An incident happened to me yesterday. I will use this opportunity to write about the importance of grooming and communication for security guard (or other people who wear uniforms).
The place where I worked these few days employed security guards. They were there to ensure no one brought in inappropriate items, such as a bag larger than a certain size, umbrella and food.
It was rainy yesterday, so I carried a very small, folded umbrella (having forgotten that it was not allowed in the building). There was a security guard at the entrance. I entered the door, and saw her immediately talking into her walkie-talkie, asking another security guard a question in which I assumed it to be whether umbrellas are allowed. As soon as she received the answer, which was a no, she immediately turned my way, and by that time I was 20 or 30 feet away from her. She yelled "hey, YOU!" in a loud, rude voice. Not knowing that she was referring to me. because no one in the past addressed me that way, I kept on walking, while looking around to see who would respond to her yelling. No one responded, and I heard "HEY, YOU!" again. This time, I turned around, and she was looking at my direction. I was a little shocked to find out that it was me that she was referring to, not being accustomed to be addressed impolitely. I walked up, and she told me that my umbrella had to be checked in. Fine.
Checking in the umbrella was not a problem at all. But the security guard lacked manners. The place was a place of educators, so we all had at least a bachelor degree from a university or college. These were all civilized people (even though there were 1000+ educators, these were some of the most polite people, evident by examples such as the fast moving washroom lines, and the etiquette used in driving in the parking lot). Rather than saying "HEY, YOU", the appropriate way to address someone without knowing a person's name is "excuse me, miss/mr/ma'am". Not in a loud, rude voice as if catching a thief, but in a loud enough voice for someone to hear without feeling offended. I have seen her talking this way to others.
Security guards not only should mind their choice of words and tone of voice, but also how they groom. This particular one looked rough. A woman, with a mullet, mean looking features and an uneven complexion (like moon craters). Her natural features certainly do not work in her favor. However, if she gets a modern hair cut, puts a smile on, a little bit of lipstick, her appearance will be much more pleasant. As of now this person's appearance is one that is of a jailer. It's odd that she is a security guard.
All in all, your appearance and how you communicate with others will affect how they will respond to you.
