Ask DB1: The Worker's Moral Choice
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DB1-
I work in a liquor store in New Jersey where we sell fine wine and excellent beers. But we also sell Red Cups, Ed Hardy Beer, and Ed Hardy Vodka. Thankfully, we do not sell that other sign of the Apocalypse, Ed Hardy Wine.
Now I’m just a worker, not a decision-maker, so if someone asks for any of those items, I have to assist. Yet I feel so dirty for doing so, and I believe that I’m aiding and abetting douchey behavior, but I do need this job. How can I cleanse this from my soul, while keeping my job?
(No name, please. I seriously need this job.)
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You are a secondary purveyor of douchal echo, NNPISNTJ. So I’m willing to forgive in that you are working at a more general establishment, a liquor store, and not a prime nodal douche-point (Axe Factory, Ed Hardy Clothing, etc.). Therefore, there is hope. You can still do good from within by guiding your customers away from such tainted product purchase.
As detailed in Kevin Smith’s Clerks, workers make a voluntary moral choice when choosing to be employed. That being said, the difference between working for evil or nefarious forces such as the Empire, or a douchey Jerz liquor store is legitimate.
Be strong. For you can still become a ‘bag hunter.
