Episodes of Tolerance and Intolerance

AmadeusApple · May 05, 2010, 01:18 AM

You know those moments, that you run across someone that expresses tolerance or intolerance about mental disorders.
Probably the intolerance more than tolerance.
But those times that you just have to talk about what a jerk the person was.

Like this story, for example:

I work technical support, phone technical support for a particular company.
One time I got a call, I don't remember the guy's issue... but he had been to one of our stores, and he ends up going on a ramble about how there were tech people working there that had autism (or Asperger's) and that they shouldn't really hire people like that because they can't communicate well enough to work with people.
I look back and know what I should have said, but I was just so taken aback I threw the general, "I can understand how that would be frustrating," canned response.

But what I really should have said, "I can understand how that would be frustrating (required empathy). We here at (company) are proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer, though," and then probably something about apologizing for the frustration he experienced, general required stuff, too.

May 05, 2010, 12:25 PM

Some people just cannot help feeding their egos.

Perna · May 05, 2010, 12:28 PM

I would have had to get sarcastic and express surprise about how they could know the technical people so well as to know their health status.

AmadeusApple · May 05, 2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perna

I would have had to get sarcastic and express surprise about how they could know the technical people so well as to know their health status.

Oh, how true that.
If the call got monitored though, I'd get in big trouble.
We pride ourselves in our customer service.

And generally I'm fine with that, but you run across the customers you just want to beat...
Like the guy who said, "You aren't one of those Mormons, are you?" when I said I was in Utah.
Another example of intolerance there, eh?

AkAngel · May 05, 2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmadeusApple

he ends up going on a ramble about how there were tech people working there that had autism (or Asperger's) and that they shouldn't really hire people like that because they can't communicate well enough to work with people.

I know what you mean sir, it's not like this in Kabul at all, you Americans and your Equal Opportunity Act...quite different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmadeusApple

Like the guy who said, "You aren't one of those Mormons, are you?" when I said I was in Utah.

Heck no sir, I'm athiest through and through.

AmadeusApple · May 05, 2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkAngel

I know what you mean sir, it's not like this in Kabul at all, you Americans and your Equal Opportunity Act...quite different.

And of course, how foolish of us to, oh... give equal opportunity since it apparently offends your sensibilities.

Quote:

Heck no sir, I'm athiest through and through.

Heh, all I said was, "Um... no..."
And then he rambled about how reclusive Mormons were when he lived in Utah.
And I just am going "-_- Uh huh..."
*sigh* Some people...

May 05, 2010, 07:50 PM

i think it's great that your company would hire people with autism and asperger's. ohh, i bet you work for apple. i'm a macgirl...and i want one of those new iphone's that got leaked.

Gabi925 · May 08, 2010, 01:12 PM

I am smiling thinking of your tolerance.

ruffy · 07:44 PM

Makes one wonder what your customer would have said if you'd replied, "Well yes, actually, I am a reclusive, autistic Morman from Utah.....How may I help you?" Tee Hee

I serve at my church, and see the same discrimination towards people with mental and physical disabilities. At church of all places!!!! They dont know I have a mental illness, but I serve in a leadership position and I fight this kind of battle all the time. I make it my mission to let the so called NORMAL people discriminate and then eat their words when I let a person with mental or physical limitations serve and suceed in doing so with just as much ability or more, as the one who was doing the discriminating. I dont even have to say a word. They look, they see, and hopefully learn.

NuckingFutz · May 16, 2010, 10:10 PM

This intolerance is just their ignorance all dressed up with a silly bow on it. I worked really closely with a girl all summer once. Our boss had a son who was bipolar and told me some pretty awful things he had done and how awful bipolar people were. Had to cover my mouth in mock surprise so she would not see my true expression. There was also a man looking for help because he thought his wife was bipolar. Because of this he had to lock himself in his own room. Now there is a warm cozy feeling. Hey, I want a partner like that! Grins

May 17, 2010, 08:12 AM

I abhor intolerance--hey, that's being intolerant; isn't it?
I try always to just hide my true feelings when someone expresses their intolerance.
It's just sheer ignorance to judge others on basis of religion, mental status , etc..
It's all just ignorance--and I feel stongly that if everyone were to just learn more about others and their belief systems; they would learn to be tolerant-----theo

Postscript: I realize I just echoed NuckingFutz's reply. Sorry 'bout that---I guess we feel the same way on the topic.

sabby · May 17, 2010, 09:00 AM

Isn't it something that not only do you have to do your job as a CSR, but you are also a sounding board for people's ignorance/intolerance. Welcome to the wonderful world of CSR work eh? *sigh* Been there with you, and it's really hard some days.

One thing I could think to say to someone like that, and hopefully not get into trouble in saying it -

"I'm really sorry you had such a hard time dealing with that".

In fact, what I would mean by that is "It's your intolerance/ignorance that put you in that position" LOL I'll bet it would slide by most folks as you sounding concerned and validating