Report from the Bahamas by June Jordan

June Jordan's article focuses on the exploitation of workers in the poor countries that wealthy Europeans and Americans vacation to. These workers are making not even half of what their visitors make, yet they work just as hard to maintain their job and please greedy customers. It's so sad to see the way people treat hotel and service workers. Every year, my family spends a week in Mexico on vacation. We have had our time shares for over 50 years and know many of the employees because they have been working at the resort for ages. Last year was my first time going in two years, but I was immediately recognized by the manager, who called me by my name and told how beautiful I had grown to be. It makes me truly sad to think that other people talk down to this man because he isn't American, doesn't speak perfect English, and works for a resort where they are guests. "It's his job to do what I ask and what makes me happy because I'm paying for his salary" is just so gross. People let themselves get wrapped up in the luxury of being on vacation and somehow think that excuses disrespectful, rude behavior.
In relation to women and what we learned about woman's labor last week, I think minority groups and women have similar experiences in the work force. They are both discriminated against and expected to do 'lesser' work that white men simply would not do. Most of all, they are both treated like shit. People talk down to them and think that, because they are minorities and women, that they are there to do what the customer pleases.