Hey Mr. Beaner

Discrimination is a topic I do not like to talk about since I have been discriminated against. I had a bad experience at a jobsite where I used to work. I used to work at a stone-works company, granite and marble fabrication and installation. I was in charge of production. “Field-Supervisor” was my job title.
It was one of those regular routine days, nothing special about it, but I was happy because it was Friday. Who does not like Fridays? Better yet, if it was “payday”. I was in a really good mood, but I had no idea what my day was going to be like. I arrived at work as usual, 7:00 am, everything was supposed to be as smooth as a baby’s bottom instead it turned as rough as a grandpa’s hands. I had complied with the company’s policy, (call the customers or contact person a day before to confirm the appointment). I knew the contractors we were doing the job for they often hired the company for stone-works. They both seem to be so nice, especially the lady. I acknowledge she was a very respectful person, the man however was different. I found that out when he made me lived the worst experience of my life. It was back in 2006. I do not remember the exact date, but I know it was when Hispanic people were being called through radio stations to support the “day without a Latin.” A day before I called the lady to confirm the appointment. She said nicely, “I will be expecting you tomorrow.” Since the “day without a Latin” was going on, very few people showed up to work, only the ones that promised to. I sent two guys to the jobsite. When they got at the property I found out that the lady was not going to be able to be there. She had called and left a message saying. “I had to run out somewhere else, but my husband will be there.” In that instant, everything was okay, but when the guys started unloading their tools and stepped into the house. It could have been better to trip and fall down, landing on their nose. They were about to have the worst experience of their lives. This contractor did not allow them to keep walking in. He insulted them, saying.”What are you Mexicans doing here? Go back to your country.” “What the f-word, get the f-word out of here!!!” He had no mercy.
Apparently, he was so furious because other Hispanic workers did not show up to work. Why did he blame us? We were there following our commitment. He was such a irritating fool. I had another perspective about that contractor because I had previously worked with him. When the guys called me I rushed to be there quickly. I thought I would handle the situation, but I was wrong. I was treated as bad as they were. I was so angry I had no doubt of punching him right between his eyes. Because of the company’s ethics, I could not respond to the way he treated us, besides that I was more professional than he was.
We were humiliated and treated like bulls in Spain, then kicked out of the house like a soccer ball. We had no other alternative than loading back the tools and abandon the property, we said, “Vuelve el perro arrepentido, con la cola entre las patas y las orejas caidas,” which means. “Here comes the dog back with its tail between its rear legs and droopy ears.” We consoled each other we raised up our heads and drove away with pride. It was really sad being treated that way. He definitely went over the limit. It did not end there. I knew the job was on the schedule to be done, so I had to call his wife to let her know we were not allowed to work. Soon after he called, who knows what he went through with her, but the job was supposed to be finished that particular day. He called me to apologize about his behavior and whatever else he had said, but he needed us back to do the work. I said, “No way, who do you think you are? First you treated us like criminals and kicked us out like animals, then you are asking us to go back to do the work.” I said, “shame on you, we have dignity.” He did not give up. He called the owner of the company directly. He tried to somehow get us back to the jobsite. By then my boss knew everything about what had happened. My boss called right after they hung up and he said. “I am not calling to compel you guys to go back today, but to let you know that I support your decision, do what you think is right.” Finally, with dignity and self esteem, we refused to go back. He had no alternative than waiting until the following week. When we went back, with a noticeable angry face, he treated us better, of course, whining around for this, and that, and little things here, and there, but other than that, he did not aggravate us anymore.
He might have changed his attitude, but I doubt he changed his perspective about Latinos. The hypocritical look on his face was obvious, although, we can never please everybody. One thing I have learned is that what goes around comes around. I do not wish for him to be discriminated against, but I always say, “Never do what you would not like others to do to you.”