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Re:
I guess I can understand that, mariss. I suppose it takes a lot of patience to deal with that particular group of people. But you're right . . . with habits like that, it probably would be best to place this individual into some other line of work, if possible! 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM
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Even though I have become supportive of that class of people after working with a handicapped adult, I would not let people with those habits bag groceries. It is just not thinkable. They would have to find some other occupation for that person, maybe with a caregiver supervising him, although I would hate it. 
posted by
mariss9
on February 18, 2013 at 6:32 PM
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Re:
You appear, lion, to be making a relatively strong case against "Affirmative Action," and I agree! Yes, for many years, certain people from certain groups were discriminated against when it came to employment. But thanks to decrees like Affirmative Action, many companies were forced to hire people from various so-called minority groups, whether they were qualified or not, which isn't right, and isn't fair! And I believe that that was one of the biggest factors that has lead to the overall downfall of our industrial strength as a nation! Thanks for weighing in.
posted by
JimmyA
on February 18, 2013 at 7:09 AM
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Well I think one has to maintain standards, I always feel that the secret of true equal opportunities is to judge people on their skills not their disabilities but by the same measure it is just as discriminatory to employ a disabled person because of their disability and regardless of skills. In this case it seems that, however well meaning, the shop has done exactly that and I think it does nobody any favours.
posted by
lionreign
on February 18, 2013 at 4:06 AM
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Re:
That's true, sam. Like I wrote, his mental condition was not a factor, or the reason for my angst. I would have felt the same way regardless of who was at the end of that line! Gee, a little simple hygiene is the least we should expect from the people who work in a grocery store! I shudder to think of what else may be going on in those back rooms . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:59 AM
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Re: Jimmy
Of course, Naut, because she lives in her own little world, and you are simply not a part of it! Here's a quick story you may enjoy . . . not too long ago, my wife and I were in a similar situation, except that not only were we in an "express" lane, but it was also Cash Only! Hanging from a banner right above the line was a sign that read "CASH ONLY," and right next the register was another sign that read "CASH ONLY!" You'd have to be either blind, or a complete moron not to notice. In the line in front of us was a woman ( gee, what a shock! ) with two or three things, and when it came time to ring her up, she nonchalantly whipped out her credit card with nary a blink of an eye. And praise be to the grocery gods, the cashier actually apologized and told her nicely but firmly that she was simply in the wrong line, and made her step out and go to another cashier! Now, how does that make your day?
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:57 AM
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Re: JimmyA
Really, Wiley? And a net didn't drop down on him and drag him away for using such an archaic term? I guess he got away with it! Yes, retarded people can learn, just like the rest of us! And in this particular case, someone should have pointed this out to this young man a long time ago! Perhaps now . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:49 AM
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Re:
I guess you've been lucky thus far, FSI. Just because you can't or don't see it, doesn't mean it isn't happening! But now that I've planted this little seed in your head, I guess you'll be a little more mindful of who's handling your groceries from now on, huh?
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:46 AM
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Re:
Wow, lustor. I wasn't expecting that! But you're right! I guess it could have been worse! Either way, he wasn't touching my things!
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:44 AM
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Re:
Thanks, chuck. And I know exactly what you mean. When I was a freshman in college, I looked for part-time work, and got a job in the kitchen of a small restaurant. The conditions were deplorable, the antics and lack of cleanliness was almost barbaric, the supervision was practically non-existant, and I quit the same night! Afterward I made sure to tell everyone I knew not to eat there! They closed permanently about a month later! I can't imagine why . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:42 AM
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I don't think you are wrong because I would have done the same! It's not sanitary and the company needs to help them understand this! It would be required of anyone in the workplace in my humble opinion! sam
posted by
sam444
on February 17, 2013 at 10:40 AM
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Re:
Never, C C T! I know of many grocery stores that now require all their workers to wear rubber or latex gloves while handling any type of food, and although they may be a bit cumbersome, they're at least hygienic. Yeah, I too try to avoid the cashiers who seems to be "sniffling" a bit too much, and when you see balls of tissues hanging out of their vest pockets, well . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:38 AM
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Re:
That's what I've always felt, Justi. I know that certain things that come easy and natural for some people must be consistently pointed out to others, and perhaps this is one of those cases. I don't think this particular individual handles any dangerous equipment ( unless he accidentally squeezes a carton of eggs to hard ) but that's probably the least of his worries. I still don't want anyone handling my groceries with "soiled" hands! 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:34 AM
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Re: i have to say that we would have been horrified as well....yes, let the
I'm sure that's true, Kabu. No, I wouldn't have gone so far as to yell at this individual or embarrass him in any way, but I guess I should let the store manager know of his actions. Perhaps a simple "talking to" may suffice . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:28 AM
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Re:
That's all well and good, Against, but I don't think I was "lumping" anyone together with any moniker or judgement. I know there are different forms of mental disease, just as there are different levels of learning disabilities amongst certain people. Like others have mentioned, this particular individual may not even be aware of his actions, or that his actions are deemed extremely inappropriate to others. He needs to be properly taught. As far as his working anywhere, again, I applaud that, and have no problem with any company hiring him or his ilk. But in certain incidences, like this one, I have to look at it from the other side of the coin, and do what I have to do to protect myself and my groceries. Believe me, I would have reacted the same way had the bagger been a Rhodes Scholar who felt the need to engage in such a gross act while handling my things!
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:26 AM
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Re:
Yeah, adnohr, that seems to be the general consensus. I guess that means I'll be talking to the store manager during our next shopping excursion, although I'm not really good at such confrontations! 
Like I wrote, I don't want to get the guy in trouble, but at the same time, it really isn't fair to the other shoppers either! 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:17 AM
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Re: UGH! I would have notified the store manager
No one that I know, Katray! Yes, I did consider going to the manager with this situation, but sometimes I get the nagging feeling that certain people might assume that I'm only "picking on" this individual because of his mental condition, which would not be the case at all! My makeshift solution was to simply bag my own things from this pint on, and hope that someone else catches him in the act and points this out to whomever! 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:14 AM
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Re:
That's probably true, Amanda, but I would have thought that someone would have brought it to his attention by now! Sorry to present such a "gross out" tale, but I can't help wondering sometimes if other mentally challenged people are working in other places doing the exact same thing!
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:07 AM
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Re: You're right... especially if you brought this problem to the attention of
I actually considered that, Ciel, but like I wrote, I don't want to get the guy in any trouble ( although someone should try to break him of this habit, especially if he's going to be handing people's groceries! ) I decided to remain defensive, and only bring it to life if someone was to ask why I consistently refuse to let this individual touch my things!
posted by
JimmyA
on February 17, 2013 at 10:05 AM
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Jimmy
My beef is about people, usually women, who take their fully loaded carts to the check-out marked 'EXPRESS 1-6 items', as happened to me again tonight. I was there with one (1) item, and on top of having way too much, she hauled out a bunch of discount vouchers and had the girl at the cash register sort through them!
And yes, I made some nasty comments, but she seemed oblivious to them...
posted by
Nautikos
on February 16, 2013 at 5:56 PM
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JimmyA
Retarded or not I'd make sure to replace the goods, advise management of that disgusting activity by their employee, I believe retarded people can learn. On that word retarded. A lawyer on CNN last night used that term many times on TV last night, referring to his client. 
posted by
WileyJohn
on February 16, 2013 at 12:47 PM
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No, I do not feel that you are wrong in feeling that way. One of the local grocery stores I go to has the same setup. I have not seen anything to gross me out...
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on February 16, 2013 at 10:27 AM
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you should be glad he wasnt picking something else is all I can say
posted by
Lanetay
on February 16, 2013 at 8:10 AM
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I always say we are lucky not to see what goes on with our food before we have it ready to eat. Better not know or we will starve ourselves. In your situation I would have done the same.
posted by
Chuck_E_Ibrahim
on February 16, 2013 at 2:11 AM
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Well Jimmy sadly many do not follow hygienic rules, I must admit that I try not to go to a checkout it the assistant has a streaming cold and a wisp of a hanky. Nearly as bad as the computer repairer who used the toilet before commencing, after an age came out and did not offer to wash his hands until I pushed a towel into them. Another thing I do not like really is chicken and meat on the line before me it all has to be handled and well one dare not delve too deeply into anything. Don't buy unwrapped loaves.
posted by
C_C_T
on February 15, 2013 at 11:56 PM
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Someone needs to say to the store management that whomever is working in that store should be carefully taught personal hygiene and use it. I don't care if they are handicapped in any sort of way (by the way I think all of us have some sort of handicap) they must be clean and use clean behavior. That in addition to inappropriate is dangerous. He and any of the others are taught to use the equipment to do their jobs then they must be taught to use personal hygiene, including hand washing and antiseptic.
posted by
Justi
on February 15, 2013 at 10:58 PM
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i have to say that we would have been horrified as well....yes, let the
store manager know, better than someone screaming at this person who I am sure doesn't know any better. No one has to cope with that gross behaviour.
posted by
Kabu
on February 15, 2013 at 6:23 PM
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As one who has a mentally disadvantaged brother, I have plenty to say. Just so you don't get me wrong, I can't blame you for taking the actions you did after seeing the bagger's gross hygiene. What I would like to say, though, is that you can't just lump those people together as though they are all like that. There are some who can be taught to use appropriate hygiene. To the extent that some of these people can, the opportunity should be there for them inasmuch as it is appropriate in the first place to even have baggers. But those individuals who cannot follow a hygiene regimen should be let go or not even be put into such positions.
I find it laudable there are some manufacturers or organizations that give the mentally delayed a chance. In my regional area, there is a thrift store, Value Village, that largely employs these people and collects proceeds for the Association of Retarded Citizens.
posted by
Against4WindsOn2Flam
on February 15, 2013 at 5:28 PM
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Yep - I'd do the same. But I too would speak to the manager - maybe the person really is not aware that something is wrong - you'll be doing a good deed all around.
posted by
adnohr
on February 15, 2013 at 3:33 PM
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UGH! I would have notified the store manager
after getting my groceries safely put away! Who would want such hands all over their food?? 
posted by
Katray2
on February 15, 2013 at 2:59 PM
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Jimmy,
That is gross. I would let a manager know. In his defense, sometimes mentally challenged people don't know that they are behaving in an inappropriate way.
posted by
Amanda__
on February 15, 2013 at 12:51 PM
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You're right... especially if you brought this problem to the attention of
store management.
posted by
Ciel
on February 15, 2013 at 11:31 AM
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