Immigration, English and the Drive-Thru
Tags: Life, Make Money, Opinions
Why It’s so Hard to Get My Order Right
Living in Arizona means living with a large population of immigrants. Especially Mexican immigrants. Now I have no problems whatsoever with people coming over here to improve their quality of life and to send money home to their family every month. I think that is one of the noblest things a person can do, risk everything of themselves to provide for the ones they love. I don’t even have a problem with the ones who come over here illegally.
America doesn’t make it very easy to receive green cards, and some people cannot wait through the entire application process before coming over. To the people who can make it over here safely, good for you. Welcome to America!
The Problem
The one thing I do have a problem with is the fact that people who immigrate to the US and take jobs where their main duty is to talk to other people and they do not speak or comprehend much English. Maybe my bigger problem is with the people who hire them to work at the counter, or work the drive thru, answer the phones, or anything else that requires spoken English and comprehension. When I go to a fast food restaurant, I want to be able to tell the people on the receiving end what I want without having to repeat it multiple times just for them to get the order wrong anyway.
My Questions
Does it pay less to have a different position within that company where you do not have to have conversations with the customer? Why would the manager think that is good for business at all to let them be on the front line of it all? If they want to employ these people, then can’t they at least provide them with English classes? I happen to think that’s a great investment for an employer. Train them, help them out, and in return be rewarded with that employees loyalty.
Blame The Companies
Unfortunately, I don’t think any major companies really give a crap about their employees or level of customer service. They throw anyone they can into these positions hoping to save a buck or two, even if the person is far from qualified. If that person ends up being under qualified, they throw them out and bring in the next guy. No wonder why every time I go to the same restaurant, the faces are completely different.
It is true that a few companies do care about their customer service levels, but a lot more don’t. It makes me wonder what really happens to those “Give Us Your Feedback” cards they let you fill out…I have a feeling they get tossed with the leftover fries come closing time.
The Situation
It’s easy to point out these problems, but I imagine that it is a lot different when you view this from someone in this situation. Being new to the country, it is most likely very hard to find positions you are qualified for. I am planning on traveling a lot next year and hope to work to support myself during the trip. So I may just find myself in this same situation.
However, if I get a job in a country where English is not the national language, I will try not to get a job where I have to speak to people. The last thing I would ever want is to be in Italy, working in a Pub or Restaurant and not be able to understand what my customers want. I understand that my options are either:
a) learn the language beforehand
b) do not apply for that job.
But who knows, it may not be that easy. But I will find out, sooner or later.
Anyone else been in a similar situation? If so, feel free to leave a comment.
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You can also wonder if the great English Speaking kids that are too good for the job have anything to do with it also.
The one thing I do have a problem with is the fact that people who immigrate to the US and take jobs where their main duty is to talk to other people and they do not speak or comprehend much English.
Of course it is not all ethnocentric or xenophobic to concentrate on someone of Mexican heritage not speaking English right? Perhaps English speakers are at fault for being stubbornly unilingual.
Renees latest blog post..Amanda Beard: PETA and Olympic Pussy Pimping
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Thanks for pointing that out, I think it is a great point. Almost all of the people I know from outside the US speak more than one language. However, I know very few English speakers that know another language. I learned a very little amount of Spanish in school, but not nearly enough to actually hold a conversation.
The real point I wanted to make, is why don’t companies spend a little money to help their employees? If you are going to put someone in a position that speaks to customers on a day-to-day basis, why not help them be the best they can at it?
I think this is a very good point. People love to point the blame at those working the jobs, but no one ever points the finger at the companies that hire them. Why shouldn’t they offer employees classes to help them do their jobs?
I know that living in a big city like I do in Canada we have the same problem. I am all for people trying to make a better life for themselves but speaking English should be a requirement if you are going to work at such a public place like that.
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Great points. I can relate since I live just north of the border.
Very funny and I agree, but it’s obvious that you don’t live in South Phoenix. Just head down Central Avenue to Broadway or Southern….the only signs written in English are the city street signs. Most every business sign is written in Spanish. There’s not much difference between South Phoenix and Nogales, Mexico….chickens running across the street, people riding donkeys along the side of the roads, and very few people who speak English. If you have nice rims on your car, don’t stop in South Phoenix or they’ll be gone in less than 30 seconds.
It’s always difficult to get accostomed to a new place of living or new people surrounding you. But it’s a school for a person. The changes of conditions causes the changes of you character.
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