Treat the Janitor the Same as the CEO.

I’ve seen that sentiment quite often, mostly on social media. It’s put out by people who claim that the janitor, or any other hourly employee performing a seemingly menial task, should be treated by the general public the same as a CEO, or presumably any other rich guy. It’s meant to show equality. Or something.

Those saying it are showing how “fair” they are. But I don’t buy it. Because honestly, almost nobody really does it.

How about the people who have lately been posting things about Colin Kaepernick serving burgers at McDonald’s. Or something similar. Forgetting what you think about Keapernick, the obvious take is that working at McDonald’s is somehow not important, or not respectable. Yet I know some of these same people have also posted about the CEO/janitor idea.

Or how about the people complaining about a $15/hour minimum wage? The usual take is (again, McDonald’s) something like: Flipping burgers should give you $15/hour?

Or the people who make fun of Walmart employees, saying they can be replaced by an automated checkout.

Ask yourself this: If you meet a CEO, or a member of congress, or a high ranking official of any type, how do you address him or her? Sir? Ma’am? Or something similar? Probably.

Now ask yourself this: If you engage with a stock boy at Walmart, or a sales associate at Home Depot, or maybe a bartender, or a server, or a checkout person, or a receptionist: do you call them sir? Ma’am? Any label of importance? Probably not.

But  you should. Not everyone can be a CEO. Not everyone can be rich. For some of us, a custodian at Walmart is the best we can do. And we shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Any job, performed with dignity, effort, and dedication, deserves our respect. And you shouldn’t ridicule it.

Next time you ask for help at Lowe’s, be aware of how you address that person. Do you use a term of respect, such as “sir?” If not, then honestly, just admit you don’t think they’re important.

No matter what you post on Facebook.