To the Customer I’ll Never Forget
(And Everyone Else Who Decided the Pandemic Was the Perfect Time to Unleash Your Inner Asshole)
It was August. The air was warm with a tantalizing tease of a summer breeze. I had only been working my new job for a few weeks when I was graced with your presence. Our eyes met and I flashed you what smile I could, but my mask covered most of what I was trying to communicate. I saw the ferocity you exuded as you tried to haphazardly bulldoze past me, the camping equipment you so desperately desired could not have waited for my 30 second spiel I was required to give you.
Little did you know, I was not personally out to get you. I was not standing in the blazing sun for eight hours, making minimum wage, because I was out to get you. I gave that spiel to everyone. It was my job. After you finally complied and listened to me, it only took you seven seconds to begin screaming at the top of your lungs to the complete stranger who simply had to tell you to wear a mask and social distance. Unfortunately for you, you got banned from the store, and that “little girl with the stupid liberal agenda who is going nowhere” is now the lead of her department, in under a year might I add.
I know this was the worst encounter I had at work during the pandemic. But I sit here in the dark of what was 2020 trying to figure out what went on in the heads of many. Millions of people excused their blatant disregard for human life. We decided that the same people who test and produce information that we have trusted for years are suddenly not only out to get us, but were personally trying to trick the entire world.
I’m writing this from the bedroom that’s slowly become my safe haven from the excruciating experiences I’ve been subjected to as a result of Covid-19. I’ve worked as an essential worker during this pandemic for almost a year at this point. As of June 2021, it’s somewhat safe to say this may not be as applicable than if this were June 2020. Nonetheless, I sincerely fear for some of you on a human level.
This was unprecedented. This was a global pandemic. This was, for some, a nightmare.
This pandemic was not fake. This pandemic was not a conspiracy theory. And, this pandemic was not an excuse for you to be an absolute dick.
This letter goes out to every person who decided other peoples’ safety wasn’t important. I hope you understand your actions had consequences. Those parties you had to have led to the death of someone’s grandparent. The vacations you had to take was the reason that women who were giving birth, had to wear a fucking mask during the most painful thing a human can experience. The friends you had to see every weekend despite the restrictions is the reason we are still in the pandemic.
Frankly, there’s only two explanations for this behavior. And if you’re outraged by what was written in this letter, this question is perfect for you. Were you just too stupid to actually understand what was happening, or did you just not give a shit about other people?
Sincerely,
Just another enraged liberal.
P.S. If you are still outraged with this, re-ask yourself the last question until you figure it out.
