Line Cutting at Ranch 99 Supermarket

From Michie, Ranch 99 Northern California, USA

Basically this happened to me multiple times already. I would be standing there behind the glass display window waiting patiently for one of the butchers to become available (i like to order those minced pork for soup), as they are usually helping someone already. And almost every time, when a butcher does become available and start asking in general what he can do to help, I would get cut by someone, who completely ignores my existence (99% of the time it would be an older asian lady, not to be racist or anything). And it's not like I am not making it obvious that I am standing in line. I stand pretty close to the display window and not really on the side either. Plus it's not like I am holding anything that would make them believe I had been helped already. In general, I think older asian females have no regards for lining etiquette.

Their mindset is push push push, let me get in front, they have no patience at all. Most of the time, I would let the person who cuts me go ahead cuz I am not in a hurry. But one time I was in a bad mood and I actually spoke up. I said to her firmly, "excuse me, I believe I was in line first." Then I made eye contact with the butcher and proceeded with my order. It's not a big deal but it's just one of those small things that make your day a little worse.

In comparison to some of my experiences in American supermarkets such as safeway, such a big difference. I had gotten multiple offers at Safeway by someone to let me go first because I only have one or two items. I never got that offer at a ranch. I mean I am chinese too and I really hate the idea that chinese people tend to be more rude/selfish than your average Americans. I thought about this a lot actually, trying to rationalize this phenomena. I am not sure if I am right or not in my theory, but I believe chinese are this way because back in the days in China, they didn't have enough to go around so they always had to fight for things/goods, etc. There is this whole hoarder mentality in their head. Oh just in case there's not enough, I better claim more or be the first in line to get stuff. I know many older asian people who just hoard things like crazy... so much stuff at their houses.. it's like you can shop at their house!

It's not just you.  I've seen it happen at the Ranch 99s I visit as well and it's not just old ladies but middle aged ladies and older men too.  They tend to do what's convenient for them thinking they have the right not realizing others are pressed for time too but are willing to wait their turn.  I'm only giving them a 1 shameless-ness because I too believe it's the culture that made them this way and hopefully with the next generation, this line cutting issue phenomenon at Asian markets would be occuring less.

1/5 Shameless-ness