In 2014, I received what I believe to be an untrue story regarding unethical business practices. The email came from a conservative and appears to have been circulated among other conservatives. Although the story is likely false, it advocated racial bigotry under the premise of information. Here is the first portion of the email:
Subject: Fw: important message about gas pump fraud!
Got this from a email friend today who says……..I ALWAYS check the first gallon before pumping more – simply to MATCH the PRICE (advertised) against the ONE gallon pumped into my car. – I “caught” a SHELL station (here in Mesa, Arizona) that had the price 12 cents per gallon HIGHER than the advertised price on the pump AND the sign out front. – I called the local Department of Agriculture (weights and measures division) from my cell phone immediately – waiting for them to show up. They did, some 20 minutes later. The Department taped all the pumps – stopping ALL traffic from using the pumps. They (two men) checked all 6 pumps, finding them all “rigged” at a higher price (by 12 cents) per gallon than advertised.
PS – That particular SHELL station was being operated by 2 men from India.
WOW! Somehow I believe this. SHOULD NOT DELETE WITHOUT READING!
This is especially prevalent at places owned by foreign born entities.
There are two phrases that advocate racial bigotry: “was being operated by 2 men from India” and “owned by foreign born entities.” For the sake of argument, if the story is true, then the nationality of the owners has no bearing on their behavior. However, the author infers that because they are not born on US soil they are genetically or racially predisposed toward illegal activities. This is racism, not information.
Sadly, many justify their bigotry, deluding themselves into thinking that this is nothing more than recognizing the realities of life. However, if the story is true, the owners’ activity is wrong, regardless whether they are from India, America, or Neptune. The only reason for emphasizing race or nationality is to advocate racism, bigotry, and stereotypes. What’s even worse, is many of those who justify this disgusting practice lament when they are the objects of such judgmental statements.
This type of disgusting — and too often justified — hate is neither ‘conservative,’ ‘Christian,’ nor ‘American.’ It is wrong and I for one do not tolerate it.
