Yesterday night I witnessed something that was kind of painful to watch. Not painful physically, but mentally. Maybe I am just over sensitive, but I felt really bad about what I witnessed. I went to McDonalds with a few of my friends, after having played volleyball for a while. We were thirsty and hungry, and were all craving some McDonalds. Long story short, we ended up there.
My friends and I were sitting at a table very close to the line, where you order. I usually pay attention to my surroundings a lot, which is probably why I was the only one of my friends to notice this.
I noticed to men (probably in their 40′s) come into the McDonalds. Each had their son with them, and if looked as if they had just returned from a soccer game. I would say the boys were no older than 7 years old. As their fathers were about to order their food for them, I noticed the two were very excited, as any children is when they come into McDonalds. I then noticed them talking, and these next few lines made me feel really bad for the employees working.
I’m sure you all have seen those small McDonalds donation boxes that are on the counter where you order.
I witnessed one of the boys run to the box, which was full of pennies basically — very small amount of money. He put his hands on the box of money, looked at his friend, and said “This is more money than they make!!”. Who exactly was “they” which he was referring to? Well, he was pointing at the employees that were working. I’m not sure if the employees noticed, as they were busy working away, but I sure noticed. They continued to joke about it for over a minute, and in that minute, I felt worse and worse for those hard working employees.
During that minute or so, I observed the two fathers, to see what their reaction would be. Their reaction surprised me even more. They were laughing at their kids, triggering them to continue. I know some may say, “how are you so sure the two dads were laughing at their sons?”, or something like that. If you were there, and saw the situation from where I saw it, you would understand why I came to that conclusion.
I know to many this may not be a big deal, but it really was to me. The majority of these people who work in McDonalds are hard working, kind people. They continue to work hard to make money and make a living, whereas many others at that point in their life would choose to take another path — possibly one that is considered criminal (selling drugs, etc..). What I am trying to say that is these guys could take the easy way out, but they decide to still make money and a living legally, even if it’s not the life they once hoped for. Yet, they are put down, and even worse, put down by little kids.
Now what this incident made me think of this is this. What do those two fathers teach their children? What kind of household is this? Was that incident just the start of two children who are going to put down people as they did right there, in front of my eyes? Sure, they are kids, but I don’t think that justifies what happened. Their parents could have jumped in, and told them what they are saying is wrong. But nope, not a single word.
Sorry, I just felt like I had to get that out. Occurences like this really bug me. I have the utmost respect to people who work in the lower paying areas, which includes fast food. I’ve never worked in a fast food restaurant, but I can only imagine how I would feel if I heard two young kids make such a comment towards me. Let this be my ramble for the day. Please share what you think about this with me, and everyone else.
Anyone willing to work has to have some respect, but I guess McDonalds has got a bad rep, along with a lot of other fast food places, as being ‘bottom of the rung’.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to work in a McDonalds. When I ask myself why, the only reason I can find is literally for the social reasons. Yet some people need that job as they can’t get others, so yeah it is a bit mean of the kids; yet there are always those kinds of idiots about sadly.
I agree with you Dan. Majority of fast food places have a bad reputation, but then again, it is the only type of job many of these individuals can get.
I don’t think I would work in McDonalds, even right now at the age of 17.
Yeah, always will be individuals like this. It’ll be ironic when one of those kids works there in 10 years.
Hi the Gooroo,
I understand what you feel and I believe we are in the same run on this business undertaking. Those employees that are working so hard for a minimum income should be treated equally. Everyone has their great role no matter how valued you are.
Nice insight.
Thanks Vic. That is exactly how I feel. I’ll give it to the majority of people though, as they are usually very kind to these employees. It’s just the odd person who treats them as if they are nothing.
Everybody is doing his/her job. Everyone should given respect. No job/work is small or good, provided its good as per our law and society. All should be treated equally.
I agree with you fully. No matter the job (given it is legal and follows our societies morals), the individuals performing it should never be put down.
This is the problem we faced daily, everywhere. Whether we like it or not, there’s the thing call society hierarchy — people honoring the best/rich while those in lower levels are being pressed down, further. That’s sad. I agree with Vic, no matter how much/little you earn, everyone should be treated equally. Respect others as individuals but not what they’re working as.
Ching,
I can tell you are a very down to earth individual. I hope that these two children who make the comments will grow up to think like you
The world will be a better place. In my eyes, the whole hierarchy will always be there, and we can’t change that. But just because the hierarchy exists, doesn’t mean those at the bottom of it should be treated worse than those at the top! 
Likewise, Gooroo. I’m glad you brought up some social issues in your blog. Sometimes when we’re too indulge in online tasks it’s easy to overlook some existing problems around us. May we all learn from the story, hopefully be a better influence to our younger generations. ^^ Thank you for this enlightening post. A lesson learned today. Best wishes!
No problem Ching. I like to blog about everything, including social issues. They are a big part of our society, and should not be overlooked. I’m glad you liked the post.
As pathetic as it might be these situations no longer surprise me, especially where I live you see crap like that all the time.
I know what you mean John. I do not see stuff like this too often, but when I do, it really ticks me off.
Whereabouts do you live? I mean, a general location — not your address, hahaha.
Gooroo, what I would say that incidences like these are not essentially exceptional. Lack of respect for people at economically lower level than yours shows that they do not value human race for what it is.
I agree with you completely. Glad to see more people with me. Although they were little kids, I feel that does not justify what they said there.
Yes, its sad but true. The present generation (i am one of them) feels that money can buy them all the emotions needed to sustain in this materialistic world.
I’m with you all the way. It’s really sad when you think of it.
Will definitely visit this site again: )
Great! Looking forward to having you around again.
In India McDonalds is very popular and I think if they will keep a Donation box like this then the amount will be lower than they make..(It’s my thinking)