Perky Black Folk @ The J.O.B.

[Admin]

Fam, I have noticed that the “Perky” Black folks at my job seem to get the love when it comes to better jobs raises and shyt. Now, I’m not hating, hell I fall into that category. I smile and hey hello to folks who don’t even speak to me or know I’m walking behind them. LOL

What brought this to my attention is that fact that I ran into a sista the other day who was mean mugging as she was walking towards me. She had her head down and did not see me, so I spoke to her. Well, she immediately put on her Perky face and lit up like a Xmas tree and gave me a Kool-Aid smile and said hello Marcus, how are you?

After I said I was fine, and she passed me by, she returned her face to mean mug mode. I thought to myself that she was a good actor. Have yall noticed this at your jobs/ or are you one of the Perky folks?

I know it’s border line “Uncle Tom” or “StepInFetchIt” shyt….from back in the day, but does that dollar and chance for advancement make us sell out for 40 hours a week?

In other words, if she was feeling bad, she could have told me or gone home. Why pretend to be Perky?

I certainly have keebler co-workers who do not hesitate to Cry tears, tell me verbally what is going on with them or even leave for the day when they feel bad. Hmmmmmmm.

Holla

[ERinger]

I'm the perky one depending on the day. People do respond to the perkier me, but normally if they see me walking with my everyday face, folks don't bother me. I'm not mean, but I think it's weird to go around with a smile on my face all day.

I usually say hello to everyone though just because I work with the public and it's just something I've grown to do.

[zuriyahe]

It's called "Playing the game" and more folks need to be encouraged to do that.

I am a big smiler whereever I go. I do not see doing that as anything near the old "“Uncle Tom” or “StepInFetchIt" stuff.

Now NO, I am not saying that we need to be overly sugarly and fake. But we shouldn't be mean mugging the world 24/7 either.

I am a firm believer that unless you are the one causing my bad day, others do not have to suffer because of my bad day. The main reason for this is that I do not know how bad their day is going.

Happiness and Sadness are both infectious. How well things come to you tomorrow may have to do with how you present yourself today. and I believe that I have gotten some good deals just based on how I came across with other folks.

The whole, black "I got da world on my shoulder so I am gonna mean mug everthing and everybody" thing is outdated and should be retired. It's time to play the game...or let the game play you.

[Brightness]

*raises hand*

I'm probably one such folk. I basically look at it like this, I'm hired and paid to do a job, the personals on most days are left on the other side of the door. I do have people I've grown close to and would share with them but work is for work and anything unrelated and too personal isn't there.

Having said that, why not be perky?

I have had a lot of managers evaluate me and say that one of my strong areas is to be able to adapt to change, incorporate & support others and to not bitch about it. It's gonna happen so why fret and get in an uproar at your job about anything unnecessarily?

And its many a day where I tell someone to get away from me or whatever because I don't want them projecting their b.s. on me. If nothing else, folks know they will get some honesty from me in a heartbeat.

[davinci]

I know it’s border line “Uncle Tom” or “StepInFetchIt” shyt….from back in the day, but does that dollar and chance for advancement make us sell out for 40 hours a week?
she may have just been happy to see you.

yall know i smile all the time...but ain't shyt funny:cool:

[Admin]

Hmmm,
So yall do not think it's selling out? I can count more Perky Black ast my job than other races. Is it just me and the folks I work with, or when you really think about it...can you also ID more Perky Black at your JOBs as well?

I'm thinking this might be a learned behavior, condition or something we are expected to do...remember we were brought to America for labor and entertainment.

Holla

[mystkev]

I don't think that the perky black folks are selling out. It's almost a necessity for us to always smile, because if we don't we are labeled as difficult to work with and mean. I know I used to sit in a corner, and I would think that I would look like a damn fool just sitting there cheesing. Unfortunately, people had problems with me because of this and felt they couldn't come to me. WTF??? So it's a necessary evil. The only emotions we can have are happy ones all the time so that the non black folks won't be on edge.

I know I am getting tired of being only 1 of 2 black folks here. I can't go an entire day without scores of people staring all up in my damn face and having to pretend like I am so damn happy to be here.

[Brightness]

I think it's a stretch to call it 'selling out'....in some work environments it's calling playing the game if you want to advance or have a decent tenure.

I can notice when someone is acting out of character but honestly for some folks it's just their demeanor when dealing with others.

As a child we've (WE being the folks that had parents that cared that you act like you got sense when stepping away from the homefront) always been taught to behave and/or basically put on appearances when in public.

Me thinks, this is no different than that.

[sistuhchey]

I don't call it "perky" but defintely game playing....

Here's what I do....and I "think" Hula...can possibly vouch for me on this....since we've had a couple of gigs together....

when I'm at work...it's good as long as you're good & respectful too me.....Hey Chey Good Mornin'..Good Mornin'...how are you..good, good..banter back and forth..a little chuckle..here and there...smiling and keeping it light.....I like rolling with the "key" folks..although pleasant with all.....come at me wrong or disrespectful..or patronizing...we have a problem......when working with account execs/sales..it's all bs from the gate...so you gotta know how to dance...and follow the $$$ for that's what they do....the rich ones making bank......they're some happy little dancing mofo's.....

Also...I found recently...when working with my folks..the disgruntle bunch.....I sashay..and smile..the same..with them as whitefolks...in ear shot...to hear their gripes...and move on....I don't have to play that game...if I can give positive words I do...if I can't... I move on...

Work is a funny thang!!!...since basically..we're all working for the paycheck..that somebody else signs and not nan of us is "O" rich....I've learn to roll with it...say my peace with a smile and coke...next,

and my work ethic..is strong...don't challenge my actual work..and If i've made a mistake...you betta make sure..it's really "MY" mistake...for I will research...up your azz..and find the root of the problem...

[Brightness]

LOL.... at you diggin' in somebody's ass.

I've found it necessary to "disassociate" myself with certain work types, as well. You get labeled by associations.

I'm good for a goofy comment to break ice and keep the mood light....I just don't like being around unnecessary tension. I don't bring it to folks and I'll be damned if they bring it to me. Not at work, oh no you don't.

[Brightness]

And you are quite correct AE & sales are the biggest schmoozers there are....will promise shit that can't get deliverd (easily). You certainly gotta know how to talk that language, how to interpret it....the whole ball of wax or you will be assed out.