http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120778656388403417.html

A friend of mine suggested once that it should be required of all people to have a job serving people. This friend believed that if all people could understand what it’s like, they might treat people that serve them better. (Serve as in restaurants, as well as *any* type of “Customer Service”) I viewed this as a bit flawed, since not all people are alike, and I doubt it would make a difference to most people in the slightest. Because people are jackasses.

What I wrote in the Snobby Atheism part about Karma might apply to something here, too. I never understood those who are rude or arrogant towards people who serve them in shops and places. I might be arrogant, but I am arrogant equally to all. But if I do get served, that person is worth to me much more than a guy with a 2000€ suit in front of me. Still I try to treat the guy in the suit in the same manner as the person who is kind enough to sell me beer.

Actually that guy is more likely to start some annoying shouting over nothing and bothering and delaying my calm beer-purchases on me way to home than the person behind the kassa. I never understood why people expect _better_ service if they shout? I used to work in a cafe, and if you would start being an arsehole, boy, it takes quite a long time to serve that cold coffee. Yes, I am too dumb to serve it to you hot. I don’t mind re-doing it 7 times. Do you mind waiting to get the coffee when your friends are already leaving? On the other hand, I would not get fired if I behave like an arsehole towards an arsehole. That’s Europe, baby.

When getting served, rule number one. If you forget everything else, the only rule you need to remember: Never ever ever ever f*ck with the person who serves your food/drink/anything that requires preparing or has to be fetched from the back room.

Besides, it is way too complicated to start any prejudices towards people who speak to you. Before you prove to me that you can discuss about world history, religions, philosophy, physics, chemistry I will treat you the same way as everyone else. Friendly, but I don’t expect much.

It’s easier than to start thinking “am I above or lower than this guy? Hm. My clothes are nicer, but he has A Brief History of Time in his hands. Oh, and he has a paintbrush sticking out his backbag, but I have a camera.” Too difficult. Treating everyone the same is the easiest way. Plus you get some interesting responses from time to time when you are the only smiley, happy and polite person the whole day. (Next time in any govermental office, go to the clerk and say “How are _you_ on this glorious day?!” You’ll be out in 10 minutes + the chit-chat time and the official will get you all the forms you need in no-time and gives you a little inside how to fill the form for better results.)

And treating everyone the same friendly way you hear much more interesting stories. I don’t like to give 50 cents to a beggar on the street. I don’t want to buy my place in Heaven for 50 cents. That’s arrogance. Besides, it’s difficult to see who sleeps on the streets and who sleeps in bed. In some areas begging is quite lucrative business. Rather, I buy you a pint and you tell me stories of your life. I’m sure your life has been much more interesting than someone’s who’s parents decided everything for him. That way you get something that is worth more than 50 cents and I become more rich than I already am. Win-win situation.