LAST week, the media reported a Caucasian woman causing a ruckus after being stopped from entering a Dior outlet at Suria KLCC.
In a viral video posted on social media, the woman insisted on entering the premier retail outlet and alleged that one of its employees intimidated her for trying to enter without wearing a face mask.
“You can’t stop me, it’s a free country and you don’t own the shop,” the woman said to the retail workers, accusing Malaysia of being a “communist” country for mandating face masks use.
She was subsequently called a “Karen”, a pejorative term used against white woman who are perceived as having an “entitled” mentality.
While Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin criticised her behaviour, local entrepreneur Shanz Abdul Aziz defended her actions and said Dior staffers should have acted properly in managing the situation.
Shanz called for employees to remember that customers are always right and Dior’s public relations team and its manager should have handled the matter nicely.
“Respect your customers. After all, Dior is not KK Mart. What’s the difference between not wearing a mask in restaurants and a blurdy store? Make the rules right and fair please Malaysia,” she was reported saying on Instagram.
However, Shanz’s comments was ill-received by several people, who took to Twitter to criticise her supposed “privileged mentality”.
(Just realised the Karen went to Dior to lick the bags there. What an imbecile to compare the outlet to restaurants. Talking like someone who never attended school)
User Azurahabdaziz added:
(Wrong. Customer is not always right but customers are always first. There is difference there and clearly Dior was practising the latter. Customer’s safety is important and the Tengku must understand that there is an etiquette in being a customer as well)
Shanz was misunderstood
Netizen Piano Jo reminded Shanz that COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) was still in effect; which means outlets can get compounded for flouting the rules.
Another comment by user Tumpang Lalu Saja noted how the “privileged” always seeks special treatment, as opposed to commoners who get hauled up for the slightest error.
“Mintak extra special treatment when common people get summoned when caught or turned away. Some get “hunted” and hauled to court. Extra kayangan lah ni (this is above being privileged).”
On related matter, user Farhan said that he had spoken to Shahnaz and clarified that the latter was merely responding to how Dior’s staff handled the Karen issue, not defending her actions. – Oct 30, 2021
Photo credit: Glam
