Stereotyping Civil Servants

* They’re pushy. They’re stupid. They’re lazy. They’re good at singing, dancing and sports. They can’t do math. They can’t be leaders. Over the years, many have stopped stereotyping groups based on nationality, race and, lately, gender. Some have at least recognized that they should keep such bigoted beliefs to themselves.

But what about stereotyping professions? Recently, in a Social Security office, I listened to the loud complaints of others in the room. “She’s a witch.” “She shouldn’t work with the public.” “She should go home and take a Midol.” And on and on. One by one they went up to the woman at the service counter and didn’t get what they came for. Because she was a rude civil servant?

She didn’t raise her voice--as they did. She didn’t hurl insults--as they did. She didn’t pound her fist on the counter and throw a tantrum--as they did. She just said no. She couldn’t process their forms without the required documents. She explained what they needed to do (as did the form, as did the person on the telephone). But I’ve no doubt that these same people are out there now, spreading hateful, negative stereotypes of civil servants. KARIN R. SMITH

Buena Park