Funda Buthelezi
Google
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern about the incredibly negative experience I encountered while shopping at Circle Market on Christmas Eve, specifically at the location on 1522 St Bernard Ave in New Orleans.
Upon entering the store, I was approached by a lady outside who requested assistance in purchasing alcohol. Despite her appearing somewhat unstable, I decided to extend my help as it was Christmas Eve and I deeply believe in the Bantu philosophy of compassion and kindness towards others. However, what followed within the store was both appalling and distressing.
As soon as I entered the store and approached the employees for assistance, I was subjected to unwarranted aggression and hostility. An elderly man suddenly commenced screaming at me without any apparent reason, to my utter surprise. To compound the situation, two other employees joined in, displaying an attitude towards me as though I had committed a wrongdoing.
This unwarranted confrontation took an alarming turn when I felt threatened by not just one, but three employees. Adhering to my instincts, I took a picture in an attempt to document the incident. Unfortunately, this action only served to further escalate the situation, and it quickly spiraled out of control. I want to emphasize that I possess video evidence to substantiate my claims, if required.
It is incredibly disheartening to assert that the actions and behavior exhibited by the employees on that day, and more significantly, their hostile demeanor towards me, suggest a deep-seated racial bias. These distressing events have left me with grave doubts about the integrity of Circle Market and its employees. The fact that I encountered such unwarranted aggression and hostility on Christmas Eve, a time when empathy and goodwill should prevail, speaks volumes about the management's disregard for customer well-being and the principles of equality.
I strongly believe that individuals who harbor racial biases and display such hostility should not be entrusted with the responsibility of handling and serving food to customers. It is evident that the priorities of the owners of Circle Market lie elsewhere, and they have failed to cultivate an environment of respect and inclusivity within their establishment.
Therefore, I humbly request that immediate action be taken to address this distressing incident and ensure that Circle Market upholds its responsibility to treat all customers with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. Moreover, I implore you to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and take appropriate disciplinary measures against the employees involved. It is crucial that Circle Market demonstrates its commitment to eradicating discrimination and fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.
I hope that my complaint is taken seriously and that this incident serves as an opportunity for Circle Market to rectify its practices and foster a culture of respect and fairness. As a concerned customer who has been a patron of Circle Market in the past, I sincerely hope that steps are undertaken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that my concerns will be addressed promptly and thoroughly. I look forward to a resolution to this unfortunate incident and to being able to return to Circle Market in the future with confidence in its commitment to equality and customer satisfaction.