who crosses the street for every guy she sees coming in her direction after a certain time of night? In many situations, one will never know the real answer.

Was this just a friendly cashier who recognized a patron? Or a woman who felt that a black man with a credit card must have stolen it?

If someone outright says "I'm sorry, we don't serve black people", your darn right the appropriate action will immediately be taken. A much more subtle incident of possible discrimination..I'm going to think long and hard and really be sure before I make that claim.

And THAT is why I have chosen to really think things over. Sorry I didn't reach my conclusion on your time schedule, but I'm sure you'll get over it.

If you are so truly outraged by what occurred to you,(which you clearly WERE NOT in your first post), then you would have said something either on the spot, or would have already made a complaint to Dairy Queen corporate or to Visa International.

Save your diatribes for Politics First.com.

Actually, I will CONTINUE to carry on, since I am well within my rights to do so. If you don't like it, the front door is that way.

Trust me...I'm staying right here.

It's certainly a shame you can't handle somebody disagreeing with your course of action.

Obviously, racism goes both ways.

Actually, I welcome disagreements and healthy debates. You are more than welcome to post here til you're blue in the face.

It was your snide tone[u] and comment that I should save my diatribe for elsewhere that turned me off. Who are you to tell me I shouldn't post here about this topic because you don't like it?

And I don't quite get that "racism goes both ways" comment. I'm POSITIVE that in my prior posts, I never made any racist remarks to you or anyone else on this forum, so what gives?

I never once said you could not or should not post here, nor would I ever do such a thing. I simply said that I disagreed with the fact that you did not speak up, and that I felt that simply complaining on this message board would not correct any possible problem at that Dairy Queen, if any.

From reading some of the comments here, I will definitely speak up next time-- even if I think it might be a case in which the cashier/patrons knew one another.