What would you do?

Rickypt · #1 03-07-2007, 10:44 PM

I'm on a work trip. This afternoon, I took a train from the airport to downtown. On this trip, the conductor engaged in conversation with some regular riders and they started talking movies. Somebody brought up Brokeback Mountain and the conductor started making antigay comments and gestures (the stupid waving of the hand, and saying things like "I don't play that").

At the end of the ride, I jotted down his name and the train number. I'm now debating whether or not to make a complaint. None of the conversation felt threatening and the comments weren't really hateful. On the other hand, I feel I have a right to enjoy a train ride without listening to antigay banter from the paid staff.

So, do I let it go or make a complaint?

What I wish I had done is gone up to the guy and said something directly to him.

michelle2677 · #2 03-07-2007, 10:53 PM

I would most definitely would say something. But I agree with you at the end-it would have been so much sweeter to say something to his face. It's always hard coming up with that perfect comment in the heat of the moment. Now, yeah, you're going to turn him in-but will anything happen?? who knows.

In the future you could say (to the guy) " you should probably pay attention to the people surrounding you before you decide to make rude and nasty comments such as the ones you have been saying" then you can flip your hand down and say "I don't play that"

sorry you had a sucky time. some people, honestly, just don't think.

amber · #3 03-07-2007, 11:37 PM

You should have hit on him. Oh, sweet. *insert evil laugh*

Was he actually saying anti gay things like "gay people are bad, etc etc." or was he making jokes?

He shouldn't be making prejudiced comments in public as a driver. Simple. I think you should call about him.

Beachwood Mac · #4 03-07-2007, 11:55 PM

You should report him. Hopefully the company has some kind of sensitivity training and at the very least it may make him think twice before making comments like that in public.

DavidMn · #5 03-08-2007, 12:10 AM

I wouldnt blame you at all for reporting him. But me personally, I just ignore that kinda stuff. I consider it beneath me

gldstwmn · #6 03-08-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachwood Mac

You should report him. Hopefully the company has some kind of sensitivity training and at the very least it may make him think twice before making comments like that in public.

Exactly.

His freedom of speech rights only go so far on the job, especially if he works for public transportation!

sparky · #7 03-08-2007, 12:53 AM

I probably would have called him on his ****. I'm bad like that.

BTW, your location is a rip roaring riot, man.

BlackWidow · #8 03-08-2007, 01:13 AM

I would have called him on it right then and there..and remind him this is SAN FRANCISCO! If he was rude about that..then report his ass!

Rickypt · #9 03-08-2007, 10:57 AM

^^It's not San Francisco, it's your neck of the woods. Train from Burbank Airport to Union Station.

I reported him on the Metrolink comments page. He didn't make hateful comments, more like high-school humor. But I was uncomfortable the whole time, waiting for worse comments.

Rickypt · #10 03-08-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

BTW, your location is a rip roaring riot, man.

Please don't tell Papa I haven't found her.

michaelD · #11 03-08-2007, 11:15 AM

I would report him, but it's your word against his....
They might say something to him, but it won't be anything major.

strandinthewind · #12 03-08-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickypt

. . . What I wish I had done is gone up to the guy and said something directly to him.

I have done that countless times. It usually is never in a finger snapping pissy way. Just, "hey I do not appreciate that because I am . . . . " They almost always apologize.