The Sun
Sunnyvale's Newspaper

Letters

Upscale gift shop let customer down

I am responding to your article of opinion titled "Wonderland became a nightmare" (Dec. 24).

I have shopped at that same type of crowded, upscale gift shop and have also left with an uneasy feeling. When you were describing the store in your article, I knew exactly what you were talking about. I returned home from my last visit to such a shop (and it was my last) feeling that way again. My only explanation to my husband was that surely I must look like someone else that has shopped there that they've come to dislike or distrust.

Was it me those ladies were talking about at the front desk? Whether or not it was, they had better keep their voices down, because anyone else shopping in their small store could hear them loud and clear! In any case, I, too, was very uncomfortable while I browsed around. When I went to have my item rung up, the lady was nervous and flustered and couldn't get me out of the door fast enough. What in the world had I done? And just so you know, I am white.

Maybe it was a racial issue for you; I don't know for sure. But in my case, I think it was gossipy saleswomen, lacking in basic customer relations. There are many other gift shops around with better prices and better service. I'd much rather go where I feel welcome.

Nancy Blodgett
Sunnyvale

Lencioni's piece seemed contrived

I would like to comment on the Dec. 24 article titled "Wonderland became a nightmare."

Perhaps I am just cynical, but it seems Ms. Lencioni's perceived discrimination may be a bit contrived. I wonder if the idea for the article occurred before or after her visit to the gift shop.

From the description, it appears that the shop was a small, intimate place and anyone entering was going to be noticed. Perhaps because she and her companion were speaking in a foreign language, they were noticed more. This does not imply anything nefarious. It is human nature to observe something that appears out of place. Most try to avoid rudely staring, but it happens. I wonder if she might also take offense at being ignored. This could be a no-win situation.

If I were in a similar situation in, say, Mexico City, I would use the language of that country. Even though I look like a gringo, I would try to avoid drawing attention. If my companion did not speak Spanish, I would keep my voice down. I just consider this good form.

I am reminded of an incident that occurred in Macy's at Eastridge. I was waiting behind two other people. The clerk was obviously Latina. When the couple began speaking to her in Spanish, she asked them, in Spanish, if they would mind using English. They did not seem to mind.

I did not find this offensive. Ms. Lencioni would probably write a letter of complaint to the president of Macy's.

David W. Bley
Cupertino

Freedom of speech takes precedence

Dennis Jacobson wrote to the Sun objecting to columnist Ingrid McCleary's quoting the Bible. He says: "As a columnist, she should not be subjecting the public to her personal religious preferences." Why not? Maybe someday Jacobson will come to believe in the "religion" of Voltaire, the champion of liberty, who said: "I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

Robert Thoen
Sunnyvale

McCleary's column is thoughtful and compassionate

Mr. Jacobsen is dead wrong. He advocates censorship. Quoting the Bible is not a reason for tossing this paper in the ashcan. It is my opinion that the only articles worth reading are Ingrid McCleary's thoughtful, compassionate discussions of everyday life here in Silicon Valley. I really appreciate her. She routinely captures the essence of this sometimes boring, mundane existence with flair, giving it new meaning and substance. I noticed that she was absent from this week's publication.

Could The Sun have capitulated to the complaint of one short-sighted curmudgeon? If so, shame on The Sun.

Sarah Broadbent
Sunnyvale

Ingrid McCleary's column runs on an intermittent basis, usually every other issue.

--Editor

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