Comments on: You’re All the Same to Me

By: Carla

Carla — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 19:10:43 +0000

It’s nice that you don’t discriminate, but read some of the posts by your fellow restaurant server bloggers. Many admit to instantly “sizing up” customers based on race or ethnicity. I doubt that means they put ‘em in the crappiest seats in the house, but it does indicate that some restaurant workers immediately stereotype based on physical characteristics.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:57:25 +0000

I’ve never understood what the big deal about seating in a restaurant is all about. When I go out to eat, it’s usually with my son, or with friends… people I enjoy the company of and will spend the next hour or so eating and talking and paying very little attention to anything going on around me in the restaurant. The only time I think I tend to notice my surrounding is when I’m seated near a table with screaming children. Even then, I don’t blame the hostess or anyone associated with the restaurant for this… I blame the parents who either can’t (or won’t) control their children. Seems some people just aren’t happy about anything. Where they sit for dinner should be the least of their worries.

By: saltymissjill

saltymissjill — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 16:16:49 +0000

People are going to be treated based on their appearances and mannerisms (sometimes percieved) as long as we live in a society that outwardly DOES make judgements– based on a long history of race-, sex-, class- and every other ‘ism’.
Living in the society we do, it has become part of our collective subconcious. Continuing to re-examine our beliefs, perceptions and actions towards others is what brings these notions to the surface, and only then can we begin to overcome stereotypes. Those people who complain about others having ‘a chip on their shoulder’ probably haven’t been outwardly discriminated against…or if they have, it is in reaction to their perceived status in society.

Anyways, damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Thanks for being concious and a thoughtful person, Restaurant Gal! xoxo

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:48:03 +0000

Well, YOU know you’re just trying to be a good and considerate host. Try not to worry so much about what people might be thinking. If someone wants to get their feathers all ruffled over some perceived insult, it’s not your fault. Personally, I think it must be a sucky w\ay to live, to always have to be on your gaurd like that, when in fact the vast majority of people aren’t even giving you a second look.

By: LB

LB — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:08:39 +0000

Unfortunately, I think this sort of thing has become commonplace these days. Everyone is so afraid of discriminating, yet they are paranoid about being discriminated against at the same time. I think you’ve been doing it right and you just have to let the nagging doubts go and continue to be your wonderful, considerate self. You can’t please all the people all the time, but it seems that you do a dang good job of coming close.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 18:53:57 +0000

Middle daughter works in the industry. She tells many tales of exactly this same thing happening.

I call it the Chip On Shoulder Syndrome.

They REALLY need to get over themselves!

By: Mukta

Mukta — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:34:47 +0000

I really want to eat at your restaurant now. Of course, I’ll need to make quite a long trip, considering I’m in India but…You come across as very considerate. And as for the couple, well, that is just their way…Who knows, right about now, they may be strongly recommending your restaurant to their friends and family.

By: jenni

jenni — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:11:04 +0000

i am in my early 20’s. i wish i could come to your restaurant. Every one i go to here seats me next to the bathroom/kitchen. i assume i don’t look incontinent, so it must be because they feel i won’t spend much money or leave a decent tip. i personally consider the seats by the bathroom(and frequently the kitchen) are the worst in the house. any advice to keep this from happening?

By: haru

haru — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 06:14:45 +0000

the thing is– all of those people may think those things, they just might not speak out against it. when something does occur to you constantly in a subversive way, which racism does, you do start to grow paranoid about it. then you start to see it where it isn’t– and that only compounds people’s beliefs that people of that minority group are just being oversensetive. it’s always interesting to see people be utterly dumbfounded by these accusations that seem out of the blue. kind of brings the pervasiveness of racism home. when you’ve experienced it so much that you’d assume that’s the simple explanation than something, it’s unnerving.

By: Zazzy

Zazzy — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 04:11:45 +0000

I use a cane and I can tell you I’m very appreciative of the host who recognizes that means I cannot easily walk as far. I have issues with those who don’t appear to notice and take off running to the farthest reaches of the restaurant. It seems to me you are trying to be helpful when you can be.