Will We Ever Put A Stop To Classism?

Portia Lightfoot
Sep 2, 2018 · 3 min read

2 days ago, Fox News posted a story on Twitter after actor Geoffrey Owens was spotted working at a Trader Joe’s grocery store. The headline read,
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s. Let me tell you, this tweet wasn’t well received.

People who work in the entertainment industry started sharing their stories about how they had to take on jobs to support themselves, working in some form of retail or bagging groceries as well.

Justine Bateman, who is a writer, director, producer, and actress, as well as the older sister of Jason Bateman also tweeted to speak out about Fox News tasteless tweet. Her response was this,
“So, after 26 years after one TV job, this guy looks differently (shock) and is earning an honest living at Trader Joe’s. The people taking his picture and passing judgment are trash.”

So, now we have to talk about when will we stop judging people who work different jobs than us, who make a lower wage, and who might not live in a great looking apartment. What’s wrong with bagging groceries? What’s wrong with being a dog walker? or a nanny? What’s wrong with working at Starbucks? or H&M? (okay, H&M might not be the best example considering their recent controversy earlier this year, but you get where I’m going here.

I’ll tell you what’s wrong with all of those things. Absolutely nothing. Classism sucks and it needs to be done away with. A lot of people believe that if you don’t have nice clothes, shoes, or if you have a job making less than $70k a year you’re less than them and this level of ignorance needs to stop.

Let me tell you a little bit about Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s is a good company to work for you want to get back into retail. Have you ever walked into a Trader Joe’s and experienced a bad attitude? I know I personally haven’t and I’ve been to a couple of different ones in my area. Even the one on 72nd and Broadway in New York City and that particular one is a madhouse. And yet when you walk in there every cashier or employee working the floor has a smile on their face and doesn’t mind helping you if you’re in need of assistance.

Crew members (which is what they call themselves) at Trader Joe’s receive health care only after 3 months of working there, this includes medical, dental, and vision. Crew members also make anywhere from $10 to $24 per hour, and employees who excel every six months receive raises. I’m not saying that Trader Joe’s is perfect and like any job, they’re going to be some issues, but a quick google search, or even speaking to some of the crew members who work there will tell you its a nice environment to be in.

Geoffrey Owens is not a struggling actor. He’s an actor with a side job, which is completely fine. There there’s nothing wrong with having a second job. Owens also teaches Shakespeare and was on Broadway. He’s more than a Trader Joe’s employee. He’s an actor and a teacher, who’s just minding his business and living his life. So let’s all do the same and stop judging others. Can we stop caring if people are lower, middle, or upper class? Because at the end of the day It’s all about the type of person you are and the type of person you choose to be.

According to Dailymail.uk, a woman named Karma Lawrence is the person who snapped the photos of Owens and said these words,
I used to watch The Cosby Show all the time; it was my favorite show. It was definitely him.

‘I would have thought after The Cosby Show he would maybe be doing something different.

‘It was a shock to see him working there and looking the way he did.

‘It made me feel really bad. I was like, “Wow, all those years of doing the show and you ended up as a cashier.”

I just have a few words for Karma Owens, be humble because you wouldn’t want anyone judging you while you’re in your place of work. I’ll just leave it at that. On a happier note though, seeing people standing up for Owens left and right, and seeing the support that he’s receiving would bring a happy tear to your eye.

Portia Lightfoot

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Writer with a lot of thoughts| Gamer | Animal Lover