by prophecor 25 Replies latest jw experiences
I have no problem with car washes; I do always tip when I get a full service wash. But I figure, as long as the workers are paid decently, there's nothing wrong with physical labor.
The shoeshine thing does make me uncomfortable, but only because, like Elsewhere said, it seems kind of like a submissive position. If I were to take off my shoes and hand them to someone to shine, I'd have no problem with that.
I don't know what u are talking about down there in the "Etats Unis" but up here in Quebec we have automated carwashes and our immigrents are on welfare and are better off than me!!
I don't go to the car washes that are by hand...those are way to expensive for me, and few and far between here in my part of Texas. Most of the car washes are those crappy "laser" ones that do a crappy job. I leapt for joy when they built a good ol' car wash that pulls the vehicle through, thrashing your car with those blue raggy things...the only thing the guys do are take my antennae off for me, and if they have time put it back on for me. Well worth the five bucks.
I am not sure why it bothers you any more than going out to eat. The waitors/waitresses are in a "submissive" position are they not? Doesn't bother me at all. I have never had my shoes shined, though...being a chick and never having anything for them to shine hahah. But if I did, and my shoes were dusty in an airport and I didn't want to do it myself, hell ya, I would hop up and ask for a shine...as long as I wasn't wearing a skirt...then I would feel sorry for them
The blue raggy things scratch ur car!! ahhh!!
Here we have touchless car washed... water + pressure!
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My vovlvo can't use the automatic wash as the brushes destroy the wipers on the headlights so wifey gets to wash her own fliver. Have no problem taking the car to a car wash. Did it weekly in Israel as I was expected to wear a suit an have a clean car. There the Ethiopian Jews were the underclass and did the detailing. They were always extremely polite and never missed a thing. Always tipped them given their quality and attitudes.
carmel
I don't think we should pity these workers, but respect them.My sentiments exactly, I think they deserve the utmost respect as they are doing work that ,unfortunately, many Amerikkans find way beneath them. They are dilligent, hard working, and are appreciative of the things that many of us, in this country, take for granted . They are truly ones to be commended. Those who work in the fast food industry deserve a greater degree of respect as well. To put up with a society of impatient hungry people, many who show no consideration or respect for those honestly trying to earn a living, and in many instances have a demeaning attitude towards them.
I polish my own boots..combat not cowboy.
and YES I do feel guilty. I know as mentioned above that by not utilizing the service they provide I actually am hurting the income they have. I do know from experience that it did not hurt my feelings any when I was a waitress and people tipped me well for a job well done. I was there doing that job to make money. So please by all means come in and help me make it thru was my viewpoint....maybe that is how the car wash people feel. I know personally that if it means my family will eat and survive, I would shine shoes before I would go back on government help.
For those with the submissive position....I really am curious if it would change anyones thoughts that are male if the shoe shine person was a women of a varied race? I mean no ill by this question...just curious.
I think all honest work is respectable. And tips to certain workers is appreciated, not taken as a pitiable gesture.
I think attitude during the work is also important. I've never had anyone shine my shoes, so I can't speak of this particular thing directly. And our car washes are automated. But when I hire people to do yardwork or repair work from time to time, I give them a drink, a smile, and a sense of dignity along with their pay. I respect hard workers a lot. There are some professionals I don't respect, for that matter...
bebu
PS: Sparkplug! You're a beautiful person!!! Great pic!!!
I don't worry about the car wash I go to...since our vehicles are 10 years old. I haven't had any problems yet.
I guess it doesn't bother me because I have had a lot of crappy jobs in my past. I delivered newspapers..when I was 12 and when I was in college and a single mom. I have been a waitress, a prep cook, a dishwasher, a janitor, factory jobs, I sold pictures from by walking in office buildings and hospitals (I got kicked out of quite a few, even escorted by security. "Oh, was there a no soliciting sign? I guess I missed it")...whatever it took to feed me and my child. I didn't want any pity, and I suspect most of those working these types of jobs today don't either. Empathy and respect. That and a decent tip. I even tip the Sonic people...a little extra for the ones that rollerskate to the car. They have my utmost respect, since I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.
We really only have automatic car washes here in Australia. But on a lot of corners here, we have drug addicted, dole bludgers (in other words, living on government handouts) buggering you to wash your wind screen.
I got to a stage last year that I was stressing out everytime I came up to a red light, cause often they will wash your windscreen whether you agree or not, and ask for money. I gave one guy a real mouthful a couple of times.
ScrappyKat
