What A Diabeetus, Part 7
Adelaide, Australia, Health & Body, Instant Karma, Jerk, Kiosk, South Australia | Right | August 1, 2018
(I work as a supervisor in a kiosk at a sporting complex. This happens during our rush when I am at the other end of the kiosk. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was two, for eighteen years now.)
Customer: “I would like to talk to the supervisor.”
(I turn and see [Coworker
#1 ] waving me down.)
Me: “Sir, I am the supervisor here; what seems to be the problem?”
Customer: “Do you have any drinks that are sugar-free? I’m diabetic and I can’t have sugary drinks.”
Me: “We have Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and water, sir.”
Customer: “Nothing else?”
Me: “I’m afraid not, sir.”
Customer: “You should have other sugar-free drinks! This is discrimination against me; you’re discriminating against diabetics.”
Me: “Sir, I can assu—”
Customer: *cutting me off* “Do you know what it’s like to have diabetes?”
(He launches into a rant of rhetorical questions about having diabetes. It lasts a couple of minutes, drawing the attention of everyone in line. I haven’t been able to get a word in since he started, but I can’t serve the queue until he is finished. So, I wait for him to take a breath.)
Customer: “And you don’t know what it’s like to have diabetes. I’ve had it for five years; I deserve some respect for that, but no, there are no sugar-free drinks because you don’t know.”
Me: *with a slightly raised voice* “I’ve had it for eighteen years.”
(He freezes, and it’s like the entire queue holds its breath as I smile and continue.)
Me: “Now, is there anything I can help you with today, sir?”
(He shakes his head, looking meek.)
Me: “Very well. The register is right behind you, and I hope you enjoy the game.”