# Fucking Homophobic Customers at Wendy's

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [December 14, 2003, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919 "2003-12-14T08:01:16Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/21 "2003-12-14T14:30:33Z")

</div>

What does a “few pecks” mean?? One quick smooch should have been enough.

A few pecks means that there was substantial leaning over the counter, substantial head movement (back and forth), and substantial showing off ones SO,-- IOW substantial attention drawn.

The counter is for doing business. Take her off to the side of the counter next time and say goodbye in a casual manner, shouldn`t offend anyone.

I too think this particular lady was a stuffy old homophobic cogger.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/22 "2003-12-14T14:40:44Z")

</div>

IT seemed that she was complainng about employees of a resteraunt were kissing, possibly a board of health violation. THe OP assumes that it was a homophobic repsonse but offers no proof in her quoting the woman who just was complaining about the pda.

Homophobic means afraid of homosexuals? Since she came up to you and did make the compliant to you it would seem that she was not afraid of you, who do seem from your actions, seem to be homosexual.

I would suggest that you should look at yourself to see if perhaps you may be overly sensitive to remarks and take them as anti-homosexual when they were not intended as such.

I have found that people who accuse are often guilty of it themselves.

All just my humble O

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/23 "2003-12-14T14:42:24Z")

</div>

What the heck ever. No one really cares about the “professionalism” of a Wendy’s employee as long as they get their food on time. Geez.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/24 "2003-12-14T14:45:02Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by whuckfistle \*  
> \*\*What does a “few pecks” mean?? One quick smooch should have been enough. \*\*

Thank you for telling me what I can and can’t do with my body.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/25 "2003-12-14T14:50:37Z")

</div>

“she was the first person who ever jumped in my face”

Well, count your lucky stars. I am surprised you have gotten this far in life and can make a statement like that. There are quite a few intolerant people out there and many like to spout off.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/26 "2003-12-14T14:51:24Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> Thank you for telling me what I can and can’t do with my body.

And please don’t deficate on the counter, nor uriniate on the pepsi dispenser, and if you don’t mind don’t have anal sex by the front door.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/27 "2003-12-14T14:52:19Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by county \*  
> \*\*"Well, count your lucky stars. I am surprised you have gotten this far in life and can make a statement like that. There are quite a few intolerant people out there and many like to spout off. \*\*

Keep regional differences in mind. I see a good number of same sex couples kissing, holding hands, etc. It’s really no big deal.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![RainbowDragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6a8cbe/32.png) [@RainbowDragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RainbowDragon)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/28 "2003-12-14T15:01:35Z")

</div>

While I have no problems with an occasional PDA across the counter, when it turns into something more involved, THEN there is a problem. You said in the OP that you gave “a few pecks on the lips” and “several minutes of talking and swooning over one another”.

The woman’s complaint was valid, and you mention nothing about her attacking your sexual orientation. She just mentioned she didn’t come to the restaurant to see “people” making out. That doesn’t sound Homophobic in my book.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![El\_Zagna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@El\_Zagna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Zagna)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/29 "2003-12-14T15:53:55Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Upside\_Down\_Amber \*  
> \*\* As I do every night I gave her a few quick pecks on the lips. Now after a few minutes of talking and swooning over one another, _from different sides of the counter_… \*\*

This is quite different from the examples given by **don’t ask**. I’m perfectly delighted to see subtle PDAs and flirting in public. Less delighted when when there are tounges or hands involved. In the case of the OP this was something in between. I personally wouldn’t be bothered by **Amber’s** and **Lola’s** actions unless it was delaying my order. On the other hand, if I were their manager, I would discourage the swooning stuff (regardless of the sexes involved) just because I know that there are a lot of other folks out there that would be bnothered by it.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/30 "2003-12-14T16:03:35Z")

</div>

I’m with the “don’t do it at work” crowd. It’s just unprofessional, no matter the sexual orientation of the people involved. Even at Wendy’s.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/31 "2003-12-14T16:07:52Z")

</div>

Well we’ll call you as soon as they start putting Wendy’s employees in little suits with striped ties and paying them more than 8 bucks an hour. Professional enough for you?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/32 "2003-12-14T16:14:54Z")

</div>

You always need to act like a professional at work, whether you’re in a suit and tie or flipping burgers or digging ditches.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/33 "2003-12-14T16:17:59Z")

</div>

> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by kung fu lola \*  
> \*\*Well we’ll call you as soon as they start putting Wendy’s employees in little suits with striped ties and paying them more than 8 bucks an hour. Professional enough for you? \*\*

So the amount you get paid dictates your behavior?

How pathetic. If I were the manager you’d now be unemployed.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![vanilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f19dbf/32.png) [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/34 "2003-12-14T16:20:25Z")

</div>

Is there anything about this in the employees manual?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/35 "2003-12-14T16:24:48Z")

</div>

Personally, aesthetically, girls kissing would only enhance my dining experience (and I’m a Doper-certified homophobe)…

still it’s not professional behavior

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/36 "2003-12-14T16:35:22Z")

</div>

Professional behavior applies to _all_ jobs. And here’s a clue: If you don’t want to spend the rest of your life flipping burgers, you’ll learn how to act professionally in _this_ job so that if you’re ever able to move to a better-paying job, your employers will figure out that you’ve learned the basics of operating in a work environment and can act professionally.

Crap jobs like this are a great training ground for learning to better yourself. But I guess until you figure that out, you’ll be stuck asking, “You want fries with that?” for the rest of your life.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/37 "2003-12-14T16:43:12Z")

</div>

I’ve been smooched in the work place:

1.0 During the Christmas party.

2.0 Once (in 30 years) in the stock room.

3.0 After hours, when everyone else had left the place.

4.0 In a few daydreams.

But that’s it—kissing is for outside the workplace. Leaning over the counter/desk/lathe/microscope/whatever/ is unprofessional.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![DeaganTheWolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DeaganTheWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeaganTheWolf)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/38 "2003-12-14T16:47:17Z")

</div>

Personally, I couldn’t care less if you gave each other a few kisses. There IS the issue of courtesy though, and one of PUBLIC workplace vs. PRIVATE workplace. You work at the counter? Then you are a public representative for Wendy’s in general. A quick peck is one thing, several are another. If you worked out of sight, and were not expected to be there to service the customer, then it would not have been a breach of courtesy.

For example, I’ve worked in taxidermy, and now currently in special effects make-up. Both workplaces are semi-private and a casual atmosphere. They are workshop environments, and while the public is welcome to observe, we don’t place any specific level of professionalism on the employee’s behavior. At the front counter where orders are taken and received and the gallery of work is on display, a certain level of courtesy is maintained. This means a severe moderation in the swearing, sexual jokes/stories, PDA’s and whatever else is not considered courteous in the workplace. As a counter employee at a food restaurant I would expect you to be there, ready to assist, and not involved in a lengthy PDA.

Lastly, what’s with the defensive remarks, Lola? Nobody gave you an order on how to conduct yourself, or what you could do with your body, merely an opinion.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/39 "2003-12-14T18:12:31Z")

</div>

Remember, this is Montreal. Friends (women, men and women, and gay men) do the little two-cheek kiss to say hello and goodbye. If that would have been acceptable, I don’t see why this wouldn’t have been.

If if had been me and my S.O., I wouldn’t have thought twice about it, and if it had been someone else and their S.O., with me as a customer, I probably wouldn’t even have noticed.

Would this woman have been upset if she had overheard Amber saying “Love you, sweetheart” at the end of a phone call? Because that’s exactly the sort of interaction.

If it had been an open-mouth kiss, I could understand, but we’re talking a one-second exchange that’s about as private and intimate as saying “I love you.”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)
#### Post date: [December 14, 2003, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919/40 "2003-12-14T18:22:19Z")

</div>

The social two-kiss thing is done all over the place, **matt**. And I for one am not saying that’s wrong – heck, I saw it done yesterday between a woman who works in my office and a client. It was a social thing. Which, under the right circumstances, can be acceptable in a business context.

But kisses on the lips are not social and are not acceptable, period. Especially over the counter in front of customers. In the back room with nobody else around, fine. Papa Tiger and I have _never_ kissed hello or goodbye at work, even when we were alone, though; we just don’t feel like that should be done. We also don’t do the “love you, sweetheart” thing because we both feel that’s inappropriate in a work environment.

Obviously, YMMV.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919.md?page=1)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-homophobic-customers-at-wendys/218919.md?page=3)
