To the Editor:

The article “Customer is always right” by Jerry Roth, from Oct. 15, is an intriguing insight into our American psyche. The author states he was “outraged” when a doorman at a grocery store failed to greet him. He then continues to complain about a multitude of other customer service-related shortcomings including a cashier who never made eye contact.

Come on, Roth. Honestly, there is a clear lack of excitement in your life. We beg you to come back to earth. The rest of us earthlings reserve our outrage and anger for more noble causes. The genocide in Darfur or the loss of life – Iraqi and American alike – in Iraq are worthy of outrage. Should you expect great customer service? Certainly. But your frustration in the absence of it perpetuates the problem even more.

The cashier is clearly displeased with his job. Roth, in turn, exhibits annoyance that will further exasperate his discontentment. The cycle never ends. Many global conflicts originate from the same irrational deliberation.

The next time you’re not properly greeted, take the initiative to cheer up the doorman by extending a greeting to him instead. Smile at the unfriendly cashier and inquire about his day. Doing so will not necessarily proliferate inadequate customer service. Quite to the contrary, it will elevate your stature and prominence as a human being. Which do you prefer: to be remembered as the angry Rodney Dangerfield of customer service or as the emissary of sociability and friendliness?

Matt JoratDublin, Ohio