An open letter to the woman

This week, I have been reading about cybernetics and their never-ending effect on society. The author of the book proposes that we as humans can learn from the way machines work and repair themselves in order to function in their ever-changing world. He says that they fun goon through feedback whereas we function through learning, which, on further analysis, is very primitive. You may be a scholar in this field of science, but it doesn't matter because what I have to say to really has nothing to do with Norbert Wiener (yes, that is his actual name) and the philosophy of autonomy.

What I want to talk to you about your actions towards me earlier today. I work in a clothing store that is very cheap and very hostile on a Saturday afternoon. I don't think to know this, even though I stood not two yards away from you when you were in said clothing store.

You and your two children walked to the section where I was working and essentially totalled the table of clothes that I'd spent about ten minutes rearranging. You did it with such disregard that I genuinely believe that you were not in your own mind. I've seen rabid dogs with more decorum. You looked to me. Not at me like peers would, but as if I was not there. It doesn't really bother me in the long-term, although I still wish the worst plague of headlice on your children. I am actually interested in how you perceive other shop workers and people of service. I am interested in how all people perceive us.

Do you even see us as people? Do you assume we are also hung on coat hangers along with the onesies and chinos? Not the case. We all have lives outside of helping you. In fact, what you see of us isn't even who we are. But don't let me give you a sense of worthlessness, I don't know your story. But you don't know ours, so don't treat me or the woman at the supermarket or your bus driver like machines when you next come across our company. I read a book by a bloke called Norbert Wiener this week and didn't laugh at his name once, at least give me that.