an interesting exchange happened at work today. i was sitting at the front desk (like i always do), reading newsweek magazine in between answer the telephone and other menial tasks. my boss comes up behind me and notices this article, which i was currently turned to (and had just started reading). the article was titled,

HEALTH | TRUE OR FALSE

The Obese Should Have to Pay More For Airline Tickets

my boss read the caption and then began in on a diatribe containing his personal opinion, mixed with certain media coverage that he had seen. within this discourse between my boss, a medical student that was standing at the desk, and myself such terms as gallons per lbs., physics, and utter silence (on my part) were thrown around. that is until someone alluded to the face that weight challenged persons have a difficult time controlling their body odor, and that personal hygiene was also a factor in the decision to prejudice against those who are already stereotyped and persecuted for their differences. that is when i could hold my silence no longer. i said calmly, and in a steady voice (completely opposite of the emotions i was feeling inside of myself), "That is a terrible thing to say." i went on to say that some of my very close loved ones have a personal struggle with weight and i don't care about terms such as physics and miles per pounds, you cannot exclude thae fact that we are talking about human beings, and they deserve more respect and compassion than what was happening in that personal conversation and what is happening in the global industry of flight.
after i voiced my opinion, both my boss and the medical student that was in on the conversation began to try and cover their asses' (so to speak). their egos would not allow them to apologize for their condescension or negativity. they were merely left to struggle with a defense-- lots of stumbling, back-tracking, and ill-logic happened. luckily this discourse happened toward the end of my shift and i was able to leave before having to endure much more negative energy.
as i was leaving work my boss said something along the lines as, "i value you opinion maggie." and under my breath i said something along the lines of, "yeah, i can sure tell."
i was so shaken up after that. left asking questions like, "how do i end up in situations like this, where i must speak my peace or else?" i'm not sure yet the answers... all i can say is there must be a reason...